Automated Insect Rearing Facility with Algae-Based Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Insect farming facilities, particularly those for Tenebrio molitor, face inefficiencies due to manual operations, dust generation during feeding, high costs of raw materials, and environmental challenges such as invasive algae impacting marine ecosystems, limiting output and sustainability.

Innovation Solution

An automated insect rearing facility with a container system equipped with vacuum aspiration, controlled environment modules, and a control unit for temperature, humidity, and feeding, utilizing algae-based feed compositions to enhance larval growth and reduce costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual feeding operations are used in insect farming facilities, then operational simplicity is maintained, but dust is generated during feeding and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding efficiencyVSAvoiddust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical feeding operations with an automated vacuum aspiration system that uses pneumatic principles to deliver feed. This substitution eliminates dust generation associated with manual handling while significantly improving feeding efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a vacuum aspiration system utilizing pneumatic pressure differentials to transport feed automatically to larvae containers. This pneumatic mechanism eliminates the need for manual feeding operations, reducing dust generation while enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If traditional wheat bran-based feed is used for Tenebrio molitor larvae, then nutritional requirements are met, but raw material costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutritional adequacyVSAvoidraw material cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the feed composition parameters by incorporating algae-based ingredients alongside traditional wheat bran. This parameter change in feed formulation maintains nutritional adequacy for Tenebrio molitor larvae while reducing dependence on expensive raw materials, thereby lowering overall feed costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite feed material combining wheat bran with algae-based ingredients. This composite approach diversifies the raw material base, reducing reliance on single expensive components while ensuring complete nutrition for larvae, thus lowering overall material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If invasive algae are present in marine ecosystems, then environmental damage occurs, but algae-based feed offers cost-effective alternative for insect farming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed costVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful presence of invasive algae in marine ecosystems into a beneficial resource for insect farming. By utilizing these invasive algae as feed ingredients, the system provides a cost-effective alternative while potentially helping to control invasive species populations, thus converting an environmental problem into an economic opportunity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 automated system improves efficiency and output by minimizing manual labor, reducing dust, and using cost-effective algae-based feeds, while addressing environmental concerns by promoting sustainable insect farming practices.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum aspiration system configured to aspirate the larvae and eggs from the trays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum aspiration: Suction

Implementation Method 2

shaking the trays to separate the larvae from the feed and waste

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShaking: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

controlled environment modules, and a control unit for temperature, humidity, and feeding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature control: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

controlled environment modules, and a control unit for temperature, humidity, and feeding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidity control: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250017175A1Composition for feeding tenebrio molitor larvae based on algae, and a procedure for preparation

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 BEETLE GENIUS SPRL

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a procedure for obtaining an algae-based composition for feeding Tenebrio molitor larvae. The procedure includes receiving algae and separating rock remains and plastic materials from the algae. The procedure also includes washing the algae with fresh water to eliminate traces of sand, small crustaceans, and other unwanted elements, in addition to reducing salinity. The procedure further includes drying the algae for between 2-4 days, grinding the dried algae, and mixing the ground algae with an agri-food additive until a composition is obtained that contains proteins 18-24%, fats: 2-4%, carbohydrates: 50-70%, moisture: 5-20%, and ash: 1-8%.