Fly Cage Conveyor Module for Directed Insect Egg Laying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insect egg production systems face inefficiencies due to adult insects laying eggs in unintended locations, leading to increased harvesting effort and partial filling of egg-laying apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an attractant spatially separated from the egg-laying apparatus to emit stimulants that lure insects to the designated egg-laying area, combined with a perforated and removable egg-laying apparatus on a conveyor belt, and a collecting device for dead insects as an additional attractant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If egg-laying apparatuses are provided in the container, then insect eggs can be collected, but insects may still lay eggs in unintended locations (openings, edges, corners) increasing harvesting effort
Solution Approach 1:
An attractant is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insects and the egg-laying apparatus. The attractant emits stimulants that act as a mediator to guide insects to the designated egg-laying areas, ensuring eggs are laid only in the container interior rather than in openings or edges, thereby simplifying harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical guidance methods with chemical signaling. Instead of relying on physical structures or mechanical means to direct insects, the system uses chemical stimulants emitted by the attractant to lure insects to the egg-laying apparatus, making the harvesting process more efficient.
2Productivity
If the attractant is placed close to the egg-laying apparatus, then insects are effectively lured, but the attractant may be contaminated by insects or require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate components: the attractant and the egg-laying apparatus. This spatial separation allows the attractant to be positioned optimally for emitting stimulants while preventing direct contact with insects, thus reducing contamination and extending the operational life of the attractant.
Solution Approach 2:
The egg-laying apparatus serves as an intermediary structure that allows stimulants to pass through while preventing direct contact between the attractant and insects. This mediator function enables the attractant to remain clean and functional for longer periods.
3Ease of operation
If the egg-laying apparatus is made removable, then harvesting is simplified, but the apparatus may not be optimally positioned for egg laying
Solution Approach 1:
The egg-laying apparatus is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved between different locations in the container. This enables the apparatus to be optimally positioned during egg-laying periods and easily removed during harvesting, combining both positioning flexibility and operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances insect egg yield and simplifies harvesting by directing egg-laying to specific apparatuses, reducing manual intervention and improving hygiene through continuous production and reuse of attractants.
Implementation Method 1
at least one attractant arranged in the region of the at least one egg-laying apparatus, which emits stimulants for the insects in order to lure the insects to the at least one egg-laying apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, arrangement and method for producing insect eggs. The apparatus includes a container to accommodate insects in a container interior and prevent the insects from escaping; at least one egg-laying apparatus is arranged in the container and is configured to accommodate insect eggs laid in the container by the insects in the container; and at least one attractant arranged in an area of the at least one egg-laying apparatus that emits stimulants to lure the insects to the at least one egg-laying apparatus to lay the insect eggs. The at least one egg-laying apparatus is at least partially removable from the container, the at least one attractant is spatially separated from the at least one egg-laying apparatus and is separated from the container interior, and wherein the stimulants emitted by the attractant pass through the at least one egg-laying apparatus into the container interior.