Pre-Dosed Insect Packages for Fast, Accurate Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect farming processes face inefficiencies due to the need for manual handling and increased effort in filling insects and substrate into containers, with weighing devices slowing down production and requiring precise dosage adjustments based on substrate properties.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device equipped with a robot unit that accurately dispenses a predetermined quantity of insects, matched to the substrate properties, directly or indirectly into containers, eliminating the need for manual handling and ensuring homogeneous distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weighing devices are used to check the quantity of larvae and substrate in containers, then the dosage accuracy is improved, but the production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining and marking the correct dosage positions for both substrate and larvae in the container before the actual filling process. The dosing device uses pre-set reference marks and programmed positioning to automatically place the correct amount of substrate and larvae without needing to weigh them during production, thus maintaining both accuracy and speed.
2Device complexity
If manual handling is used for filling insects and substrate into containers, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the work effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device applies self-service by automatically performing all filling operations without manual intervention. The device autonomously positions containers, dispenses substrate to marked levels, transfers larvae using a dosing spoon, and seals containers, completely eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining simple equipment design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the quantity of insects is not precisely matched to substrate properties, then the filling process is simplified, but the breeding success decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies feedback by using pre-determined substrate properties (volume, density, moisture content) to calculate and set the appropriate larvae dosage in advance. The dosing device is programmed with these parameters to automatically adjust the number of larvae dispensed based on the substrate characteristics, ensuring optimal breeding conditions without complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing device, arrangement and method for insect farming. The dosing device includes a storage unit designed to store a package containing a predetermined quantity of insects; a package containing insects stored in the storage unit; and a robot, which is arranged in a region of the at least one storage unit and at least one container, which is provided with a container substrate, is configured to remove the package containing the insects from the storage unit and to move the package with the insects to the container. The robot unit is further configured to directly or indirectly deposit the insects from the package into the container substrate.