An apparatus for trapping and collecting apple snails

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of prevention and control of the alien invasive species apple snail, and particularly relates to a kind of apple snail trapping and collecting device, which comprises a collecting barrel for being put into water, and a barrel cover movably connected to the top of the collecting barrel; a vertical telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the inside of the collecting barrel, the telescopic rod comprises a lower rod and an upper rod, the lower rod is provided with a vertical rod cavity, and the upper rod is vertically slidably connected in the rod cavity; the telescopic rod passes through the barrel cover, and the barrel cover is provided with a gap for the telescopic rod to pass through. Through the scheme, the apple snails are efficiently and cleanly trapped and collected at a fixed point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control technology for the invasive alien species golden apple snail, specifically to a golden apple snail trapping and collection device. Background Technology

[0002] The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is an amphibian freshwater mollusc belonging to the class Gastropoda, order Mesogastropoda, family Aquilegidae, and genus Aquilegia. Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, it was introduced to my country in 1981 as a food source. However, as a globally prevalent and highly invasive species, the golden apple snail is prolific and a strong interbreeder, serving as an intermediate host for Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In recent years, it has spread rapidly in some southern regions of my country, causing widespread damage in certain areas, and poses a risk of further northward expansion, seriously threatening agricultural production, aquatic ecosystems, and public health. Currently, physical control methods are crucial for population management, primarily including manual collection and setting up traps for egg-laying (such as bamboo poles).

[0003] However, existing physical control techniques have obvious limitations: manual collection is inefficient, and patrol personnel need to frequently come into contact with golden apple snails that may carry parasites, posing a health risk; while traditional fixed traps (such as bamboo strips and wooden sticks) still require manual scraping and collection after attracting golden apple snails or snail eggs, which is also time-consuming and laborious, and the cleaning process can easily cause golden apple snails and snail eggs to scatter, resulting in secondary spread. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a device for trapping and collecting golden apple snails, in order to solve the problems of cumbersome trapping operations, high labor intensity and the need for manual contact, as well as the inability to collect them.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a golden apple snail trapping and collection device, comprising a collection bucket for being placed in water, a bucket lid being movably connected to the top of the collection bucket; a vertical telescopic rod being fixedly connected inside the collection bucket, the telescopic rod comprising a lower rod and an upper rod, the lower rod having a vertical rod cavity, and the upper rod being vertically slidably connected in the rod cavity; the telescopic rod passes through the bucket lid, the bucket lid having a notch for the telescopic rod to pass through.

[0006] The principle and advantages of this design are as follows: the notch in the bucket ensures that the lid does not obstruct the extension rod from extending from the collection bucket. In use, the collection bucket is placed in the water with its top slightly above the water surface, the lid closed, and the extension rod extended, with the top of the upper rod above the lid. Research shows that golden apple snails have the characteristic of climbing above the water surface to lay their eggs and requiring exposure to air for proper hatching. The snails in the water will climb upwards along the side wall of the collection bucket, reaching the lid. From there, they continue along the lid to the extension rod, where some lay their eggs. When collecting golden apple snails, open the bucket lid to shorten the telescopic rod. The upper rod slides down along the lower rod, entering the rod cavity of the lower rod. As the golden apple snails and eggs on the upper rod pass the tip of the lower rod, the tip of the lower rod scrapes off all the snails and eggs from the upper rod. The scraped snails and eggs will fall into the collection box for automatic collection. After the golden apple snails and eggs on the upper rod have been scraped off and collected, close the bucket lid again to prevent the golden apple snails from crawling out of the collection box.

[0007] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0008] 1. By shortening the telescopic rod, the golden apple snails and their egg masses can be automatically scraped off. The scraped snails and eggs automatically fall into a collection bucket for collection. The entire process eliminates the need for manual removal of snails and eggs from the telescopic rod, simplifying the operation, reducing labor intensity, and minimizing contact with the snails and eggs, effectively avoiding the health risks associated with direct contact with intermediate hosts. The snails and eggs automatically fall into the collection bucket after scraping, preventing scattering and secondary spread. Furthermore, no additional collection is required, making the operation simple and convenient.

[0009] 2. The collection bucket is located in the water. Compared to the rod being directly inserted into the water, the surface area of ​​the collection bucket is larger than that of the rod. The walls and lid of the collection bucket provide more climbing area for the golden apple snails to climb onto the telescopic rod, which is conducive to more golden apple snails climbing upwards onto the telescopic rod.

[0010] 3. The lid not only covers the top of the collection bucket, preventing the golden apple snails collected inside from crawling out, but it also serves as the only way for the snails to climb onto the telescopic pole.

[0011] 4. This plan uses physical and mechanical methods and does not use chemical agents, so it does not pollute the aquatic ecological environment.

[0012] Preferably, as an improvement, the top of the lower rod is located inside the collection bucket;

[0013] Alternatively, when the lid is closed, the top of the lower rod should be above the lid, and the distance between the top of the lower rod and the lid should be ≤1-2cm.

[0014] Therefore, when the lid is closed, the tip of the lower rod will not be located on the outside of the lid, or even if the tip of the lower rod is located on the outside of the lid, the distance between the tip of the lower rod and the lid will be ≤1-2cm, and the length of the lower rod above the lid will be relatively short. In this way, the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the telescopic rod will basically not adhere to the lower rod, but will remain entirely on the upper rod.

[0015] Preferably, as an improvement, the collection bucket is provided with a first drive mechanism for automatically extending and retracting the telescopic rod.

[0016] Therefore, the telescopic rod is automatically extended and retracted via the first drive mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual operation, reducing hand contact with the rod and further minimizing the health risks associated with direct contact with intermediate hosts. Simultaneously, the automatic extension and retraction of the telescopic rod enhances the automation level of the device. The automatic shortening of the rod allows for the automatic scraping off of golden apple snails and their eggs, making operation simpler, more convenient, and more efficient.

[0017] Preferably, as an improvement, the upper rod has a chamber inside, and the side wall of the upper rod has multiple ventilation holes, and the chamber contains a trapping agent.

[0018] Therefore, the attractant is located inside the upper rod. The attractant emits an odor that attracts golden apple snails. The odor is released outward through the vents, thus attracting the snails to climb up the rod and lay their eggs there. In addition, the vents make the surface of the upper rod rough, which is conducive to the snails' crawling.

[0019] Preferably, as an improvement, the top of the lower rod is provided with a guide slope, the thickness of which gradually decreases from the bottom to the top of the guide slope, the top of the guide slope is a pointed tip, one side of the guide slope is a contact surface that fits against the side wall of the upper rod, and the other side of the guide slope is an inclined surface.

[0020] As the upper rod moves downwards, the golden apple snails and their eggs on it also move downwards. The snails and eggs then reach the guide section at the top of the lower rod. The sharp tip of the guide section "scoops" the snails and eggs off the upper rod, facilitating their detachment. The detached snails and eggs then fall downwards along the inclined surface. The thin tip of the guide section, by scooping the eggs off the upper rod and causing them to move downwards along the inclined surface, helps the entire egg mass to be laid as a whole.

[0021] Preferably, as an improvement, a scraper wire is fixedly connected to the top of the lower rod, and the scraper wire surrounds the outer side of the upper rod sidewall.

[0022] Therefore, the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod can also be scraped off by scraping silk. The golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod are moved to the scraping silk area, and the scraping silk scrapes the golden apple snails and snail eggs off the upper rod. The scraping silk is relatively fine, and when the scraping silk scrapes the snail eggs off the upper rod, it will not cause great damage to the snail eggs, which is conducive to scraping off the entire snail eggs in one piece.

[0023] In addition, compared with the guide bevel, the contact area between the scraper and the snail egg is smaller, making it less likely for the snail egg to adhere to the scraper.

[0024] Preferably, as an improvement, the scraper is a heating wire.

[0025] Freshly laid eggs of the golden apple snail are somewhat sticky, but their shells harden as moisture evaporates. If the eggs have been exposed to air for a period of time, the egg masses on the telescopic rod can be easily scraped off. However, when collecting newly laid eggs, a small number may still stick to the rod and are difficult to scrape off as a whole. To solve this problem, the inventors designed the scraper as a heating wire. By heating the wire with electricity, when scraping off some freshly laid egg masses, the scraper heats the part of the egg that is attached to the rod. This heating hardens the egg mass at the point of contact with the rod, making it easier to scrape off and preventing the egg mass from sticking to the telescopic rod.

[0026] Preferably, as an improvement, there are two bucket lids, which are rotatably connected to the top of the collection bucket. The rotating ends of the two bucket lids are far apart from each other, while the free ends of the two bucket lids are close to each other. The telescopic rod is located at the free ends of the two bucket lids, and the notch is located at the free ends of the bucket lids. The collection bucket is provided with a second drive mechanism for driving the bucket lids to automatically flip over.

[0027] Therefore, by controlling the automatic flipping of the lid through the second drive mechanism, the lid can be opened and closed automatically without manual operation. This makes operation simple and convenient, and the device is more automated. In this design, because the telescopic rod and the notch are both located at the free end of the lid, the telescopic rod does not affect the flipping of the lid during the process, and the lid can open and close normally. If the telescopic rod were located in other parts, it might affect the opening and closing of the lid, and the lid could not be opened and closed by rotation.

[0028] Preferably, as an improvement, both the lower rod and the upper rod are square rods; the four side walls of the lower rod are equipped with counting sensors; when the lid is closed, the top of the lower rod is higher than the lid, and the counting sensors are located above the lid;

[0029] The collection bin is equipped with a controller, which is electrically connected to the counting sensor.

[0030] As a result, the golden apple snails climb upwards along the collection bucket and onto the lid. From the lid, they climb onto the telescopic rod. Since the counting sensor is located on the lower rod and above the lid, when the golden apple snails climb upwards along the side wall of the lower rod to the upper rod, they pass the counting sensor. The counting sensor senses the golden apple snails and transmits the signal to the controller, which counts the snails. Therefore, this device also has the function of counting the golden apple snails that climb onto the upper rod.

[0031] When the golden apple snails and their eggs are scraped off the upper rod, the snail and egg masses fall downwards and pass through the counting sensor. The counting sensor senses the golden apple snails and egg masses and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller counts the golden apple snails and egg masses, so this device can monitor the total number of golden apple snails and egg masses scraped off.

[0032] Therefore, this device eliminates the need for manual calculation of golden apple snails and their eggs, making it simple and convenient to operate. It allows personnel to easily obtain relevant statistical data such as the number of trapped golden apple snails and the number of egg masses, thus realizing the counting and monitoring function of adult snails and their eggs. This provides important data support for studying the degree of harm caused by golden apple snails and analyzing the risk of invasion.

[0033] Preferably, as an improvement, the bottom of the collection bucket is fixedly connected with a prong. The prong is used to insert into the mud at the bottom of the water, so that the collection bucket can be stably positioned in the water.

[0034] Preferably, as an improvement, the collection bucket includes an upper bucket and a lower bucket, the top of the lower bucket and the bottom of the upper bucket are fixedly connected, and the plug is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower bucket; the side wall of the lower bucket is made of a flexible telescopic material; a third drive mechanism for driving the upper bucket to move vertically is provided inside the lower bucket, and a liquid level sensor is provided on the side of the top of the upper bucket;

[0035] The collection tank is equipped with a controller, and the liquid level sensor and the third drive mechanism are electrically connected to the controller.

[0036] To facilitate the climbing of golden apple snails onto the lid, the top of the collection bucket is slightly above the water level. However, due to the fluctuating water levels in some rivers and wetlands, when the water level rises, it submerges the lid, allowing water to enter the collection bucket. Conversely, when the water level drops, it is too far from the lid, hindering the snails' climb. To address this issue, the inventors installed a liquid level sensor on the top side of the upper bucket. This sensor detects the liquid level and transmits the information to a controller when it changes. The controller then controls a third drive mechanism, which moves the upper bucket vertically. This allows the top of the upper bucket to adapt to the changing water level, always maintaining a slightly elevated position. This prevents water from rising and entering the collection bucket, and also avoids the snails being unable to climb to the lid due to a drop in water level. The flexible, stretchable material in this design automatically extends or shortens according to the movement of the upper bucket. This material also wraps around the third drive mechanism, preventing it from becoming submerged.

[0037] When this device has a counting function, this application also relates to a method for counting and monitoring golden apple snails and snail egg masses, including the following steps:

[0038] S1. Place the collection bucket in the water. The golden apple snails climb onto the pole. The golden apple snails pass through the counting sensor. The counting sensor senses the golden apple snails and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller counts the golden apple snails, and the count is 'a'.

[0039] S2. When collecting golden apple snails, the golden apple snails and egg masses on the upper rod are scraped off. The golden apple snails and egg masses pass through the counting sensor. The counting sensor senses the golden apple snails and egg masses and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller counts the total number of falling golden apple snails and egg masses, and the count is b.

[0040] S3. Calculate the number of egg masses according to the formula ba.

[0041] Therefore, this method can calculate the number of golden apple snails climbing onto the telescopic pole and the number of their egg masses, achieving counting and monitoring without the need for manual counting, and is simple and convenient to operate.

[0042] In summary, this invention not only simultaneously removes adult snails and snail eggs, but also innovatively achieves separate counting and monitoring of the two, effectively solving the pain points of traditional methods such as cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and inability to collect data centrally. It significantly reduces the labor intensity and direct contact risk of manual cleaning. The obtained data on the number of adult snails and egg masses provides crucial data support for accurately assessing the degree of harm caused by golden apple snails and analyzing their invasion risk. Furthermore, as a physical control method, it produces no chemical pollution throughout the entire process. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a golden apple snail trapping and collection device (with the lid closed).

[0044] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of A in the middle.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a golden apple snail trapping and collection device (with the lid open).

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of B in the middle.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a golden apple snail trapping and collection device (with the lid open), mainly illustrating the internal structure of the collection bucket.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the placement of a collection bucket into the water.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic rod.

[0050] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of C.

[0051] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A magnified view of D.

[0052] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A magnified view of E in the middle.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable-height collection bucket.

[0054] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the filament scraper setup.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of an inward-turning snail trapping and collection device (with the lid open). Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0057] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Collection bucket; 2. Insert; 3. Bucket cover; 4. Upper rod; 5. Rotating block; 6. Lower rod; 7. Second motor; 8. Coupling; 9. Rotating shaft; 10. Box; 11. Rod seat; 12. Baffle; 13. Soil; 14. Water; 15. Lower bucket section; 16. Upper bucket section; 17. Bottom of lower bucket section; 18. Third motor; 19. Second lead screw; 20. Liquid level sensor; 21. Placement box; 22. Through hole; 23. Vent hole; 24. Moving block; 25. First lead screw; 26. First motor; 27. Guide slope; 28. Launching plate; 29. ​​Receiving plate; 30. Notch; 32. Cover; 33. Support rod; 34. Scraper.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] The basics are as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown: This embodiment discloses a golden apple snail trapping and collection device, including a collection bucket 1 for placing in water 14. The collection bucket 1 is a square bucket, and the material of the collection bucket 1 can be steel or plastic. The bottom of the collection bucket 1 is fixed with four prongs 2 by bolts or welding. The bottom of the prongs 2 is pointed, so as to facilitate insertion into the mud 13 at the bottom of the water 14 in ponds, paddy fields, riverbanks, lakebanks, and reservoirs.

[0060] A lid 3 is movably connected to the top of the collection bucket 1. The lid 3 can be connected in various ways, such as a horizontal sliding connection, a vertical sliding connection, or a rotating connection. This embodiment preferentially uses a rotating connection. Specifically, there are two lids 3. One end of each lid 3 is a rotating end, and these rotating ends are spaced apart and rotatably connected (e.g., via a pivot or hinge) to the top edge of the collection bucket 1. The other end of each lid 3 is a free end, which is brought close together and faces each other. The lids 3 are closed by folding them over. Figure 1 (as shown) and open ( Figure 3 (As shown). In this embodiment, the collection bucket 1 is a square bucket. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be other shapes, such as a round bucket.

[0061] A vertical telescopic rod is fixedly connected inside the collection bucket 1. In this embodiment, the telescopic rod includes a lower rod 6 and an upper rod 4. The lower rod 6 has a vertical rod cavity, and the upper rod 4 is vertically slidably connected to the rod cavity. The telescopic rod can extend or retract by sliding the upper rod 4 vertically within the rod cavity of the lower rod 6. The telescopic rod and the collection bucket 1 are fixed together. Figure 5 As shown, a rod seat 11 is welded to the bottom of the lower rod 6, and the rod seat 11 is fixed to the bottom of the inside of the collection bucket 1 by screws.

[0062] This embodiment illustrates three telescopic rods; however, in other embodiments, other numbers may be used. In this embodiment, all three telescopic rods are located at the free ends of the two bucket lids 3, and are arranged sequentially along the free ends of the two bucket lids 3. The telescopic rods pass through the bucket lids 3. Specifically, in conjunction with… Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, both bucket lids 3 have notches 30 at their free ends for the telescopic rod to pass through. When the two bucket lids 3 are closed, the notches 30 of the two bucket lids 3 are opposite each other. In this way, the telescopic rod will not affect the closing or opening of the bucket lids 3, whether they are in the closed state or during the opening process.

[0063] In this embodiment, the top end of the lower rod 6 is located inside the collection bucket 1, so that when the bucket lid 3 is closed, the top end of the lower rod 6 is below the bucket lid 3. Alternatively, even if the top end of the lower rod 6 is above the bucket lid 3 when the bucket lid 3 is closed, the distance between the top end of the lower rod 6 and the bucket lid 3 is ≤1-2cm.

[0064] In this embodiment, the upper rod 4 has an internal chamber, and the side wall of the upper rod 4 has multiple vent holes 23. The chamber contains a lure for attracting golden apple snails (such as a slow-release gel mixed with the juice of plants that golden apple snails prefer). The odor of the lure inside the upper rod 4 can be released through the vent holes 23.

[0065] The dimensions of this device can be set according to specific circumstances. This embodiment provides the following dimensional examples: the vertical length of the insertion pin 2 is 15-20cm; the length and width of the collection bucket 1 are both 15-30cm; the height of the collection bucket 1 is 20-40cm; the length of the upper rod 4 is 20-30cm. The upper rod 4 and lower rod 6 can be round or square rods; this embodiment uses square rods. The width of the cross-section of the upper rod 4 and lower rod 6 is 1-2cm.

[0066] The specific implementation process is as follows: (Combined with...) Figure 6 As shown, insert the prong 2 into the soil 13 in the water 14, fix the collection bucket 1 into the water 14, with the top of the collection bucket 1 slightly higher than the water surface (1-5cm above the water surface), so that the bucket lid 3 is in the closed state, pull the telescopic rod, the telescopic rod is in the extended state, and the top of the upper rod 4 of the telescopic rod is above the bucket lid 3.

[0067] Based on the climbing characteristic of golden apple snails when laying eggs, the golden apple snails in water 14 will climb up the side wall of the collection bucket 1. The golden apple snails climb onto the bucket lid 3 of the collection bucket 1, and continue to move along the bucket lid 3 to the telescopic rod, and climb up the telescopic rod. Some of the golden apple snails lay eggs on the telescopic rod, and the eggs are stuck to the side wall of the upper rod 4.

[0068] When it is necessary to collect golden apple snails, such as Figure 3As shown, open the lid 3 and press the top of the upper rod 4 with your hand to move it downwards into the lower rod 6, shortening the telescopic rod. As the golden apple snails and eggs on the upper rod 4 pass the top of the lower rod 6, the top of the lower rod 6 will scrape off all the golden apple snails and egg masses from the upper rod 4, which will fall into the collection box for collection. After the golden apple snails and egg masses on the upper rod 4 have been scraped off and collected, keep the lid 3 closed on top of the collection bucket 1 to prevent the golden apple snails from crawling out of the collection bucket 1.

[0069] The telescopic rod can be extended further so that the top of the upper rod 4 is above the bucket lid 3, and the same method can be used to continue to attract and lure the golden apple snails, thereby trapping and collecting the golden apple snails in the water 14.

[0070] After collecting the golden apple snails and their eggs, the collection bucket 1 can be removed from the water, and the snails and eggs can be emptied from the bucket. Alternatively, a discharge door can be installed on the bottom or side wall of the collection bucket 1, with a sealing strip on its edge. When the collection bucket 1 is submerged, the discharge door is closed. To remove the golden apple snails and eggs from the collection bucket 1, the collection bucket 1 is removed from the water, and the discharge door is opened, allowing the snails and eggs to exit through the discharge door.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] This embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the collection bucket 1 is equipped with a first drive mechanism for automatically extending and retracting the telescopic rod. Combined with... Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor 26, which is located inside the lower rod 6 and fixed (e.g., by snap-fit ​​or screws) to the bottom of the collection bucket 1. A vertical first lead screw 25 is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the first motor 26. A movable block 24 is welded and fixed inside the bottom of the upper rod 4, and the movable block 24 is threadedly connected to the first lead screw 25. Thus, by rotating the first motor 26, the first motor 26 drives the first lead screw 25 to rotate, and the first lead screw 25 drives the movable block 24 to move vertically, thereby realizing the vertical movement of the upper rod 4 and achieving automatic extension and retraction of the telescopic rod. This eliminates the need for manual operation, making the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod simple and convenient.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the upper rod 4 moves vertically, to avoid interference between the attractant and the first lead screw 25, the following measures are taken: Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the attractant is installed at the top of the upper rod 4, so that the attractant will not collide with the first lead screw 25 during the vertical movement of the upper rod 4. The specific arrangement of the attractant in this embodiment is as follows: the top of the upper rod 4 has an insertion hole, into which a placement box 21 is inserted. The placement box 21 has a through hole 22, and the attractant is placed in the placement box 21. This allows the odor of the attractant to dissipate outwards through the through hole 22, the chamber of the upper rod 4, and the vent 23.

[0074] Of course, in other embodiments, the first motor 26 and the first lead screw 25 can also be located on the outside of the lower rod 6 instead of inside it. In this case, the side wall of the lower rod 6 has a vertical strip hole, and a movable block is welded to the bottom outer side of the upper rod 4. The movable block passes through the strip hole, and the part of the movable block located on the outside of the lower rod 6 is threadedly connected to the first lead screw 25. In this way, the first motor 26 drives the first lead screw 25 to rotate, the first lead screw 25 drives the movable block to move, the movable block moves vertically in the strip hole, and the movable block drives the upper rod 4 to move, thereby realizing the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod. At this time, since the first lead screw is no longer located in the upper rod 4, the first lead screw 25 will not interfere with the trapping agent, and the trapping agent does not need to be placed only at the top of the upper rod 4, but can be placed at any position in the internal cavity of the upper rod 4.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] This embodiment improves the top of the lower rod 6, combining... Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the lower rod 6 is provided with a guide slope 27. The thickness of the guide slope 27 gradually decreases from the bottom to the top. The top of the guide slope 27 is a pointed tip. One side of the guide slope 27 is a vertical contact surface that fits against the side wall of the upper rod 4, and the other side of the guide slope 27 is an inclined surface.

[0077] As a result, the upper rod 4 moves downwards, and the golden apple snails and eggs on it move downwards together. The golden apple snails and eggs on the upper rod 4 then move to the guide slope 27 at the top of the lower rod 6. The tip of the guide slope 27 scrapes away the golden apple snails and egg mass on the upper rod 4, thus facilitating their detachment from the upper rod 4. The detached golden apple snails and egg mass fall downwards along the inclined surface. The thin tip of the guide slope 27 helps to scrape the egg mass off the upper rod 4 and move it downwards along the inclined surface, preserving the integrity of the egg mass and scraping it off as a whole.

[0078] Example 4

[0079] Combination Figure 12As shown, the guide bevel 27 may not be provided at the top of the lower rod 6. In this case, a scraper wire 34 can be fixedly connected to the top of the lower rod 6. Specifically, vertical support rods 33 are welded, bonded, screwed, or snapped at the four corners of the top of the lower rod 6. Scraper wires 34 are connected between adjacent support rods 33. The scraper wires 34 can be fixed to the support rods 33 by welding, snapping, wrapping, or tethering. The diameter of the scraper wire 34 is no greater than 0.1mm. The scraper wire 34 can be made of metal or non-metal (such as fishing line material). The scraper wire 34 is wrapped around the outer side wall of the upper rod 4. The scraper wire 34 is 0.5-1cm away from the top of the lower rod 6. The scraper wire 34 is attached to the outer side wall of the upper rod 4.

[0080] Therefore, as the lower rod 6 moves downward, the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod 4 move to the scraper 34. The scraper 34 scrapes off the golden apple snails and egg masses on the side of the upper rod 4. The scraper 34 is relatively thin, and when the scraper 34 scrapes the snail egg masses off the upper rod 4, it is beneficial to scrape off the egg masses as a whole.

[0081] Freshly laid eggs of the golden apple snail are somewhat sticky, but their shells harden as moisture evaporates. If the eggs have been exposed to air for a period of time, the egg mass on the upper rod can be easily scraped off. However, when collecting freshly laid eggs, even if the scraper 34 passes over the eggs, a small portion of the eggs may still stick to the upper rod 4 and cannot be scraped off entirely. Therefore, in other embodiments, the scraper 34 is a metal heating wire, and its end is wrapped with an insulating protective layer, which is fixed to the support rod 33. By energizing the heating wire, heat can be generated (heating temperature, for example, 50-100℃). When the exposed scraper wire 34 scrapes off some of the newly laid snail eggs, the scraper wire 34 can heat the part of the snail eggs that are attached to the upper rod 4, causing the part of the snail eggs that are attached to the upper rod 4 to harden. Through heating, the part of the egg mass that is attached to the upper rod hardens and is formed. After being scraped by the scraper wire 34, it is easier for the whole egg mass to fall off the side wall of the upper rod 4.

[0082] Example 5

[0083] Combination Figures 3-5 As shown, this embodiment improves the driving method for rotating the lid. In this embodiment, the lid 3 is no longer simply rotated on top of the collection bucket 1 via a pivot and hinge as in Embodiment 1.

[0084] In this embodiment, the collection bucket 1 is equipped with a second drive mechanism for automatically flipping the lid 3. Specifically, the second drive mechanism includes a second motor 7. The top of the collection bucket 1 has a motor slot, and the second motor 7 is installed in the motor slot. The output shaft of the second motor 7 is connected to a transverse rotating shaft 9 via a coupling 8. The top of the collection bucket 1 has a rotating groove, and a rotating block 5 is integrally fixed to the rotating end of the lid 3. The rotating shaft 9 passes through the rotating block 5, and the rotating shaft 9 and the rotating block 5 are fixedly connected (for example, the rotating shaft 9 is a splined shaft, the rotating block 5 has a splined groove, and the splined shaft passes through the splined groove). The rotating shaft 9 is inserted into the top of the collection bucket 1. Thus, the second motor 7 drives the rotating shaft 9 to rotate at the top of the collection bucket 1, the rotating shaft 9 drives the rotating block 5 to rotate together, and the rotating block 5 drives the lid 3 to flip, realizing the automatic closing and opening of the lid 3.

[0085] Combination Figure 3 As shown, a cover 32 is placed over the motor slot. The cover 32 is fixed to the collection bucket 1 with screws. In this way, the cover 32 can cover the motor slot and prevent the second motor 7 from being exposed.

[0086] In both Embodiment 2 and this embodiment, the collection bucket 1 has an internal housing 10 containing a battery. The battery is electrically connected to the first motor 26 via wires, and also electrically connected to the second motor 7 via wires. The bottom of the collection bucket 1 has a wire channel through which the wires pass and connect to the first motor 26. A baffle 12 covers the bottom of the collection bucket 1, thus shielding the wire channel. The wires connected to the second motor 7 are embedded inside the side wall of the collection bucket 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., a control chip, microcontroller, etc.) can also be installed inside the housing 10. The controller is electrically connected to the battery and to both the first motor 26 and the second motor 7. A button for operating the controller can be installed on the top of the collection bin 1, or the controller can be connected wirelessly (via WiFi or Bluetooth) to a remote control (or mobile phone) independent of the collection bin 1. This allows control of the controller by pressing the button or by the operator using the remote control (or mobile phone). Upon receiving the control signal command, the controller controls the first motor 26 and the second motor 7, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod and the folding of the lid 3. This makes the device more intelligent.

[0088] Example 6

[0089] Based on Embodiment 5, the device is further optimized. In this embodiment, when the lid 3 is closed, the top of the lower rod 6 is higher than the lid 3 (located on the outside of the lid 3). Counting sensors are provided on all four side walls of the lower rod 6; and the counting sensors are located above the lid 3 when it is closed. The controller and the counting sensors are electrically connected.

[0090] In this embodiment, the counting sensor is an optical sensor, specifically including an optical signal transmitter and an optical signal receiver, combined with... Figure 2 As shown, a transmitter plate 28 and a receiver plate 29 are fixed to each of the four sides of the top of the lower rod 6. The transmitter plate 28 and the receiver plate 29 are arranged opposite each other, and the gap between the transmitter plate 28 and the receiver plate 29 is the gap through which the golden apple snail or egg mass passes. The light signal transmitter is mounted on the transmitter plate 28, and the light signal receiver is mounted on the receiver plate 29. When the golden apple snail or egg mass does not pass through the gap between the transmitter plate 28 and the receiver plate 29, the light emitted by the light signal transmitter is received by the light signal receiver. When the golden apple snail or egg mass passes through the gap between the transmitter plate 28 and the receiver plate 29, the light emitted by the light signal transmitter is blocked by the golden apple snail or egg mass, and the light reception by the light signal receiver is interrupted, thus indicating that a golden apple snail or egg mass has passed through the gap between the transmitter plate 28 and the receiver plate 29.

[0091] This embodiment also relates to a method for counting golden apple snails and snail egg masses, including the following steps:

[0092] S1. Place the collection bucket 1 into the water 14. The apple snail climbs onto the bucket lid 3 and then climbs up the lower rod 6 to the upper rod 4. Since there are counting sensors on all four sides of the top of the lower rod 6, the apple snail will always pass through the gap between the transmitting plate 28 and the receiving plate 29, no matter which side it climbs from. The apple snail blocks the light, and the light signal receiver is interrupted. The light signal receiver transmits the interruption signal to the controller. The controller counts the number of interruption signals to obtain the number of apple snails, which is a.

[0093] S2. When collecting golden apple snails, the upper rod 4 is moved downwards. At this time, the golden apple snails and egg masses on the upper rod 4 are scraped off. The scraped golden apple snails and egg masses fall downwards and pass between the emitting plate 28 and the receiving plate 29. Similarly, through the light sensing, the controller counts the total number of falling golden apple snails and egg masses, and the count is b.

[0094] S3. Calculate the number of egg masses according to the formula ba.

[0095] Example 7

[0096] In this embodiment, the height of the collection bucket 1 can be adjusted according to the liquid level. Specifically, in combination with Figure 11As shown, the collection bucket 1 in this embodiment includes an upper bucket 16 and a lower bucket 15. The top of the lower bucket 15 and the bottom of the upper bucket 16 are integrally fixedly connected, and the plug 2 is fixedly connected to the bottom 17 of the lower bucket 15. The side wall of the lower bucket 15 is made of a flexible and extensible material, such as rubber or plastic, and the side wall of the lower bucket 15 is a square corrugated tube. A third drive mechanism for driving the upper bucket 16 to move vertically is provided inside the lower bucket 15, and a liquid level sensor 20 is installed on the side of the top of the upper bucket 16. The third drive mechanism in this embodiment includes a third motor 18 and a second lead screw 19. The third motor 18 is fixed to the bottom 17 of the lower bucket 18, and the output shaft of the second lead screw 19 and the third motor 18 are coaxially fixedly connected. The second lead screw 19 passes vertically through the bottom of the upper bucket 16, and the second lead screw 19 is threadedly connected to the bottom of the upper bucket 16.

[0097] The liquid level sensor 20 and the third motor 18 are both electrically connected to the controller. In this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 20 (e.g., an ultrasonic liquid level sensor or a float-type liquid level sensor) is capable of detecting the height of the liquid surface.

[0098] Therefore, the liquid level sensor 20 detects the liquid level. When the liquid level changes, the liquid level sensor 20 transmits the information to the controller. The controller controls the third motor 18 to rotate, and the third motor 18 controls the second lead screw 19 to rotate, thereby controlling the upper barrel 16 to move vertically. This restores the distance between the top of the upper barrel 16 and the liquid surface to the initial state. The distance between the top of the upper barrel 16 and the liquid surface remains unchanged. That is, when the liquid level rises, the upper barrel 16 also moves upward by a corresponding distance, and when the liquid level falls, the upper barrel 16 also falls by a corresponding distance.

[0099] This avoids the liquid level rising while the top of collection bucket 1 remains unchanged, preventing liquid from entering collection bucket 1. It also avoids the liquid level dropping while the top of collection bucket 1 remains unchanged, which would increase the distance between the liquid level and the top of collection bucket 1, thus preventing the golden apple snails from climbing onto the bucket lid 3.

[0100] Example 8

[0101] Combination Figure 13 As shown, the above embodiment discloses an outward-folding opening method for the lid 3, meaning that after the lid 3 is opened, it is located on the outer side of the top of the collection bucket 1. This embodiment discloses an inward-folding opening method for the lid 3. With this method, the edge of the lid 3 will not extend beyond the inner wall of the collection bucket 1; the edge of the lid 3 is located on the inner side of the inner wall of the collection bucket 1. Using the inward-folding opening method, when the lid 3 is opened, it folds inward towards the inside of the collection bucket 1. Compared to the outward-folding method, any remaining golden apple snails on the lid 3 will fall into the collection bucket 1 for collection, preventing the remaining snails from falling to the outside of the collection bucket 1 when the lid is opened outward.

[0102] The second drive mechanism in this embodiment includes a second motor 7, which is mounted and fixed on the outside or side wall of the collection bucket. A protective cover for protecting the second motor 7 may be provided on the collection bucket. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image). The output shaft of the second motor 7 is connected to a transverse rotating shaft via a coupling. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the end of the bucket lid away from the telescopic rod (for example, the rotating shaft is a splined shaft, the bucket lid has a spline groove, and the splined shaft passes through the spline groove). The rotating shaft is inserted into the top of the collection bucket 1 and is rotatably positioned on the top of the collection bucket 1. Thus, the second motor 7 drives the rotating shaft to rotate on the top of the collection bucket 1, and the rotating shaft drives the bucket lid 3 to flip, realizing the automatic closing and inward opening of the bucket lid 3.

[0103] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for trapping and collecting golden apple snails, characterized in that: The device includes a collection bucket for placement in water, with a lid movably connected to the top of the collection bucket; a vertical telescopic rod is fixedly connected inside the collection bucket, the telescopic rod including a lower rod and an upper rod, the lower rod having a vertical rod cavity, and the upper rod being vertically slidably connected in the rod cavity; the telescopic rod passes through the lid, the lid having a notch for the telescopic rod to pass through. The upper rod has a cavity inside, and the side wall of the upper rod has multiple ventilation holes. The cavity is filled with a trapping agent. Both the lower rod and the upper rod are square rods; each of the four side walls of the lower rod is equipped with a counting sensor; when the lid is closed, the top of the lower rod is higher than the lid, and the counting sensor is located above the lid; The collection bucket is equipped with a controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the counting sensor. The bottom of the collection bucket is fixedly connected with a pin; The collection bucket includes an upper bucket and a lower bucket. The top of the lower bucket and the bottom of the upper bucket are fixedly connected. The pin is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower bucket. The side wall of the lower bucket is made of a flexible telescopic material. The lower bucket is equipped with a third drive mechanism for driving the upper bucket to move vertically. A liquid level sensor is provided on the side of the top of the upper bucket. The liquid level sensor and the third drive mechanism are both electrically connected to the controller. When it is necessary to collect golden apple snails, open the bucket lid to shorten the telescopic rod. The upper rod slides down along the lower rod and enters the rod cavity of the lower rod. When the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod pass the top of the lower rod, the top of the lower rod will scrape off all the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod. The scraped golden apple snails and snail eggs will fall into the collection bucket for automatic collection. After the golden apple snails and snail eggs on the upper rod have been scraped off and collected, close the bucket lid again on the top of the collection bucket.

2. The golden apple snail trapping and collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collection bucket is equipped with a first drive mechanism for automatically extending and retracting the telescopic pole.

3. The golden apple snail trapping and collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower rod has a guide slope at its top end. The thickness of the guide slope gradually decreases from the bottom to the top. The top end of the guide slope is a pointed tip. One side of the guide slope is a fitting surface that fits against the side wall of the upper rod, and the other side of the guide slope is an inclined surface.

4. The golden apple snail trapping and collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A scraper wire is fixedly connected to the top of the lower rod, and the scraper wire surrounds the outer side of the upper rod sidewall.

5. The golden apple snail trapping and collecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The scraper wire is an electric heating wire.

6. The golden apple snail trapping and collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collection bucket has two lids, which are rotatably connected to the top of the collection bucket. The rotating ends of the two lids are far apart from each other, while the free ends of the two lids are close to each other. The telescopic rod is located at the free ends of the two lids, and the notch is located at the free ends of the lids. The collection bucket is equipped with a second drive mechanism for automatically flipping the lids.

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