Stackable Insect Container With Foldable Spawn Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable containers for insect breeding are not suitable for heights of over 15 containers and fail to maintain structural stability in climates with temperatures up to 40°C and humidity levels of 90%, and current insect spawning containers do not optimize egg-laying and hatching processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an open-topped, stackable plastic container with a unique corner structure for enhanced stability and a foldable spawn structure with a movable member and rigid plate for improved egg-laying and hatching efficiency, allowing for increased yield in insect breeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are stacked to increase height for breeding capacity, then productivity increases, but structural stability deteriorates at heights over 15 containers
Solution Approach 1:
The corner structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a hollow tubular post for vertical stacking alignment, multiple stacking ribs (at least three) radially arranged to distribute compressive loads, and a diagonal upright wall section for lateral support. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific load-bearing functions, enabling stable stacking of 21 or more containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking ribs are pre-configured with specific geometries and attachment points during container manufacturing. The hollow tubular post includes a pre-formed hole aligned with the post, and the stacking ribs are pre-attached to the post and/or diagonal wall section. This preliminary configuration ensures proper load distribution and structural integrity from the moment of stacking, eliminating the need for field adjustments.
2Strength
If container walls are thickened to improve structural strength, then stacking stability improves, but containment space volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner structure concentrates structural reinforcement locally at the corners where stacking loads are applied, rather than uniformly thickening all container walls. The hollow tubular post and stacking ribs provide localized strength at the corners, allowing the main container walls to remain thin and maximize containment volume while still supporting stacks of 21+ containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagonal upright wall section extends diagonally between adjoining upright walls, adding structural support in a diagonal dimension rather than relying solely on vertical wall thickness. This diagonal bracing creates a three-dimensional load distribution network that strengthens the corner without requiring thicker vertical walls, preserving containment volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If corner structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but stacking stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular post, stacking ribs, and diagonal upright wall section are merged into a single integrated corner structure component that can be injection molded as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for these load-bearing elements, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the complex geometry required for stacking 21+ containers stably.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tubular post serves multiple functions: it provides vertical alignment between stacked containers, acts as a structural pillar for compressive loads, and includes an integrated hole for receiving stacking pins from upper containers. The stacking ribs simultaneously attach to the post and/or diagonal wall section while distributing loads. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a spawn structure adapted for use in an insect breeding facility for breeding insects of the type with crawling mother beetles having a protractable egg-laying tube, in which the mother insects will spawn their eggs, comprising a foldable member with a fold section (51f) provided centrally between, and via hinges connected to, a perforated left-hand section (51a) and a perforated right-hand section (51 b); the spawn structure further comprising a rigid plate. The foldable member and the rigid plate (52) are movable with respect to each other between an open configuration and a closed spawning configuration. In the closed spawning configuration the foldable member is folded such that the left-hand section (51 a) and the right-hand section are parallel to each other, with the rigid plate sandwiched between the sections , creating a multitude of crevices having dimensions tuned to the egg-laying tube of the mother beetles. In the open configuration the foldable member is folded open allowing harvesting of the eggs. The invention also relates to a combination of such spawn structure and a container.