Insect Pupae Singulation and Sensing for Automated Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass-rearing of insect larvae is labor-intensive, requiring significant human effort for tasks such as moving containers, sterilization, and manual observation, especially during the transition from larval to pupal stages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for continuous insect pupae sensing using a singulator to create a single-file flow, coupled with sensors and computing devices to automatically count and characterize pupae, including size, sex, and anomalies, enabling automated tracking and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used for insect larva rearing, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system comprising conveyors, singulators, and sensors. The system automatically transports pupae through channels, separates them into single-file streams, and counts them using optical sensors, eliminating the need for manual handling and significantly reducing labor intensity while increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the apparatus performs its own monitoring and counting functions. Sensors automatically detect pupae passage, the processor autonomously counts and records data, and the system self-regulates the flow through the channel, reducing dependency on human operators and improving operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If automated sensing systems are implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated system into distinct functional modules: a transport channel for moving pupae, a singulator for separating them into single-file streams, sensors for detection, and a processor for counting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system architecture and making it easier to maintain and scale.
3Measurement precision
If continuous flow singulation is used, then measurement precision and automation extent improve, but device complexity and initial labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a singulator as an intermediary device between the bulk pupae flow and the sensing system. The singulator separates pupae into single-file streams using mechanical guides or airflow, creating an intermediate organized flow that enables accurate sensor detection while isolating the complexity of flow management from the counting function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual observation and handling are performed, then adaptability to varying conditions is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated monitoring where sensors constantly detect pupae passage through the channel without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation through the entire rearing cycle, eliminating the intermittent manual observation process and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability through programmable parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for continuous insects sensing are described. One example method includes receiving a flow at a singulator, the flow comprising one or more insects; singulating the insects into a single-file flow of insects; sensing, using a sensor, insects within the single-file flow of insects; and incrementing a counter based on each sensed insects in the single-file flow of insects. One example system includes a channel defining a flow path for a flow of insects; a singulator positioned within the flow path and arranged to receive the flow of insects within the channel, the singulator configured to singulate the insects into a single-file flow of insects; a sensor positioned and arranged to sense insects in the single-file flow; and a processor in communication with the sensor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the processor configured to execute processor-executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to receive sensor signals from the sensor; and count a number of insects based on the received sensor signals.