Laser-Assisted Feeding System for Larval Fish
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial larval fish feeds fail to elicit an appropriate feeding response in most larval fish species, leading to decreased growth and survival, and are costly to produce and maintain due to reliance on live prey like rotifers and brine shrimp.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses a food distribution mechanism and a laser light source to selectively deposit artificial feedstock into a tank, with a controller actuating the mechanism and light source to enhance feeding response, utilizing wavelengths between 600-700 nanometers or 490-560 nanometers, dependent on the species of fish, to mimic natural feeding stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If artificial larval fish feeds are used to replace live feed, then costs associated with live feed production are reduced and nutritional consistency is increased, but the feeding response of larval fish decreases leading to decreased growth and survival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of artificial feed particles to match natural prey characteristics. Specifically, the feed particles are engineered with optimal size ranges, densities, and surface properties that trigger the natural feeding response of larval fish. The composition parameters including lipid content, protein structure, and particle morphology are adjusted to simulate live prey, thereby improving feeding response while maintaining the cost and nutritional consistency advantages of artificial feeds.
2Productivity
If live prey such as rotifers and brine shrimp are used to feed larval fish, then appropriate feeding response and growth are achieved, but production costs increase and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating artificial feed particles that replicate the essential characteristics of live prey organisms. The artificial feeds are designed to copy the size, shape, density, and surface properties of natural prey items like rotifers and brine shrimp. This copying approach allows the artificial feeds to trigger the same innate feeding responses in larval fish as live prey, while eliminating the need for maintaining live cultures and associated labor-intensive feeding operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional artificial feed distribution is used, then feeding process is simple, but feeding response of larval fish is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through a controlled feeding regimen that delivers artificial feed particles at specific intervals and durations. The system uses timed feeding cycles with varying particle delivery rates to simulate natural prey availability patterns. This periodic feeding approach, combined with specific water flow patterns and lighting cycles, creates optimal conditions for triggering and sustaining larval fish feeding responses, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 device significantly increases the feeding response of larval fish to artificial feedstock, resulting in improved growth and survival rates, as demonstrated by a 15% weight increase in larval yellow perch compared to standard feeding processes.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is positionable adjacent the tank and selectively directs a laser beam at the tank
Implementation Method 2
A diffuser may be positioned between the light source and the tank. The diffuser redistributes the laser beam into a desired pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided for enhancing the feeding response of larval fish to feedstock. A food distribution mechanism is positionable above the tank housing the larval fish and is adapted for receiving the feedstock therein. The food distribution mechanism selectively deposits portions of the feedstock into the tank. A light source is positionable adjacent the tank and selectively directs a laser beam at the tank. A controller is operatively connected to the food distribution mechanism and the light source. The controller is configured to actuate the food distribution mechanism for a time period at selected intervals such that the food distribution mechanism deposits a portion of the feedstock into the tank during each time period. In addition, the controller is configured to actuate the light source for at least a portion of each time period.