Inclined Conveyor Insect Sorting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect sorting technologies are inadequate for industrial use, as they fail to effectively separate live insects from dead insects and frass, leading to inefficiencies and health risks in insect rearing and processing.
Innovation Solution
An insect sorting device with a conveyor system featuring a movable section that is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, utilizing gravity to separate live insects from dead insects and frass, combined with air separators and scraping mechanisms to ensure high separation efficiency and minimal operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional horizontal conveyors are used for insect sorting, then the device structure is simple, but the sorting quality is unsatisfactory for industrial use
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is inverted to an inclined configuration where the first end is higher than the second end, creating a downward slope that utilizes gravity to separate live insects from dead insects and frass. Live insects crawl upward against gravity while dead insects and frass slide downward, achieving effective sorting without complex mechanical sorting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt inclination angle is adjusted as a key parameter to optimize sorting performance. By changing the angle of inclination, the system adapts to different insect types and life stages, improving sorting quality while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
2Manufacturing precision
If complex sorting devices with multiple cameras and air nozzles are used, then sorting accuracy improves, but the device becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the inherent biological behavior of live insects (crawling ability) and physical properties (gravity) to perform sorting automatically. Live insects naturally crawl upward on the inclined conveyor while dead insects and frass slide downward, eliminating the need for complex detection and actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sorting systems (cameras, air nozzles, robotic manipulators) with a simple gravity-based mechanical system. The inclined conveyor belt creates a passive sorting mechanism where gravity and insect locomotion replace active control systems
3Productivity
If live insects are processed on horizontal conveyors, then transport is simple, but live insect loss increases due to inadequate separation
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is configured with an inverted inclination where the discharge end for live insects is higher than the feed end. This inversion allows live insects to be discharged at a higher position while dead insects and frass are collected at the lower end, improving live insect retention through better separation
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
The solution achieves a high degree of sorting accuracy and efficiency, reducing live insect loss and allowing for automated operation, suitable for various insect life stages and types, with adjustable inclination for optimal separation.
Implementation Method 1
the second end (29) of the at least one moveable section (27) is arranged higher in respect to a horizontal plane than the first end (28) of that moveable section (27)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to an insect sorting device (21) for the sorting of live insects (12). The insect sorting device (21) comprising a conveyor (26) which comprises a movable section (27) having a first end (28) and a second end (29) and a drive means (36) for moving the moveable section (27) from the first end (28) to the second end (29), a separating device (41) for taking away the live insects (12) from the conveyor (26), a live insect collecting device (46) for collecting the live insects (12), and a dead insect collecting device (51) for collecting the dead insects (13). In use of the insect sorting device (21) the second end (29) of the movable section (27) is arranged higher in respect to a horizontal plane than the first end (28) of that movable section (27).