Insect Breeding Rack Operation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting insects, particularly larvae, during different developmental phases in insect rearing are complex, inefficient, and lack gentle handling, while existing transport equipment is not suitable for live animals.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval machine with a discharge head equipped with multiple outlets and a gripper is used to supply insects, food, and water to multiple rooms or compartments, allowing for automated, efficient, and gentle transport without moving containers, using a gripper to target specific compartments with individually controllable valves and a rotary distributor for gentle handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers with insects are moved using mechanical transport equipment, then transport capability is achieved, but the transport is not gentle enough for live animals
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transport function from the container movement. Instead of moving entire containers, the invention segments the delivery process by using a storage and retrieval machine to deliver only the necessary insects, feed, and water to specific compartments, reducing mechanical handling and improving gentleness.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge head acts as an intermediary between the storage and retrieval machine and the insect compartments. It provides a gentle delivery interface with multiple outlets that can precisely dispense insects, feed, and water without requiring harsh mechanical contact with the live animals.
2Productivity
If traditional transport equipment is used for insects, then transport function is provided, but efficiency and resource savings are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning insects, feed, and water in the storage and retrieval machine before they are needed. This allows for rapid delivery to any compartment without time-consuming on-site loading operations, significantly improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and retrieval machine serves multiple functions: it stores insects, delivers insects, transports feed, and delivers water all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transport operations for each material, reducing overall time and improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single discharge head with gripper is used, then basic supply function is achieved, but targeted supply to multiple rooms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge head is segmented into multiple independently controllable outlets arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation allows each outlet to be independently activated to supply specific compartments, enabling targeted delivery to multiple rooms simultaneously without requiring a completely different system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge head transitions from a single-point gripper approach to a multi-dimensional outlet matrix. By arranging outlets in rows and columns, the system gains the ability to target any compartment in the three-dimensional shelf structure, dramatically increasing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack operation device for supplying insects, insect larvae, feed, water to a plurality of shelves of an insect breeding station, the rack operation device comprising a discharge head, which has an outlet, particularly a plurality of outlets located one next to the other and/or one on top of the other. The charge head(s) can be displaced for the purpose of supplying insect larvae, feed or water to a shelve, in particular to a tray, and of discharging insect larvae, feed or water, into a defined space.