Rotating Larvae Rearing Tray for Automated Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for rearing and harvesting insect larvae are inefficient, costly, and difficult to operate independently, particularly in decentralized locations, due to high investment costs, need for personnel for container handling, and inability to process insect larvae without extensive post-processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising at least one mast tub, a draft material, and a carrier structure, where the mast tub can be rotated from a first position to a second position to automatically harvest insect larvae, and the carrier structure includes features such as ventilation openings, filling openings, and a drive agent for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional production systems use individual fertilization trays that are stacked or semi-automated, then at least partially automated filling and harvesting is allowed, but the systems are difficult or impossible to scale down economically and require investment-intensive facilities for post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the production process into separate modular units: fattening troughs for rearing, a separate harvesting station with rotating mechanism, and optional post-processing facilities. This segmentation allows automated harvesting through rotation while enabling flexible scaling - small systems can omit complex post-processing facilities and handle larvae manually or with simpler equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting function is extracted from the fattening troughs and implemented as a separate rotating mechanism at a dedicated harvesting station. This extraction allows the fattening troughs to remain simple, modular units while automation is concentrated in the harvesting station, reducing the need for complex automated systems throughout the entire facility.
2Productivity
If conventional production systems are scaled up to compete with conventional animal feed, then larger quantities of side streams can be processed, but high investment costs and requirement for personnel for container handling prevent autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mechanism at the harvesting station enables self-service automated harvesting - the system harvests larvae automatically through rotation without requiring personnel for container handling. This self-service capability allows autonomous operation even at scaled-up productivity levels, as the automation is built into the core harvesting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic rotating mechanism that can adjust its operation to match production needs. The rotation-based harvesting provides flexible, adaptive automation that can scale with productivity requirements while maintaining autonomous operation, unlike static conventional systems that require continuous manual intervention.
3Reliability
If conventional production systems require investment-intensive facilities for post-processing, then insect larvae can be stored, but the systems cannot be operated autonomously and are difficult to scale down economically
Solution Approach 1:
Storage capability is segmented as an optional, separate post-processing facility rather than an integrated requirement. This allows the core rearing and harvesting system to be scaled down economically for local operations while storage and post-processing can be added later or handled manually, providing flexibility in system scaling and adaptation to different operational needs.
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 enables efficient, automated rearing and harvesting of insect larvae, reducing operational costs and allowing for decentralized operation, while improving the quality and efficiency of insect larval processing.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one fattening trough can be rotated from a first position to a second position, such that a content of the fattening trough falls out of the fattening trough in the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for raising and harvesting insect larvae, comprising at least one rearing tray (20), at least one support structure (40), and at least one drive means (30), wherein the rearing tray (20) has a bottom and at least one side wall, and the bottom and side wall define a rearing tray volume (21). The drive means (30) and the at least one rearing tray (20) are operatively connected to each other, such that the at least one rearing tray (20) can be rotated from a first position to a second position, so that the contents of the rearing tray (20) fall out of the rearing tray (20) in the second position.