Insect Production System Vertical Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient, reliable, and scalable insect production systems that minimize human interaction, maximize space utilization, and ensure high-quality insect production for food, animal feed, and chemical applications, while addressing challenges like disease prevention, water scarcity, and regulatory compliance, especially for use in space exploration and on Earth.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a feedstock comprising waste materials, which includes food waste, fermentation waste, and other organic residues, to produce insects, followed by water depletion and lipid extraction, with integrated systems for insect breeding, pathogen removal, and multifunctional composition mixing, utilizing blockchain for traceability and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large scale insect production systems are implemented, then insect production quantity increases, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vertical stacking of multiple rearing trays to utilize the vertical dimension for insect production. Multiple trays are stacked one above another, allowing the system to produce insects in three-dimensional space rather than spreading out horizontally, thereby increasing production quantity while minimizing physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested packaging where trays containing insects are placed inside containment boxes, which are then stacked within larger shipping containers. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization at multiple scales, from individual tray placement to container-level stacking, enabling high-density production in minimal space.
2Area of stationary object
If high density insect rearing is implemented, then space utilization increases, but disease transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insect population into separate compartments using individual trays and containment boxes. Each tray acts as an isolated unit with its own ventilation and access points, preventing disease from spreading between different insect groups while maintaining high density rearing conditions within each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate barriers such as mesh screens, ventilation filters, and containment box walls between insect trays. These intermediaries allow for air circulation and monitoring while physically preventing direct contact between insect populations, thereby reducing disease transmission risk in high-density arrangements.
3Extent of automation
If automated computer operated systems are implemented, then human interaction decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system monitors and adjusts its own parameters. Temperature sensors automatically control heating elements, humidity sensors regulate ventilation, and weight sensors trigger feeding cycles without human intervention. This self-regulating approach achieves high automation while keeping individual control elements simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. For example, the containment boxes serve as both rearing chambers and transport containers, while ventilation systems provide both air circulation and temperature control. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of separate automated systems needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to produce insect frass, water-depleted insects, lipid-depleted insects, and insect lipids is described. The method includes feeding a feedstock to insects to produce grown insects and insect frass, harvesting and removing water from the grown insects, and extracting lipids from the water-depleted insects to produce lipid-depleted insects and insect lipids. The method further comprises mixing the feedstock with water, a mineral enhancer, or a vitamin enhancer, followed by sifting the grown insects, contacting the grown insects with water, separating water from the insect lipids, and distilling, hydrogenating, esterifying, and saponifying the insect lipids. Methods for analyzing, tracking, and shipping the grown insects are described. Producing a multifunctional composition from the insects, and shaping, cooking, flavoring, and production of animal foods or an insect-burger patty is disclosed. The insect production system may be placed within a space station in low Earth orbit, in outer space, or on Mars.