Vertical Insect Breeding Housing With Auger Mixing and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect breeding systems, particularly for larvae of Tenebrio Molitor and Hermetia Illucens, face challenges in scaling up production due to overheating, suffocation, and inefficient use of space, with manual operations being time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A housing system with a movable beam, vertically oriented augers, a perforated floor, and air supply for airflow, along with sensors and automated feeding, is used to manage temperature, humidity, and airflow, enabling efficient large-scale breeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larvae are reared in shallow ground-level pools or small stacked boxes, then the larvae can breathe and avoid overheating, but the production capacity is limited and floor space is inefficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional floor space utilization (pools and stacked boxes) to three-dimensional vertical space utilization by introducing a vertical column structure with multiple levels. This allows significantly more larvae to be housed in the same footprint area while maintaining adequate breathing space and temperature control through the vertical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple functional zones within a single vertical column structure, including feeding areas, breeding zones, and frass collection areas stacked vertically. This nested arrangement maximizes space efficiency while maintaining separate functional environments for the larvae.
2Productivity
If more boxes are stacked to increase production capacity, then vertical space is utilized, but cleaning, filling, feeding, moving, stacking, monitoring and emptying become very time consuming and cost intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional operations into a single integrated vertical column system. Instead of managing separate boxes for feeding, breeding, and frass collection, all functions are combined in one structure with automated systems that perform multiple tasks simultaneously, reducing the time required for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates automated feeding systems, environmental monitoring sensors, and frass removal mechanisms that operate autonomously. The system self-regulates temperature, humidity, and feeding schedules, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and intervention.
3Productivity
If concrete pools are used to increase production capacity, then floor space requirement is reduced, but cleaning and management become less efficient and require tremendous amounts of floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the vertical column into distinct functional zones (feeding area, breeding area, frass collection area) that can be independently accessed and managed. This segmentation allows for easier cleaning and maintenance compared to large concrete pools, as each zone can be separately serviced without disrupting the entire system.
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 system provides a cost-effective, time-saving, and space-efficient method for insect breeding, ensuring optimal environmental conditions and easy monitoring, cleaning, and automation of processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one substantially vertically oriented auger suspended from the beam, the auger being rotatable and adapted to stir the mass of insects and/or insect eggs, nourishment and a bulking agent in the housing
Implementation Method 2
an air supply providing an airflow through the perforated floor into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for breeding insects, preferably larvae, and/or hatching insect eggs. The apparatus having: a housing adapted to have a mass of insects and/or insect eggs and nourishment, at least one beam being moveably mounted on the upper part and/or substantially in the centre of the housing, at least one substantially vertically oriented auger suspended from the beam, the auger being rotatable and adapted to stir the mass of insects and nourishment in the housing, a perforated floor, and an air supply providing an airflow through the perforated floor into the housing.