A space aquatic closed system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a space aquatic closed experiment system and method, and belongs to the technical field of space life science, which comprises an experiment module box, a drawer, a slide rail and a space aquatic closed experiment device; the space aquatic closed experiment device is slidably arranged in the experiment module box through the drawer and the slide rail; the space aquatic closed experiment device comprises a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food injector, a fish egg collecting box and a circulating pump; the space aquatic closed experiment system is constructed by constructing a space aquatic life support system (plant-fish-microorganism) of fish; the content of dissolved oxygen in a fish culture chamber is monitored; the switch of a simulated natural light source in the algae culture chamber is controlled to realize the control of oxygen production in the photosynthesis of algae; and finally, the gas balance in the aquatic closed culture chamber is realized.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the "Wentian" experimental module of the Chinese space station, scientists have specially constructed a small, closed ecosystem for studying zebrafish. This sealed "aquarium" contains about one liter of water, four or five zebrafish, and some algae and microorganisms. The fish are the "consumers" of this ecosystem, the algae are the "producers," and the microorganisms act as "decomposers." The zebrafish exhale carbon dioxide for the algae to photosynthesize, and the algae produce oxygen for the zebrafish; this combination constitutes a self-sufficient ecological cycle system.

[0003] Currently, China has not yet successfully constructed a complete closed-loop experimental system for fish and algae aquatic life. The space fish farming experiment is a groundbreaking scientific research activity conducted on the Chinese space station. By raising fish in the space environment, scientists can conduct in-depth research on the adaptation mechanisms of vertebrates in microgravity, providing important references for human space activities.

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

[0005] This project constructs a multi-dimensional, controlled aquatic ecosystem with algae, fish, and microorganisms as basic units. It automatically feeds the fish, controls oxygen balance, temperature, and light, simulating a living environment similar to a terrestrial pond. The goldfish algae grow healthily under "sunlight," and the fish can survive and reproduce in space. LED lights provide illumination for the algae and simulate day and night cycles. Monitoring cameras record the fish's survival status, and the configured water circulation system can monitor parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. All data is transmitted to the ground for monitoring and analysis.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A closed-loop space aquatic experimental system includes an experimental module box, a drawer, a slide rail, and a closed-loop space aquatic experimental device; the closed-loop space aquatic experimental device is slidably opened and disposed within the experimental module box via the drawer and slide rail. The enclosed aquatic experimental device includes a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food injector, a fish egg collection box, and a circulation pump. The fish chamber and the algae chamber are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a perforated partition to allow water to flow freely between them. The injection end of the fish food injector is connected to the fish chamber, and the feeding motor is used to drive the fish food injector. The fish chamber, the circulating water outlet pipe, the fish egg collection box, the circulation pump, the circulating water inlet pipe, and the algae chamber are connected in sequence.

[0007] In the above technical solution, an LED light for providing illumination is provided on one side of the space aquatic closed experimental device.

[0008] In the above technical solution, a camera is installed on one side of the aquatic closed experimental device for collecting images of the fish chamber and the algae chamber.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the fish chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor for testing pressure.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the fish chamber is equipped with a conductivity meter for testing conductivity.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the fish room is equipped with a pH meter for testing pH.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the side of the fish egg collection box is connected to the fish chamber through a connector and a circulating water outlet pipe, the top of the fish egg collection box is connected to the circulating pump through a connector and a connecting water pipe, a pressing plate for collecting fish eggs is set at the bottom of the inside of the fish egg collection box, a sensor for collecting pressure data is set at the bottom of the pressing plate, a filter screen is set in the middle position inside the fish egg collection box, and a sealing ring is set between the filter screen and the inner wall of the fish egg collection box.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the feeding motor includes a motor, a movable baffle, a lead screw, and a base. The fixedly installed motor is connected to the movable baffle through the lead screw and can drive the movable baffle to slide along the base. The upper part of the movable baffle is connected to the syringe, which drives the syringe to perform the injection action.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the system also includes a control circuit, which is communicatively connected to a pressure sensor, conductivity meter, pH meter, feeding motor, circulation pump, clamp valve, LED light and camera, and executes signal acquisition and output instructions such as feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

[0015] A closed-loop experimental method for aquatic life in space includes the following steps: Step 1: The water quality analysis probe in the fish chamber starts working, the circulation pump is turned on, and the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is analyzed. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is higher than 5 mg / L but less than 8 mg / L, a command to turn on the algae chamber lamp is sent. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is higher than 8 mg / L, a command to turn off the algae chamber lamp is sent to meet the needs of experimental process control. A command to turn on the camera is sent, and the camera begins to scan the sample. Step 2: After the water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, it measures the pH value, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity in the fish room in real time. Step 3: Send a feeding motor start command at a set time every day, set the number of steps the motor can advance according to the amount of food, judge the feeding process through images, and send a circulation pump start command half an hour after the feeding ends to filter and treat waste and feed residue, ensuring water quality safety and sufficient gas exchange. Step 4: After the fish eggs are discharged, send the command to open the fluid exchange pump and the clamp valve. After the fish eggs are collected, send the command to close the fluid exchange pump and the clamp valve. Beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention discloses a closed-loop aquatic experimental system and method. The system's small-scale controlled life ecology experimental module constructs a space-based aquatic life support system (plant-fish-microorganisms) for fish. By monitoring the dissolved oxygen content in the fish culture chamber and controlling the switching of simulated natural light sources in the algae culture chamber, the oxygen production from algal photosynthesis is controlled, ultimately achieving gas balance within the closed-loop aquatic culture chamber. This invention provides a guarantee for the survival of fish in closed-loop aquatic systems and offers new ideas for feeding technology in space-based aquatic culture systems. It represents a breakthrough in my country's space cultivation of vertebrates throughout their entire life cycle, understanding the impact of the space environment on vertebrate reproduction and development, mastering the control technology for gas balance and long-term stable operation within the system, and studying the changing patterns of the microbial treatment system in space. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (I) of a closed-loop space aquatic experimental system according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the structure of a closed aquatic experimental system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a closed-loop aquatic experimental device.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view of a closed-loop aquatic experimental setup.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view of a closed aquatic experimental setup.

[0022] Figure 6This is a top view of a closed-loop aquatic experimental setup.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a front view of the fish egg collection box.

[0024] Figure 8 Side view of the fish egg collection box.

[0025] Figure 9 Top view of the fish egg collection box.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a front view of the feeding motor.

[0027] Figure 11 Side view of the feeding motor.

[0028] Figure 12 Top view of the feeding motor.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the working principle of the present invention.

[0030] Among them, 1 is the closed aquatic experimental device, 2 is the experimental module box, 3 is the drawer, 4 is the slide rail, 5 is the camera, 6 is the fish chamber, 7 is the pressure sensor, 8 is the fish food syringe, 9 is the conductivity meter, 10 is the circulating water outlet pipe, 11 is the pH meter, 12 is the dissolved oxygen sensor, 13 is the fish egg collection box, 14 is the Luer connector, 15 is the circulating pump, 16 is the circulating water inlet pipe, 17 is the algae chamber, 18 is the connector, 19 is the pressing plate, 20 is the sealing ring, 21 is the filter screen, 22 is the syringe, 23 is the motor, 24 is the movable baffle, 25 is the lead screw, and 26 is the base. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the following embodiments are only for explaining the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention should include all the contents of the claims. Moreover, through the description of the following embodiments, those skilled in the art can fully implement all the contents of the claims of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a closed-loop aquatic experimental system, including an experimental module box 2, a drawer 3, a slide rail 4, and a closed-loop aquatic experimental device 1; the closed-loop aquatic experimental device 1 is slidably opened and disposed inside the experimental module box 2 via the drawer 3 and the slide rail 4. The enclosed aquatic 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 circulation pump 15. The fish chamber 6 and the algae chamber 17 are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a perforated partition to allow water to flow freely between them. The injection end of the fish food syringe is connected to the fish chamber 6. The feeding motor is used to drive the fish food syringe. The fish chamber 6, the circulation outlet pipe 10, the fish egg collection box 13, (Luer connector 14), the circulation pump 15, (Luer connector 14), the circulation inlet pipe 16, and the algae chamber 17 are connected in sequence.

[0034] In this embodiment, an LED light for providing illumination and a camera 5 for capturing images inside the fish chamber 6 and algae chamber 17 are provided on one side of the aquatic closed experimental device 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the fish chamber 6 is equipped with a pressure sensor 7 for testing pressure, a conductivity meter 9 for testing conductivity, and a pH meter 11 for testing pH.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the side of the fish egg collection box is connected to the fish chamber via a connector 18 and a circulating water pipe. The top of the fish egg collection box is connected to the circulating pump via a connector 18 and a connecting water pipe. A pressure plate 19 for collecting fish eggs is provided at the bottom of the inside of the fish egg collection box. A sensor for collecting pressure data is provided at the bottom of the pressure plate 19. A filter screen 21 is provided in the middle position inside the fish egg collection box. A sealing ring 20 is provided between the filter screen 21 and the inner wall of the fish egg collection box.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the feeding motor includes a motor 23, a movable baffle 24, a lead screw 25, and a base 26. The motor 23, which is fixedly installed, is connected to the movable baffle 24 through the lead 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, which drives the syringe 22 to perform the injection action.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 13 The system also includes a control circuit, which is communicatively connected to a pressure sensor, conductivity meter, pH meter, feeding motor, circulation pump, clamp valve, LED light and camera, and executes signal acquisition and output instructions such as feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] This embodiment provides a method for a closed-space aquatic experiment based on a closed-space aquatic experimental system as described in Embodiment 1. The method is as follows: I. Oxygen Control System Operation Procedure: The system automatically controls dissolved oxygen levels to achieve a dynamic balance between algal growth and gas exchange, maintaining the net oxygen production level of algae in the algae chamber at 5 ≤ net oxygen production ≤ 15 mg / L, and the oxygen content in the fish chamber at 3-8 mg / L.

[0041] 1. The culture chamber in this invention is mainly composed of a fish culture chamber (750mL) and an algae culture chamber (500mL). The outer shell of both culture chambers is made of transparent glass. On the one hand, the living status of the fish and algae in the culture chamber can be observed in real time through a camera, and on the other hand, the photosynthesis of the algae chamber can be controlled through LEDs.

[0042] 2. The two culture chambers are separated by a perforated partition. A circulating pump drives the water flow between the two chambers, which completes the normal gas-liquid exchange between the fish chamber and the algae chamber, ensuring that the gas in the fish chamber fluctuates within a normal range during the experiment.

[0043] 3. In this invention, dissolved oxygen value measurement in the fish chamber is achieved using a dissolved oxygen sensor. The dissolved oxygen sensor is placed inside the fish chamber and is always in working condition, measuring the dissolved oxygen value inside the fish chamber in real time.

[0044] 4. The LED light in this invention is placed on one side of the algae chamber, uses a white light source, and has adjustable illuminance.

[0045] 5. The dissolved oxygen control system in this invention is a fully automatic control system. When the dissolved oxygen value in the fish chamber exceeds the threshold, the LED light on the algae chamber side is turned off, and algal photosynthesis stops. When the dissolved oxygen value in the fish chamber is lower than the threshold, the LED light on the algae chamber side is turned on, and algal photosynthesis starts.

[0046] II. Real-time video recording and observation of the operation process: The CCD recording function in the fish room and plant room is implemented by the enclosure, and the operation process is as follows: Camera powered on → target sample scanned → target image information acquired and downloaded → algal information retrieved using color and grayscale values ​​→ animal information retrieved using images and videos to determine its biomass and health status.

[0047] III. Water Quality Testing Operation Procedures Once in orbit, the water quality analysis probe begins operation, measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity in real time.

[0048] IV. Operation Flow of Feeding and Waste Filtration System This invention proposes a closed aquatic zebrafish feeding system under microgravity conditions, which can automatically feed fish in a microgravity environment.

[0049] 1. In this invention, the conical tip of the fish food injector is connected to the fish chamber via a silicone tubing. When fish food is injected, it enters the fish chamber along the tubing. The entire feeding device is located outside the fish chamber for easy food replacement.

[0050] 2. The fish food syringe in this invention uses a medical syringe. The fish food syringe does not contain an injection needle and consists of a body, a cone, a piston, and a core rod. Fish food is placed in the body, and the piston is fitted on the core rod to provide a seal. When the core rod is pushed in, the fish food is squeezed out from the cone.

[0051] 3. The drive motor in this invention is a linear stepper motor with a lead screw. A movable baffle is fitted at the distal end of the lead screw. The linear driver converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. The movable baffle on the lead screw pushes the core rod of the fish food injector, thereby pushing the fish food towards the fish chamber.

[0052] 4. The aquatic closed-system zebrafish feeding system is an automated system that requires no manual operation. Simply inject a feeding command to achieve quantitative feeding of the fish.

[0053] 5. Half an hour after feeding, the circulation pump will start to filter and treat waste and feed residue to ensure water quality safety.

[0054] V. Sample Fixation System Operation Procedure The fish egg collection box consists of a connector, a sealing ring, and a fish net. After the fish spawn, the fish eggs are filtered into the fish net for collection.

[0055] 1. In this invention, the fish chamber is a closed culture chamber for fish to live in, and the algae chamber is a closed culture chamber for algae cultivation. The algae chamber and the fish chamber are connected by a perforated partition for gas-liquid circulation. 2. In this invention, all connecting pipes within the fish egg collection system are made of silicone tubing. Fish eggs flow along the silicone tubing into the fish egg collection box with the water flow, and the filtered water enters the algae chamber through the fish egg collection box. This achieves water circulation and fish egg collection within the fish chamber and algae chamber.

[0056] 3. The fish egg collection box in this invention is mainly composed of a filter screen, a sealing ring, and a pipe joint. The filter screen can block the fish eggs from passing through, and the fish egg collection box is connected to the pipeline through a Luer joint, which makes it easy to remove the fish egg box.

[0057] 4. In this invention, water circulation is achieved by using a circulation pump to drive the liquid to circulate inside the fish chamber, fish egg collection box, and algae chamber.

[0058] 5. The fish egg collection system of the enclosed aquatic experimental system is an automated system. After the external operator determines that the fish have spawned, the system sends a fish egg collection command to complete the fish egg collection.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A closed-loop space aquatic experimental system, characterized in that: It includes an experimental module box, drawers, slide rails, and a closed aquatic experimental device; the closed aquatic experimental device is installed inside the experimental module box and can be slidably opened via the drawers and slide rails. The enclosed aquatic experimental device includes a fish chamber, an algae chamber, a feeding motor, a fish food syringe, a fish egg collection box, and a circulation pump. The fish chamber and the algae chamber are arranged adjacent to each other and separated by a perforated partition to allow water to flow freely between them. The injection end of the fish food syringe is connected to the fish chamber, and the feeding motor is used to drive the fish food syringe. The fish chamber, the circulating water outlet pipe, the fish egg collection box, the circulation pump, the circulating water inlet pipe, and the algae chamber are connected in sequence. An LED light for providing illumination is installed on one side of the aquatic closed experimental device. A camera for collecting images of the fish chamber and algae chamber is installed on one side of the aquatic closed experimental device. The fish chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor for testing pressure. The fish chamber is equipped with a conductivity meter for testing conductivity. The fish room is equipped with a pH meter for testing pH. The side of the fish egg collection box is connected to the fish chamber via a connector and a circulating water outlet pipe. The top of the fish egg collection box is connected to the circulating pump via a connector and a connecting water pipe. A pressure plate for collecting fish eggs is set at the bottom of the fish egg collection box. A sensor for collecting pressure data is set at the bottom of the pressure plate. A filter screen is set in the middle of the inside of the fish egg collection box. A sealing ring is set between the filter screen and the inner wall of the fish egg collection box. The feeding motor includes a motor, a movable baffle, a lead screw, and a base. The fixedly mounted motor is connected to the movable baffle via the lead screw and can drive the movable baffle to slide along the base. The upper part of the movable baffle is connected to the syringe, which drives the syringe to perform the injection action. The system also includes a control circuit, which is connected to a pressure sensor, conductivity meter, pH meter, feeding motor, circulation pump, clamp valve, LED light and camera, and executes signal acquisition and output instructions for feeding or fish egg collection through a preset program.

2. A closed-loop experimental method for aquatic life in space, characterized in that, The experimental system described in claim 1 includes the following steps: Step 1: The water quality analysis probe in the fish chamber starts working, the circulation pump is turned on, and the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is analyzed. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is higher than 5 mg / L but less than 8 mg / L, a command to turn on the algae chamber lamp is sent. When the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fish chamber is higher than 8 mg / L, a command to turn off the algae chamber lamp is sent to meet the needs of experimental process control. A command to turn on the camera is sent, and the camera begins to scan the sample. Step 2: After the water quality analysis probe in the fish room starts working, it measures the pH value, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity in the fish room in real time. Step 3: Send a feeding motor start command at a set time every day, set the number of steps the motor can advance according to the amount of food, judge the feeding process through images, and send a circulation pump start command half an hour after the feeding ends to filter and treat waste and feed residue, ensuring water quality safety and sufficient gas exchange. Step 4: After the fish eggs are discharged, send the command to open the fluid exchange pump and the clamp valve. After the fish eggs are collected, send the command to close the fluid exchange pump and the clamp valve.

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