Insect Breeding Crates with Aeration and Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect breeding systems lack efficient observation capabilities, leading to reduced control over processes and erratic yields due to cumbersome assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing stackable crates with integrated aeration and climate control, combined with an observation station for data collection and automated feed management, allowing for continuous monitoring and optimized growth conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual containers or trays are used in insect breeding, then flexibility in managing different insect stages is improved, but continuous observation of processes becomes difficult and control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the breeding facility into multiple independent individual containers or trays, each capable of housing different insect stages or treatments. This segmentation allows flexible management of different insect populations while maintaining the ability to observe each unit continuously through integrated observation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary observation system that includes cameras, sensors, and monitoring devices integrated into or alongside the individual containers. These intermediaries enable continuous remote observation and data collection without requiring physical access to each container, thus maintaining both flexibility and observation capability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple stacked trays are used for breeding, then space utilization is improved, but assembly and operation become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding system is segmented into modular individual containers that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each container is designed as a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing for easy assembly into stacked configurations and simple operation without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable stacking configurations, movable components, and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the stacked trays to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. This dynamic design maintains high space utilization while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If manual observation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and yield control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system is designed to be self-service through automated monitoring devices including cameras, sensors, and data collection systems that continuously monitor insect development, environmental conditions, and yield parameters. This automation eliminates the need for complex manual observation procedures while significantly improving productivity and yield control efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation methods with automated electronic and optical systems. Cameras, sensors, and digital monitoring devices substitute for human observers, enabling continuous, objective data collection without increasing operational complexity and while dramatically improving productivity and yield control.
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 enables efficient large-scale insect production with improved control over growth processes, increasing yields and reducing operational complexity, while allowing for flexible climate control and automation.
Implementation Method 1
aerating the substrate and the immature phases of insects with the aeration system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system. The method includes steps of aerating the substrate and the immature phases of insects with the aeration system, when in the climate area; periodically retrieving at least one individual crate of the plurality of crates by the conveyor system from the climate area and passing it to the observation system; obtaining an observation of the substrate and the immature phases of insects in the at least one retrieved crate; and interpreting the observation of a retrieved individual crate and determining one of a requirement for adding an amount of supplementary feed stock, and a reason to withdraw the insects from further breeding for harvesting or discarding from further breeding. The method and system are further arranged for returning the retrieved individual crate to the climate area via the feedstock supply station, when a required amount of supplementary feedstock has been determined, and transferring the retrieved individual crate to one of an area for harvesting and an area for discarding, when a reason for withdrawal has been determined. The steps of the method are repeated for as long as at least one of the plurality of crates remains in the climate area.