Modular Insect Production Superstructure Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient, reliable, and consistent systems and methods for commercial-scale production and processing of insects, cannabis, and biosynthetic cannabinoids to produce foodstuffs, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals, while minimizing environmental impact and human interaction.
Innovation Solution
The development of large-scale, modular, energy-efficient, and computer-operated insect and cannabis farming systems that incorporate photo-bioreactors for growing genetically modified microalgae to produce biosynthetic cannabinoids, and integrated systems for insect rearing, feeding, breeding, and processing to produce a range of products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale insect production facilities are implemented, then productivity and protein output increase, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The insect production system is divided into modular units including separate feeding chambers, breeding chambers, and processing modules. Each module can be independently configured and scaled, allowing high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The patent describes modular facilities where insect rearing, feeding, and processing occur in distinct but integrated sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility design integrates multiple functions into unified systems: the same infrastructure supports both insect rearing and processing operations, computer systems monitor both environmental conditions and production metrics, and processing equipment handles multiple insect species and product types. This multi-functionality increases productivity without linearly increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If high-density insect rearing is implemented, then productivity increases, but space requirements and environmental control needs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional floor space utilization to three-dimensional vertical stacking of rearing chambers. Multiple layers of insect housing are stacked vertically with automated feeding and monitoring systems that operate through vertical shafts and conveyors. This dimensional change dramatically increases production density without proportionally increasing facility footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility design nests multiple functional levels within each other: breeding chambers are nested within feeding structures, processing equipment is nested within rearing modules, and utility systems are nested within structural elements. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and enables high-density rearing within compact facility footprints.
3Ease of operation
If computer-operated automated systems are implemented, then ease of operation and reliability improve, but device complexity and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-operated system is designed to monitor and adjust environmental parameters, feed distribution, and processing operations autonomously based on pre-programmed protocols and real-time sensor data. The system self-corrects minor deviations and performs routine maintenance tasks without human intervention, improving ease of operation while keeping control complexity manageable through standardized algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor temperature, humidity, insect activity, and feed consumption, and the computer system automatically adjusts environmental controls and feeding mechanisms based on this real-time data. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating manual monitoring while maintaining manageable complexity through closed-loop control rather than open-loop automation.
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
These systems enable high-density production of insects and cannabis with minimal water and environmental impact, while providing a reliable source of protein, lipids, and pharmaceuticals, thus addressing food security and sustainability challenges.
Implementation Method 1
in a photo-bioreactor, growing microalgae which have been genetically modified to produce a biosynthetic cannabinoid, in a liquid nutrient medium
Data Source
AI summary
Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer operated Insect Production Superstructure Systems (IPSS) may be used to produce insects for human and animal consumption, and for the extraction and use of lipids for applications involving medicine, nanotechnology, consumer products, and chemical production with minimal water, feedstock, and environmental impact. An IPSS may comprise modules including feedstock mixing, feedstock splitting, insect feeding, insect breeding, insect collection, insect grinding, pathogen removal, multifunctional flour mixing, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.