Space aquatic closed experiment system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a space aquatic airtight experiment system and method, and belongs to the technical field of space life sciences, the system comprises an experiment module box body, a drawer, a slide rail and a space aquatic airtight experiment device; the space aquatic airtight experiment device is arranged in the experiment module box body in a sliding opening manner through the drawer and the sliding rail; the spatial aquatic closed experiment device comprises a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food injector, a roe collecting box and a circulating pump, and is characterized in that a spatial aquatic life support system (plant-fish-microorganism) of fish is constructed, and the content of dissolved oxygen in the fish culture chamber is monitored; the on-off of the simulated natural light source in the algae culture chamber is controlled to control the oxygen yield of the photosynthesis of algae, and finally the gas balance in the aquatic closed culture chamber is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of space life science technology, and in particular relates to a space aquatic closed experiment system and method. Background Art

[0002] In the "Wentian" experimental module of the Chinese space station, scientists have specially built a small closed life ecosystem with zebrafish as the research object. This closed "aquarium" contains about 1 liter of water, four or five zebrafish, some algae and microorganisms. Among them, fish are the "consumers" of this ecosystem, algae are equivalent to "producers", and microorganisms act as "decomposers". Zebrafish exhale carbon dioxide for algae to photosynthesize, and algae produce oxygen to supply zebrafish. This combination constitutes a self-sufficient ecological cycle system.

[0003] At present, China has not successfully built a complete closed experimental system for fish and algae aquaculture. The space fish farming experiment is a groundbreaking scientific research activity carried out by the Chinese space station. By raising fish in the space environment, scientists can conduct in-depth research on the adaptation mechanism of vertebrates in a microgravity environment and provide important reference for human space activities.

[0004] As an experimental unit, the space aquatic closed experimental device is supported by a small-scale controlled life ecology experimental module. The space aquatic closed experimental device is installed on the drawer of the small-scale controlled life ecology experimental module. Summary of the invention

[0005] This project simulates the same living environment as a ground pond by constructing a multi-controlled aquatic ecosystem with algae-fish-microorganisms as the basic units, automatically feeding fish, controlling oxygen balance, temperature, and light, etc., so that the goldfish algae can grow healthily under the "sunlight" and the fish can survive and reproduce and lay eggs in space. LED lights provide light for the goldfish algae and simulate the alternation of day and night, and surveillance cameras record the survival status of the fish. The configured water circulation system can also monitor water parameters such as pH value, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. At the same time, all data must be transmitted to the ground for monitoring and analysis.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A space aquatic closed experiment system, comprising an experiment module box, a drawer, a slide rail and a space aquatic closed experiment device; the space aquatic closed experiment device is slidably opened by the drawer and the slide rail and is arranged in the experiment module box;

[0008] The spatial aquatic closed experimental device comprises a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food syringe, a fish egg collection box and a circulating pump. The fish chamber and the algae chamber are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a partition with holes in the middle, so that water can flow freely between the fish chamber and the algae chamber. The injection end of the fish food syringe is connected to the fish chamber, the feeding motor is used to drive the fish food syringe, and the fish chamber, the circulating water outlet pipe, the fish egg collection box, the circulating pump, the circulating water inlet pipe and the algae chamber are connected and arranged in sequence.

[0009] In the above technical solution, an LED lamp for providing illumination is arranged on one side of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0010] In the above technical solution, a camera for collecting images in the fish chamber and the algae chamber is arranged on one side of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the fish chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for testing pressure.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the fish room is provided with a conductivity tester for testing conductivity.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the fish room is provided with a pH tester for testing pH.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the side of the fish egg collecting box is connected to the fish chamber through a joint and a circulating water outlet pipe, the top of the fish egg collecting box is connected to a circulating pump through a joint and a connecting water pipe, a pressing plate for collecting fish eggs is arranged at the lower part of the inside of the fish egg collecting box, a sensor for collecting pressure data is arranged at the bottom of the pressing plate, a filter screen is arranged in the middle position inside the fish egg collecting box, and a sealing ring is arranged between the filter screen and the inner wall of the fish egg collecting box.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the feeding motor includes a motor, a movable baffle, a screw and a base. The fixed motor is connected to the movable baffle through the screw and can drive the movable baffle to slide along the base. The upper part of the movable baffle is connected to the syringe to drive the syringe to perform the injection action.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the system also includes a control circuit, which is communicatively connected to a pressure sensor, a conductivity meter, a pH meter, a feeding motor, a circulation pump, a clamp valve, an LED light and a camera, and executes signal collection and output of instructions such as feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

[0017] A space aquatic closed experimental method comprises the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: The water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, the circulation pump is turned on, and the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish room inside the analysis unit is analyzed. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish room is higher than 5mg / L and lower than 8mg / L, an algae room light turn-on command is sent. When the dissolved oxygen in the fish room is higher than 8mg / L, an algae room light turn-off command is sent to meet the needs of experimental process control; a camera turn-on command is sent, and the camera starts scanning the sample;

[0019] Step 2: After the water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, the pH value, dissolved oxygen and conductivity in the fish room are measured in real time;

[0020] Step 3: Send the feeding motor start command at regular intervals every day, set the number of motor advances according to the feeding amount, judge the feeding process through images, and send the circulation pump start command half an hour after the feeding is completed to filter and process the waste and bait residues to ensure water quality safety and sufficient gas exchange;

[0021] Step 4: After the fish eggs are discharged, a liquid exchange pump and a pinch valve opening instruction are sent. After the fish eggs are collected, a liquid exchange pump and a pinch valve closing instruction are sent.

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] The present invention discloses a space aquatic closed experimental system and method. The small and medium-sized controlled life ecology experimental module of the system constructs a space aquatic life support system (plant-fish-microorganism) for fish, monitors the content of dissolved oxygen in the fish culture chamber, controls the switch of the simulated natural light source in the algae culture chamber to achieve the control of the photosynthetic oxygen production of algae, and finally achieves the gas balance in the aquatic closed culture chamber. The present invention provides a guarantee for the survival of fish in the space aquatic closed system and provides a new idea for the feeding technology of the space aquatic culture system. A breakthrough in my country's space culture of vertebrates throughout their life cycle will be achieved, the impact of the space environment on the reproduction and development of vertebrates will be understood, and the control technology of gas balance and long-term stable operation in the system will be mastered, and the changing law of the microbial treatment system in space will be studied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a space aquatic closed experimental system of the present invention (I).

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a space aquatic closed experimental system of the present invention (II).

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the front view of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0028] Figure 5This is a side view of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a top view of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0030] Figure 7 This is the front view of the fish egg collection box.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a side view of the fish egg collection box.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a top view of the fish egg collection box.

[0033] Fig.10 This is the front view of the feeding motor.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a side view of the feeding motor.

[0035] Fig.12 This is a top view of the feeding motor.

[0036] Fig.13 This is a block diagram of the working principle of the present invention.

[0037] Among them, 1 is a space aquatic closed experimental device, 2 is an experimental module box, 3 is a drawer, 4 is a slide rail, 5 is a camera, 6 is a fish room, 7 is a pressure sensor, 8 is a fish food syringe, 9 is a conductivity tester, 10 is a circulating water outlet pipe, 11 is a pH tester, 12 is a dissolved oxygen sensor, 13 is a fish egg collection box, 14 is a Luer connector, 15 is a circulating pump, 16 is a circulating water inlet pipe, 17 is an algae room, 18 is a connector, 19 is a pressing piece, 20 is a sealing ring, 21 is a filter screen, 22 is a syringe, 23 is a motor, 24 is a movable baffle, 25 is a screw rod, and 26 is a base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the following embodiments are limited to explaining the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention should include the entire contents of the claims, and through the description of the following embodiments, those skilled in the art can fully implement the entire contents of the claims of the present invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, this embodiment provides a space aquatic closed experiment system, including an experiment module box 2, a drawer 3, a slide rail 4 and a space aquatic closed experiment device 1; the space aquatic closed experiment device 1 is slidably opened by the drawer 3 and the slide rail 4 and is arranged in the experiment module box 2;

[0041] The spatial aquatic closed experimental device 1 includes a fish chamber 6, an algae chamber 17, a feeding motor, a fish food syringe, a fish egg collection box 13 and a circulating pump 15. The fish chamber 6 and the algae chamber 17 are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a partition with holes in the middle, so that water can flow freely between the fish chamber 6 and the algae chamber 17. The injection end of the fish food syringe is connected to the fish chamber 6, and the feeding motor is used to drive the fish food syringe. The fish chamber 6, the circulating water outlet pipe 10, the fish egg collection box 13, (Luer connector 14), the circulating pump 15, (Luer connector 14), the circulating water inlet pipe 16, and the algae chamber 17 are connected and arranged in sequence.

[0042] In this embodiment, an LED lamp for providing illumination and a camera 5 for collecting images in the fish chamber 6 and the algae chamber 17 are arranged on one side of the spatial aquatic closed experimental device 1 .

[0043] In this embodiment, the fish room 6 is provided with a pressure sensor 7 for testing pressure, a conductivity tester 9 for testing conductivity, and a pH tester 11 for testing pH.

[0044] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the side of the fish egg collecting box is connected to the fish chamber through a joint 18 and a circulating water outlet pipe, the top of the fish egg collecting box is connected to a circulating pump through a joint 18 and a connecting water pipe, a pressing plate 19 for collecting fish eggs is arranged at the lower part of the inside of the fish egg collecting box, a sensor for collecting pressure data is arranged at the bottom of the pressing plate 19, a filter screen 21 is arranged in the middle position inside the fish egg collecting box, and a sealing ring 20 is arranged between the filter screen 21 and the inner wall of the fish egg collecting box.

[0045] In this embodiment, if Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the feeding motor includes a motor 23, a movable baffle 24, a screw 25 and a base 26. The fixed motor 23 is connected to the movable baffle 24 through the screw 25 and can drive the movable baffle 24 to slide along the base 26. The upper part of the movable baffle 24 is connected to the syringe 22 to drive the syringe 22 to perform the injection action.

[0046] In this embodiment, if Fig.13The system also includes a control circuit, which is connected to the pressure sensor, conductivity meter, pH meter, feeding motor, circulation pump, clamp valve, LED light and camera for communication, and executes signal collection and output of instructions such as feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] This embodiment provides a space aquatic closed experiment method performed by a space aquatic closed experiment system in Embodiment 1, and the method is as follows:

[0049] 1.Oxygen control system operation process:

[0050] The system achieves a dynamic balance between algae growth and gas exchange by automatically controlling the dissolved oxygen value, so that the net oxygen production level of the algae in the algae chamber is maintained at 5≤net oxygen production≤15mg / L, and the oxygen content in the fish chamber is 3-8mg / L.

[0051] 1. The culture chamber in the present invention is mainly composed of a fish culture chamber (750mL) and an algae culture chamber (500mL). The outer shells of the two culture chambers are made of transparent glass. On the one hand, the living conditions of the fish and algae in the culture chamber can be observed in real time through the camera, and on the other hand, the photosynthesis of the algae chamber can be controlled left and right through the LED.

[0052] 2. The two culture chambers are separated by a porous partition. The circulating pump drives the water flow between the two chambers, completing the normal gas-liquid exchange between the fish chamber and the algae chamber, ensuring that the gas in the fish chamber fluctuates within the normal range during the experiment.

[0053] 3. The dissolved oxygen value in the fish room is measured by a dissolved oxygen sensor in the present invention. The dissolved oxygen sensor is placed in the fish room and is always in working state to measure the dissolved oxygen value in the fish room in real time.

[0054] 4. The LED lamp in the present invention is placed on one side of the algae chamber, adopts a white light source, and the illumination is adjustable.

[0055] 5. The dissolved oxygen control system in the present invention is a fully automatic control system. When the dissolved oxygen value in the fish room exceeds the threshold, the LED light on the algae room side is turned off and the algae photosynthesis stops; when the dissolved oxygen value in the fish room is lower than the threshold, the LED light on the algae room side is turned on and the algae photosynthesis starts.

[0056] 2. Real-time video observation operation process:

[0057] The CCD video recording function of the fish room and plant room is realized by the cabinet, and the operation process is as follows:

[0058] Turn on the camera → scan the target sample → obtain the target image information and download it → invert the algae information through color and grayscale value → invert the animal information through images and videos to show its biomass and health status.

[0059] 3. Water quality testing operation process

[0060] After entering orbit, the water quality analysis probe starts working, conducting real-time measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity.

[0061] 4. Operation process of bait feeding and waste filtration system

[0062] The present invention proposes an aquatic closed system zebrafish feeding system in a space microgravity environment, which can realize the function of automatically feeding fish in the space microgravity environment.

[0063] 1. The cone head of the fish food injector in the present invention is connected to the fish room through a silicone hose, and when the fish food is injected, it enters the fish room along the hose. The entire feeding device is located outside the fish room, which is convenient for food replacement.

[0064] 2. The fish food syringe in the present invention adopts a medical syringe. The fish food syringe does not include an injection needle and is composed of a body, a cone head, a piston and a core rod. The fish food is placed in the body, and a piston is sleeved on the core rod to play a sealing role. When the core rod is pushed in, the fish food is squeezed out from the cone head.

[0065] 3. The driving motor in the present invention adopts a linear stepping motor, which is provided with a screw rod, and a movable baffle is sleeved on the far end of the screw rod. The linear driver converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, and pushes the core rod of the fish food syringe with the help of the movable baffle on the screw rod, so as to push the fish food toward the fish chamber.

[0066] 4. The aquatic closed system zebrafish feeding system is an automated system that does not require manual operation. It only requires the injection of feeding instructions to achieve quantitative feeding of fish.

[0067] 5. Half an hour after feeding, the circulation pump starts to filter and process waste and bait residues to ensure water quality safety.

[0068] 5. Sample Fixation System Operation Process

[0069] The fish egg collection box is composed of a joint, a sealing ring, a fish net, etc. After the fish lay eggs, the fish eggs are filtered to the fish net for collection.

[0070] 1. The fish room in the present invention is a closed culture room for fish life, and the algae room is a closed culture room for algae culture. Gas and liquid circulation is carried out between the algae room and the fish room through a porous partition;

[0071] 2. The connecting pipes inside the fish egg collection system of the present invention are all made of silicone hoses, and the fish eggs flow along the silicone hoses into the fish egg collection box, and the filtered water enters the algae chamber through the fish egg collection box, thereby realizing water circulation and fish egg collection inside the fish room and the algae chamber.

[0072] 3. The interior of the fish egg collection box in the present invention is mainly composed of a filter screen, a sealing ring, and a pipe joint. The filter screen can block the passage of fish eggs. The fish egg collection box is connected to the pipeline through a Luer joint, which is convenient for removing the fish egg box.

[0073] 4. In the present invention, water circulation is achieved by using a circulation pump to drive liquid to circulate inside the fish room, the fish egg collection box, and the algae room.

[0074] 5. The fish egg collection system of the space aquatic closed experiment system is an automated system. After the external operator determines that the fish has ovulated, the fish egg collection instruction is sent to complete the fish egg collection.

[0075] The above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest range consistent with the principles and novel features applied for herein.

Claims

1. A space aquatic closed experimental system, characterized by: It includes an experimental module box, a drawer, a slide rail and a space aquatic closed experimental device; the space aquatic closed experimental device is slidably opened by the drawer and the slide rail and is arranged in the experimental module box; The spatial aquatic closed experimental device comprises a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food syringe, a fish egg collection box and a circulating pump. The fish chamber and the algae chamber are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a partition with holes in the middle, so that water can flow freely between the fish chamber and the algae chamber. The injection end of the fish food syringe is connected to the fish chamber, the feeding motor is used to drive the fish food syringe, and the fish chamber, the circulating water outlet pipe, the fish egg collection box, the circulating pump, the circulating water inlet pipe and the algae chamber are connected and arranged in sequence.

2. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An LED lamp for providing illumination is arranged on one side of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

3. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A camera for collecting images in the fish chamber and the algae chamber is arranged on one side of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

4. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fish chamber is provided with a pressure sensor for testing pressure.

5. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fish room is provided with a conductivity tester for testing the conductivity.

6. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fish room is provided with a pH tester for testing pH.

7. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the fish egg collecting box is connected to the fish room through a joint and a circulating water outlet pipe, the top of the fish egg collecting box is connected to a circulating pump through a joint and a connecting water pipe, a pressing sheet for collecting fish eggs is arranged at the lower part of the fish egg collecting box, a sensor for collecting pressure data is arranged at the bottom of the pressing sheet, a filter screen is arranged at the middle position inside the fish egg collecting box, and a sealing ring is arranged between the filter screen and the inner wall of the fish egg collecting box.

8. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding motor includes a motor, a movable baffle, a screw and a base. The fixed motor is connected to the movable baffle through the screw and can drive the movable baffle to slide along the base. The upper part of the movable baffle is connected to the syringe to drive the syringe to perform the injection action.

9. A space aquatic closed experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system also includes a control circuit, which is connected to the pressure sensor, conductivity meter, pH meter, feeding motor, circulation pump, pinch valve, LED light and camera for communication, and executes signal collection and output of instructions such as feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

10. A space aquatic closed experimental method, characterized in that: The steps include: Step 1: The water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, the circulation pump is turned on, and the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish room inside the analysis unit is analyzed. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish room is higher than 5mg / L and lower than 8mg / L, an algae room light turn-on command is sent. When the dissolved oxygen in the fish room is higher than 8mg / L, an algae room light turn-off command is sent to meet the needs of experimental process control; a camera turn-on command is sent, and the camera starts scanning the sample; Step 2: After the water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, the pH value, dissolved oxygen and conductivity in the fish room are measured in real time; Step 3: Send the feeding motor start command at regular intervals every day, set the number of motor advances according to the feeding amount, judge the feeding process through images, and send the circulation pump start command half an hour after the feeding is completed to filter and process the waste and bait residues to ensure water quality safety and sufficient gas exchange; Step 4: After the fish eggs are discharged, a liquid exchange pump and a pinch valve opening instruction are sent. After the fish eggs are collected, a liquid exchange pump and a pinch valve closing instruction are sent.

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