Microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavior rejection and unpowered flexible biological isolation door thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavior rejection and an unpowered flexible biological isolation door thereof.The microenvironment isolation method comprises the following steps that in the same breeding layer, an environment parameter zone with the remarkable repelling or hindering effect on target insects is formed by regulating and controlling microenvironment parameters of a local breeding area; congenital avoidance behaviors of insects to specific microenvironment conditions in an environmental parameter zone are utilized, so that the insects are unwilling to pass through the zone or cannot pass through the zone freely, and functional ecological zones without physical hard isolation are realized in the breeding layer. Sealing is achieved through the gravity of the bulk particle filler, no external power source or air source or hydraulic source is needed, zero-energy-consumption operation is achieved, meanwhile, no moving part or complex mechanism exists, electrical faults and mechanical jamming are fundamentally avoided, reliability is extremely high, and maintenance is basically avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion and its non-powered flexible biological isolation gate, belonging to the field of insect breeding equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Patent application number 2025228161737 discloses a retractable isolation door for segmented insect rearing, comprising an upper fixing part, a middle retractable part, a lower sealing part, and an opening and closing mechanism. The upper fixing part is used to install and fix the isolation door to the rearing frame. The middle retractable part is made of a foldable, flexible, airtight material. The lower sealing part, when the middle retractable part is unfolded, seals against the bottom of the rearing frame to form an isolation. The opening and closing mechanism includes a folding mechanism for controlling the longitudinal folding of the middle retractable part and an unfolding mechanism for controlling the longitudinal unfolding of the middle retractable part. The opening and closing mechanism is driven by the middle retractable part and is used to drive the middle retractable part to fold or unfold, thereby completing the opening and closing of the isolation door. The longitudinally folding-unfolding retractable isolation door of this invention solves the three core problems of large footprint, material disturbance, and power redundancy of flip-top doors in one go, and has advantages such as low cost and low maintenance, which are significantly better than traditional flip-top automatic door solutions. However, the following problems exist: (1) Isolation doors generally rely on external power sources such as motors, cylinders, and hydraulic cylinders and complex transmission mechanisms to achieve opening and closing, resulting in high system costs, high energy consumption, many fault points, and complex maintenance; (2) Traditional rigid isolation doors or mechanical structures are prone to jamming, poor sealing, and shortened lifespan due to material adhesion, scaling, and corrosion. In particular, when it is necessary to adapt to the small uneven gaps that may exist in the interface of automatic conveyor belts, traditional doors are difficult to achieve a tight fit; (3) When using active flexible systems (such as air-filled seals), air leakage is likely to occur during the sealing process, and the sealing state cannot be adjusted at any time, resulting in poor sealing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion and its non-powered flexible biological isolation gate, which solves the problems of complex structure, high operating cost and poor sealing of existing isolation gates.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A microenvironmental isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion includes the following steps: Within the same breeding layer, by regulating the microenvironmental parameters of local breeding areas, an environmental parameter zone is formed that has a significant repellent or hindering effect on target insects. By utilizing the insects' innate avoidance behavior towards specific microenvironmental conditions within the environmental parameter zone, they are unwilling or unable to freely cross the area, thereby achieving a functional ecological zoning within the breeding layer without the need for physical hard isolation.

[0005] Further, preferably: the specific microenvironmental conditions are at least one of temperature and humidity, light intensity, specific gas concentration, physical structure, and chemical repellent substances.

[0006] Furthermore, preferably, the method for regulating the microenvironmental parameters of the local aquaculture area is to place an object on the surface of the material, and use the gravity of the object to compress the material to regulate the microenvironmental parameters of the local aquaculture area.

[0007] Furthermore, preferably, the object is a flexible bag containing a fluid filler.

[0008] This invention provides a non-powered flexible bio-isolation door, comprising a flexible bag body with a mounting part at the top for fixing to a door frame or equipment frame; the interior of the flexible bag body is encapsulated with a fluid filler; the flexible bag body naturally droops and deforms under the gravity of the fluid filler, and its bottom and sides can fit against the contact surface, achieving a seal by utilizing its own gravity and fluidity.

[0009] Furthermore, preferably, the flexible bag body is made of a flexible, waterproof, and corrosion-resistant material.

[0010] Furthermore, preferably, the flexible waterproof and corrosion-resistant material is PVC coated cloth, rubber, or silicone.

[0011] Further, preferably, the flowable filler is a liquid filler and / or a solid filler.

[0012] Further, preferably: the solid filler includes basic heavy particles and / or thermal insulation particles.

[0013] Further, preferably: the basic heavy particles include at least one of steel balls, quartz sand and ceramic particles; the thermal insulation functional particles include at least one of expanded perlite, vitrified microspheres and aerogel particles.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably: the flexible bag body is cylindrical, and its length matches the width of the doorway to be sealed; And / or a flexible support mechanism is provided inside the flexible bag; And / or the flexible bag body is also provided with a filling port with a sealing cap.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably: the mounting part includes a fixed shaft, the fixed shaft is mounted together with the flexible bag body, and mounting plates are provided at both ends of the fixed shaft, the mounting plates are mounted on the breeding equipment via a movable shaft.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention creates an environmental parameter gradient zone within the same breeding layer by actively regulating the microenvironmental parameters of local material areas, which has a significant repellent or hindering effect on target insects. Utilizing the insects' innate avoidance behavior of specific microenvironmental conditions (such as extreme temperature and humidity, specific gas concentrations, physical structures, or chemical repellents) within this gradient zone, the insects are unwilling or unable to freely traverse this area. This achieves a functional ecological zoning within the breeding layer without the need for physical hard isolation. When insects sense unpleasant microenvironments (such as excessively high humidity or repellent odors), they will actively avoid, not enter, or flee the area. The entire process involves no physical contact, completely avoiding mechanical damage caused by isolation operations and significantly improving the survival rate and health of the cultured organisms.

[0017] This invention utilizes the gravity of a fluid filler to achieve sealing, requiring no external power, air, or hydraulic power, thus achieving zero-energy operation. Furthermore, it lacks any moving parts or complex mechanisms, fundamentally avoiding electrical faults and mechanical jamming, resulting in extremely high reliability and virtually maintenance-free operation. The main components of this invention are only a flexible bag and filler particles, resulting in extremely low material costs and simple manufacturing. Compared to an automatic door system that includes a motor, sensors, controller, and metal structure, its manufacturing and installation costs are significantly reduced. Using waterproof and corrosion-resistant flexible materials (such as PVC-coated fabric) with internal metal or mineral particles, it is resistant to moisture, acids, alkalis, and rust, making it ideal for the harsh environments of farms and offering a long service life.

[0018] This invention fills a flexible bag with a fluid filler, actively utilizing its flexibility and uncertainty (flow) to achieve superior sealing and protection. It specifically leverages the fluidity of the filler to achieve self-adaptive sealing and compression resistance. Under the influence of the internal fluid weight, the flexible bag conforms to the contact surface (such as the end of a conveyor belt or a door frame) like a sandbag. The fluidity of the filler allows it to fill tiny, irregular gaps, achieving excellent passive adaptive sealing and effectively preventing insect escape, heat loss, and cross-contamination of odors. Simultaneously, for insects trapped underneath, the flexible bag, through its flexibility and pressure dispersion, virtually eliminates the risk of death from compression. As insects crawl out, gravity further compacts and seals the gaps, achieving a dynamic seal and ensuring good sealing stability throughout the entire breeding process. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the non-powered flexible isolation door of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a plan view of the non-powered flexible isolation door of the present invention; In the diagram, 1 is the mounting plate, 2 is the flexible bag body, 3 is the fixed shaft, 4 is the filling port, 5 is the reinforcing strip, 6 is the flexible support mechanism, and 7 is the loose granular filler. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are also described.

[0022] Example 1 A microenvironmental isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion includes the following steps: Within the same breeding layer, by regulating the microenvironmental parameters of local breeding areas, an environmental parameter zone is formed that has a significant repellent or hindering effect on target insects. By utilizing the insects' innate avoidance behavior towards specific microenvironmental conditions within the environmental parameter zone, they are unwilling or unable to freely cross the area, thereby achieving a functional ecological zoning within the breeding layer without the need for physical hard isolation.

[0023] Specific microenvironmental conditions refer to parameters that have a significant repellent or hindering effect on target insects, such as at least one of temperature and humidity, light intensity, specific gas concentration, physical structure, and chemical repellent substances.

[0024] Take black soldier fly larvae as an example: Black soldier fly larvae have a wide range of adaptability, but extreme conditions can significantly inhibit their activity, feeding, and even lead to death, thus forming an effective isolation or repellency zone.

[0025] 1. Temperature and humidity Low temperature: When the temperature remains below 15-20°C, the larval activity and feeding rate will drop sharply. Below 10°C, they may enter diapause or die.

[0026] High temperatures: Sustained exposure to temperatures above 40-45°C can cause heat stress, dehydration, and eventual death in larvae. Short-term exposure to even higher temperatures (e.g., >50°C) can be fatal.

[0027] Low humidity: Low relative humidity (e.g., < 50%) will cause the surface of feed (such as kitchen waste) to dry out quickly, making it difficult for larvae to feed and potentially causing them to avoid the area due to dehydration. Overly dry materials will also affect larval burrowing behavior.

[0028] High humidity / liquid water: When the moisture content of the environment or materials is too high, an anaerobic, waterlogged area is formed. Larvae will actively escape from completely submerged or extremely viscous, oxygen-deficient liquid environments, as this will hinder their respiration.

[0029] Bioisolation zones can be achieved by controlling environmental conditions within the above range.

[0030] 2. Light intensity Black soldier fly larvae exhibit significant negative phototaxis, meaning they are naturally inclined to avoid strong light and seek out dark, damp environments for activity and feeding. By artificially creating a stable and controllable light intensity gradient in the rearing bed or rearing layer, the spatial distribution of larvae can be guided and constrained, achieving biological isolation and zoning.

[0031] 3. Specific gas concentration Volatile organic acids, such as butyric acid and valeric acid, are products of the putrefaction process and have a repellent effect on insects. Biological isolation zones can be achieved by installing devices that release volatile organic acids in specific material zones.

[0032] 4. Physical Structure By altering the physical properties of materials or substrates, barriers can be created that are difficult for larvae to cross or unsuitable for habitation.

[0033] Particle size and hardness: Use coarse, hard, and sharp particles (such as large wood chips, crushed oyster shells, or inert materials of a specific particle size) to lay the strip. Larvae have soft body walls and do not like to crawl on sharp, rough surfaces.

[0034] Hydrophobic or smooth surfaces: such as plastic films, Teflon coatings, or highly smooth ceramic / glass surfaces. Larvae have poor adhesion and find it difficult to move effectively on these surfaces.

[0035] Dry powder barrier: A layer of dry, fine powder (such as diatomaceous earth, food-grade talc, or wood ash) is sprinkled on the surface of the material. This powder can absorb the oil on the larvae's body surface, causing them to become dehydrated and uncomfortable, thus preventing them from crossing.

[0036] By placing objects on a specific material belt, the material is compressed, the air inside is expelled, and an anaerobic zone is formed, thereby achieving biological isolation partitioning.

[0037] 5. Chemical repellents Using natural or synthetic compounds to create olfactory or gustatory barriers. Plant-derived repellents: Many plant essential oils have repellent effects on insects, such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, cinnamon oil, and garlic extract. Their scents can interfere with the chemoreception of larvae. Minerals and salts: High concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) or borax applied to a localized area can create osmotic stress, causing larvae to avoid contact. Environmental safety must be considered. Pheromone and alarm pheromones: Utilizing the black soldier fly's own alarm pheromones or those of other insects may repel larvae, but research on their specific applications is still in its early stages.

[0038] The above-mentioned substances are added to the special material zone to achieve biological isolation zoning.

[0039] In the above method, this invention fills a flexible bag with a fluid filler, actively utilizing flexibility and uncertainty (flow) to achieve superior sealing and protection effects. It specifically utilizes its fluidity to achieve self-adaptation and compression resistance of the sealing surface. Under the action of the internal fluid weight, the flexible bag of this invention can conform to the contact surface (such as the end of a conveyor belt or a door frame) like a sandbag. The fluidity of the filler allows it to fill tiny irregular gaps, achieving excellent passive adaptive sealing and effectively preventing insect escape, heat loss, and cross-contamination of odors. Simultaneously, for insects trapped under the bag, the flexibility and pressure dispersion of this invention almost eliminate the risk of insects being crushed to death. As the insects crawl out, gravity compacts and seals the gaps, achieving a dynamic seal and ensuring good sealing stability throughout the entire breeding process.

[0040] Example 2 This embodiment provides a non-powered flexible isolation door for use in an intensive three-dimensional insect breeding equipment. The breeding equipment has a multi-layered structure, with each layer being a zoned breeding layer. Each zone is sealed and isolated using a flexible isolation door.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and 2 The non-powered flexible isolation door in this embodiment is mainly composed of a flexible bag body 2, loose granular filler 7, and mounting part 3.

[0042] The flexible bag 21 is made of high-strength PVC double-coated fabric, which has good waterproof, wear-resistant and certain corrosion resistance, making it suitable for humid breeding environments. The bag is long and flat cylindrical in shape, with its length matching the width of the breeding zone entrance; a 50mm wide reinforcing strip 5 is sewn along the length of the top center of the bag.

[0043] The function of the loose particulate filler is to provide flow sealing. It can be a single loose insulating functional particle with high density and low thermal conductivity (good insulation performance), or it can be a single heavy base particle with a relatively large specific gravity. The heavy base particle includes at least one of steel balls, quartz sand, and ceramic particles; the insulating functional particles include at least one of expanded perlite, vitrified microspheres, and aerogel particles.

[0044] The two can be mixed. The specific mixing ratio is designed based on the specific gravity of different raw materials and the requirements for thermal insulation. Generally, the base heavy particles are greater than 50%. For example, 70% quartz sand (particle size 1-2mm, providing the main body weight and cost advantage) can be selected; thermal insulation functional particles: 30% expanded perlite (particle size 2-4mm, core thermal insulation medium).

[0045] A filling opening 4 with a waterproof zipper is reserved at the top of the bag for filling and recycling of granules.

[0046] The mounting part includes a fixed shaft 3, which is installed together with the reinforcing strap 5 of the flexible bag body 2. Mounting plates 1 are provided at both ends of the fixed shaft 3, and the mounting plates 1 are installed on the breeding equipment through a movable shaft.

[0047] The flexible bag body 2 is equipped with a flexible support mechanism 6, which is generally made of elastic silicone rods, springs, etc. The flexible support mechanism 6 can effectively maintain the shape of the flexible bag body 2 and improve the sealing performance.

[0048] The mounting portion at the top of the flexible bag 2 is inserted into the slot of the mounting groove, and then movably mounted to the aquaculture equipment via the mounting plate 1. After installation, the flexible bag 2 hangs down naturally under the weight of the sand and gravel.

[0049] Adjust the installation position so that the bottom edge and sides of the bag can naturally rest on the edge of the conveyor belt at the bottom of the entrance and the side column of the door frame, thus sealing the breeding layer in sections.

[0050] When aquaculture operations are underway within the designated aquaculture zone and the feed conveyor belts are not in operation, the isolation gate hangs naturally. Internal steel balls, under the influence of gravity, keep the bag tightly against the gate frame and conveyor belt surface. Due to the fluidity of the sand and gravel, the bag adapts to minor unevenness, achieving a reliable seal and preventing insects from crossing between different zones, heat loss, and odor diffusion.

[0051] Opening and Passing Status: When materials (including insects) need to be transferred, the discharge conveyor belt of this section is activated. As the material layer on the conveyor belt moves forward, it gently pushes open the flexible isolation bag. The bag deforms at the stressed area, and the internal steel balls flow to other positions, opening a passage for the material to pass through. The entire process is completely unpowered, passively triggered by the mechanical force of the material movement.

[0052] Reset State: Once the material has completely passed through, the thrust acting on the bag disappears. Under the weight of the sand and gravel inside, the bag quickly and automatically swings back and droops again, re-sealing the surface and restoring the isolation state. The reset process requires no sensors or control signals.

[0053] The flexible isolation door of the present invention has good sealing performance, reliability and adaptability.

[0054] This invention utilizes the ingenious combination of flexible materials and loose particulate filler 7 to achieve a completely passive and self-adaptive reliable seal. It has outstanding advantages such as extremely simple structure, extremely low cost, extremely high reliability, and strong environmental adaptability. It is particularly suitable for promotion and application in industrial scenarios that require dynamic physical isolation, such as three-dimensional aquaculture and material handling.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microenvironmental isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Within the same breeding layer, by regulating the microenvironmental parameters of local breeding areas, an environmental parameter zone is formed that has a significant repellent or hindering effect on target insects. By utilizing the insects' innate avoidance behavior towards specific microenvironmental conditions within the environmental parameter zone, they are unwilling or unable to freely cross the area, thereby achieving a functional ecological zoning within the breeding layer without the need for physical hard isolation.

2. The microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific microenvironmental conditions mentioned are at least one of temperature and humidity, light intensity, specific gas concentration, physical structure, and chemical repellent substances.

3. A microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method for regulating the microenvironmental parameters of a local aquaculture area is to place an object on the surface of the material, and use the gravity of the object to compress the material to regulate the microenvironmental parameters of the local aquaculture area.

4. The microenvironment isolation method based on insect behavioral repulsion according to claim 3, characterized in that: The object is a flexible bag containing a fluid filler.

5. A non-powered flexible biological isolation gate, characterized in that: It includes a flexible bag body with a mounting part at the top for fixing to a door frame or equipment frame; the interior of the flexible bag body is encapsulated with a fluid filler; the flexible bag body naturally droops and deforms under the gravity of the fluid filler, and its bottom and sides can fit into the contact surface, achieving a seal by utilizing its own gravity and fluidity.

6. The non-powered flexible biological isolation door according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible bag is made of a flexible, waterproof, and corrosion-resistant material.

7. The non-powered flexible biological isolation gate according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flexible waterproof and corrosion-resistant material is PVC coated cloth, rubber, or silicone.

8. The non-powered flexible bio-isolation gate according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that: The flowable filler is a liquid filler and / or a solid filler.

9. The non-powered flexible biological isolation door according to claim 8, characterized in that: The solid filler includes basic heavy particles and / or thermal insulation particles.

10. The non-powered flexible biological isolation door according to claim 9, characterized in that: The basic heavy particles include at least one of steel balls, quartz sand, and ceramic particles; the thermal insulation functional particles include at least one of expanded perlite, vitrified microspheres, and aerogel particles.

11. The non-powered flexible biological isolation gate according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible bag is cylindrical in shape, and its length matches the width of the doorway that needs to be sealed. And / or a flexible support mechanism is provided inside the flexible bag; And / or the flexible bag body is also provided with a filling port with a sealing cap.

12. The non-powered flexible bio-isolation gate according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that: The mounting part includes a fixed shaft, which is mounted together with the flexible bag body. Mounting plates are provided at both ends of the fixed shaft, and the mounting plates are mounted on the breeding equipment via a movable shaft.

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