Automated Worm Climate Control for Pathogen Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current worm production methods are inefficient and unsuitable for industrial scale, as they are seasonal, labor-intensive, and lack control over pathogen presence, leading to unpredictable output and potential microbial infections in animal feed.
Innovation Solution
A method involving automated climate control and detection for raising worms, which includes providing worm feed, determining average worm properties, and adjusting temperature, humidity, and pH to optimize growth and pathogen reduction, allowing for predictable and pathogen-free worm production throughout the year.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional worm breeding methods are used, then worm production is possible, but it is seasonal and dependent on temperature and humidity conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling temperature and humidity parameters in the worm breeding environment. Climate control systems maintain optimal conditions (temperature: 15-25°C, humidity: 60-80%) regardless of external seasonal variations, enabling consistent year-round worm production that is not dependent on natural climate conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual, experience-based worm breeding with an automated system that uses sensors and control mechanisms to monitor and adjust environmental parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with automated climate control systems ensures reliable, consistent production throughout the year
2Productivity
If manual worm breeding methods are used, then worm production is possible, but it is labor-intensive and lacks control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment methods with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and worm growth parameters. The system automatically adjusts environmental conditions based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal breeding conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through integrated sensors and control mechanisms. The climate control system automatically responds to changing conditions without human intervention, making the operation simple and reducing labor requirements while maintaining high productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If worms are raised under high hygienic standards, then animal health is improved, but the count of beneficial microorganisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by precisely controlling environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, pH) to favor the growth of beneficial microorganisms while suppressing pathogens. The system maintains specific parameter ranges that promote microbial diversity and beneficial bacteria in the worm gut, reducing pathogen presence without compromising microbial activity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor microbial conditions and adjust environmental parameters accordingly. This feedback control allows the system to maintain optimal conditions for beneficial microorganisms while preventing pathogen proliferation, balancing hygiene standards with microbial diversity
4Productivity
If excess worms are produced, then feed composition availability is improved, but energy and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor worm growth and population in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustment of feeding rates and environmental conditions. This feedback control ensures that resources are allocated efficiently based on actual worm needs, preventing overproduction and associated energy waste while maintaining sufficient supply for feed composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the worm breeding system adaptive and responsive to changing conditions and demands. The system can dynamically adjust production rates based on real-time monitoring of worm growth, environmental conditions, and feed requirements, optimizing resource utilization and preventing energy waste from excess production
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
Enables efficient, year-round production of worms with controlled pathogen levels, reducing microbial infections and labor, and ensuring consistent output, suitable for industrial-scale animal feed applications.
Implementation Method 1
automatically determining at least one average property of worms present in the substrate
Implementation Method 2
adjusting temperature, humidity, and pH to optimize growth
Implementation Method 3
adjusting temperature, humidity, and pH to optimize growth
Implementation Method 4
adjusting temperature, humidity, and pH to optimize growth and pathogen reduction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a feed composition, comprising, essentially consisting of or consisting of one or more worm(s), the method comprising the steps: i) providing one or more worm(s) and/or providing one or more cocoon(s) of one or more worm(s), ii) placing the worm(s) and/or cocoon(s) provided in step i) on or within a substrate, iii) raising the provided worm(s) and/or worm(s) hatched from the cocoon(s), wherein raising includes providing worm feed to the one or more worm(s), iv) automatically determining at least one average property of worms present in the substrate, v) automatically adjusting at least one climate parameter to control an ambient climate of the substrate in dependence on the determined average property of worms in the substrate, and vi) collecting the, one, two, three or more or all worm(s) to obtain the feed composition.