A raccoon trap

Abstract

The utility model relates to a small -size animal trapping device, specifically disclose a kind of otter trapping cage, including trapping box;A trapping hole is opened in the front of trapping box, and the moving door that is controlled to open / close by inductive component is equipped at trapping hole, and inductive component is arranged at the top of trapping box;Observation port for observing internal condition is equipped at the side of trapping box;Trapping box is provided with the movable door that can be turned over and opened;Otter is drilled into trapping box through trapping hole, and otter in the box is inducted by inductive component, and moving door is controlled to close trapping hole;The condition of otter in the box is observed through observation port, and otter can be taken out by opening movable door.The utility model reaches the beneficial effect is: improve trapping efficiency and will not lead to otter stress, simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of small animal trapping devices, and in particular to an otter trapping cage. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing otter-catching devices use nets for capture, and there is no design for a capture cage that makes the otter feel comfortable and does not cause stress. Using nets will frighten the otters.

[0003] Otters are very fast-moving animals, and because they are relatively small, they are easily startled and have a strong tendency to attack. Therefore, catching otters often requires a lot of time and effort. Due to the otters' nature, humans can easily stress them when trying to catch them, which can lead to human scratches or even injury or death to the otters, hindering the entire capture process.

[0004] Currently, nets are commonly used to catch otters. However, because otters are fast and small, they often escape by the time the net is swung down to cover them, making it difficult to catch them quickly and time-consuming. Moreover, nets do not provide a comfortable environment for otters to relax and quiet, causing them to struggle violently, which can lead to stress and injury and make them harder to catch.

[0005] Therefore, based on customer feedback regarding the shortcomings of the existing device, the inventors made further improvements to overcome the aforementioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an otter trap that improves capture efficiency, does not cause stress to otters, and has a simple structure.

[0007] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: an otter trapping cage, comprising a trapping box; A capture hole is provided on the front of the capture box, and a movable door that is controlled to open / close by a sensing component is provided at the capture hole. The sensing component is located on the top of the capture box. An observation port for observing the internal conditions is provided on the side of the capture box; The capture box is equipped with a hinged door that can be flipped open. The otter crawls into the capture box through the capture hole, and the sensor detects the otter inside. The sliding door is then controlled to close the capture hole. The condition of the otter inside the box can be observed through the observation port, and the otter can be taken out by opening the sliding door.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the sensing component includes an infrared sensor, a PLC control panel, and a drive motor; The infrared sensor is located at the top of the capture box, and the position of the infrared sensor is far away from the capture hole; The infrared sensor is electrically connected to the PLC control panel, and the PLC control panel is electrically connected to the drive motor. The drive motor drives the sliding door to open / close. When no otter enters the box, the infrared sensor outputs an unobstructed signal to the PLC control panel, which then causes the drive motor to rotate forward, thereby opening the sliding door. When the otter has completely entered the capture box and is detected by the infrared sensor located away from the capture hole, an obstruction signal is output to the PLC control panel, which then causes the drive motor to rotate in reverse, thereby closing the sliding door.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the feature is that: the movable door can be slidably disposed on the back of the front panel of the capture box; The left side of the movable door is connected to the left inner wall of the capture box via a compression spring; a winch mechanism is provided on the left outer wall of the capture box, and the winch mechanism is connected to the left side of the movable door via a pull rope.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the winch mechanism further includes a drum; a drive motor is provided on the left outer wall of the capture box, the output end of the drive motor is provided with a drum, a pull rope is wound on the drum, and the end of the pull rope is connected to the left side of the movable door, forming a structure in which the movable door can be opened / closed.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the inner side of the upper and lower frame edges of the capture box is provided with sliding tracks, and the movable door is adapted to be inserted into the sliding tracks, so that the movable door can slide more smoothly left and right.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the movable door is an L-shaped structure formed by vertically connecting rectangular plate A and rectangular plate B. One end of rectangular plate A is hinged to the top plate of the capture box, so that the movable door can be flipped up and down along the hinge point to open and close. At the same time, rectangular plate B is closed to the back of the capture box by a limiting block. Rotate the limiting block until it abuts against rectangular plate B to block the movable door from opening and closing up and down.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the observation port includes an observation window and a light shield; the observation window is made of transparent material and is fixedly inserted into the right side of the capture box, and a light shield that can slide up and down is provided outside the observation window. When the light shield is pulled up, the condition of the otters in the box can be observed through the exposed observation window.

[0014] This utility model has the following advantages: (1) The capture process is convenient and fast, improving the efficiency of capture work; Currently, otters, being small animals, are mostly captured using nets. However, due to their high speed, otters easily escape when the net is lowered to trap them, making the entire capture process time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient. This solution designs a trap cage with a small space and a trap hole for luring. A drive motor rotates to stretch or tighten the rope, using the spring force to open and close the trap hole, avoiding stress to the otters caused by manual opening and closing. The trap hole encourages the otters to actively crawl into the cage, providing a safer and more comfortable environment than net trapping, thus improving the overall efficiency of the capture process. (2) The entire device has a simple structure and will not cause stress to otters; Otters are naturally inclined to burrow and prefer dark, confined spaces. Therefore, this design incorporates a trapping cage with a trapping hole, allowing otters to actively crawl inside. An observation port with a light shield is located on the side of the cage, facilitating observation without disturbing the otter. Once the otter has calmed down, it can be removed through an upward-opening door. The entire device is designed specifically for otters and will not cause them stress. Multiple ventilation holes are also included in the trapping box to prevent suffocation. The overall structure is simple and easy to install, with an adaptive design around a rectangular trapping box to create a safe environment for the otters. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from the left side view; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from the rear view. Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from the right side view; Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the present invention from the rear view after the movable door is opened; In the diagram: 1-Capture box, 2-Moving door, 3-Observation window, 4-Light shield, 5-Limit block, 6-Moving door, 7-Spring, 8-Pull rope, 9-Rotating drum, 10-Drive motor, 11-Handle, 12-Capture hole, 13-Ventilation hole, 14-Sliding track, 15-Infrared sensor, 16-Mounting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0017] It should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "left" and "right" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this invention is usually placed in during use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Such terms are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0019] Therefore, based on the above issues, please refer to Figure 1 This utility model proposes an otter trapping cage to solve the problem.

[0020] See Figures 1-4 The otter trap proposed in this embodiment includes a trap box 1, a movable door 2, and an observation port; Among them, see Figure 3 The observation port includes an observation window 3 and a light shield 4. The observation window 3 is made of visible acrylic. A light shield 4 that can move up and down is set outside the observation window 3. By moving the light shield 4 up and down, the observation port can be closed to block the light. Among them, see Figure 4 The movable door 2 is adapted to be installed on the capture box 1 and is movably connected to the top surface of the capture box 1. The movable door 2 and the capture box 1 are fixed by a limiting block 5. Among them, see Figures 1-4 It also includes a hoisting mechanism, which consists of a movable door 6, a spring 7, and a pull rope 8. The movable door 6 is fitted to one side of the front of the capture box 1. The movable door 6 and the side edge of the capture box 1 are connected by the spring 7. The side edge of the capture box 1 is also provided with a through hole. The pull rope 8 passes through the through hole, with one end connected to the movable door 6 and the other end wound around the rotating drum 9. The rotating drum 9 is connected to a drive motor 10. The movable door 6 is controlled to open / close by a sensing component, and an infrared sensor 15 is installed on the top of the capture box 1 and is electrically connected to the PLC controller, which can transmit a signal to the PLC controller whether the otter has entered the capture box; the PLC controller is electrically connected to a drive motor 10, which is connected to the movable door 10 through a hoisting mechanism and controls the opening / closing of the movable door 6.

[0021] After the otter enters the capture hole 12, the drive motor 10 rotates the drum 9, the taut rope 8 relaxes, and due to the action of the spring 7, the moving door 6 moves to the right to close the capture hole 12. The otter's condition can be observed through the observation port on the right. After the otter relaxes, the movable door 2 is opened, the otter is caught and taken out, the drive motor 10 rotates in the opposite direction to tighten the rope 8 again, thereby causing the moving door 6 to move to the left and the capture hole 12 to open, for the next capture.

[0022] Otters are extremely fast, timid, and aggressive. Currently, there are no specific traps for otters; nets are commonly used, but these are often ineffective at catching fast-moving otters and can easily result in bites or stress reactions that could injure or kill them. The entire process is time-consuming, laborious, and inefficient. Since otters prefer burrowing and dark, confined spaces, this design utilizes a trapping hole 12. Outside the trapping hole, a movable door 6, controlled by a spring 7 and a pull rope 8, moves left and right. After the otter enters the trapping hole 12, a motor de-tensions the pull rope 8, causing the compressed spring 7 to move the movable door 6 to the right, blocking the trapping hole 12. This method is less likely to frighten the otter than manually opening and closing the door. An observation window 3 and a movable light shield 4 are also provided on the side for easy observation of the animal. Finally, a pull-up movable door 2 with a large opening allows for easy removal of the otter without injury.

[0023] In this embodiment, see Figure 3 For the observation port, the observation window 3 is a visible rectangular acrylic sheet, and the observation window 3 is inserted and fixed on the right side of the capture box 1 (as the right side face of the capture box 1). Vertical tracks are also provided on both sides of the right side face, and a light shield 4 is inserted and fitted on the track. The light shield 4 is located on the outside of the observation window 3. A handle 11 is protruding on the light shield 4. By manually moving the handle 11 up and down, the light shield 4 can be moved up and down along the track. When the light shield 4 moves upward, the observation window 3 is exposed to observe the otter's condition. After observation, the handle 11 is moved downward, and the light shield 4 covers the observation window 3 to avoid too much light from frightening and stressing the otter.

[0024] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 For the capture box 1, the capture box 1 is a rectangular frame set on the ground. A capture hole 12 is opened on the front of the capture box 1 for the otter to crawl into, and an observation port is set on its right side. Multiple ventilation holes 13 are set on its left side and bottom side to prevent the otter from suffocating inside the capture box 1. Half of the top plate is cut off at the center line of the top surface of the capture box 1, and half of the back is also cut off to the center line of the back. This opening is adapted to the movable door 2 for easy removal of the otter after capture.

[0025] In this embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The movable door 2 is an L-shaped block with two sides that can be inserted into the top and back of the capture box 1, respectively. The movable door 2 is hinged to the top of the capture box 1 and can be opened and closed. The movable door 2 is fixed to the back of the capture box 1 by a limiting block 5. The other end of the limiting block 5 has a through hole, and a bolt is inserted into the through hole. The bolt is fixed to the back of the capture box 1. The limiting block 5 can rotate around the bolt. When the limiting block 5 rotates to the top and contacts the movable door 2, it can prevent the movable door 2 from opening.

[0026] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 4 For the hoisting mechanism, sliding tracks are provided on the upper and lower frame edges of the front of the capture box 1. The movable door 6 is fitted onto the front of the capture box 1 through the sliding tracks, and the size of the movable door 6 is just enough to cover the capture hole 12. The movable door 6 is connected to the side edge of the capture box 1 by a spring 7. One end of the spring 7 is connected to the left side of the movable door 6, and the other end abuts against the left side edge of the capture box 1. Springs 7 are also provided at the upper and lower parts of the movable door 6 to connect with the capture box 1. A through hole is also provided in the middle of the left side edge of the capture box 1. A pull rope 8 passes through the through hole. Once it is connected to the movable door 6, the other end is wound around the rotating drum 9 (the rotating drum 9 is located on the left side of the capture box 1). The rotating drum 9 has a central hole that is fitted and inserted into the motor shaft of the drive motor 10. The drive motor 10 and the rotating drum 9 are covered in the mounting frame 16, which is connected to the left side of the capture box 1.

[0027] Furthermore, a counterweight is installed at the top corner inside the capture box 1 to prevent the capture box 1 from shaking or tilting when the hoisting mechanism pulls the moving door 6 via the pull rope 8.

[0028] In this embodiment, the programmable controller (PLC) that serves as the main control unit of this solution is located on the side of the capture box 1. The PLC is electrically connected to the infrared sensor 15 located on the top of the capture box 1, and is also electrically connected to the drive motor 10. The PLC controls the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor by the signal transmitted from the sensing component, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the moving door.

[0029] Furthermore, the infrared sensor 15 is positioned at the top of the capture box 1 and away from the capture hole 12 to avoid missing the target. When the infrared sensor 15 is positioned close to the capture hole 12, the sensing component may detect the front half of the otter and start driving the sliding door 6 to close, scaring the otter away. By positioning the infrared sensor 15 further away from the capture hole 12, it will only be detected by the infrared sensor 15 after the otter has completely entered the box, thus closing the sliding door 6.

[0030] It should be noted that the sensing components include an infrared sensor, a PLC control panel, and a drive motor; among them, an infrared through-beam sensor is used, and its infrared sensor 15 consists of a transmitter and a receiver. When no otter enters, the receiver can continuously receive the infrared beam emitted by the transmitter, so that the sensor outputs an "unobstructed" signal; when the otter completely enters the capture box 1, its body blocks the infrared beam, the receiver cannot receive the beam, the sensor state immediately changes, and outputs an "obstructed" signal. This state change is determined to be "the otter has entered the capture box".

[0031] The infrared beam sensor selected in this solution is an existing technology. It is mature (and can be widely used in automatic doors, security, and industrial automation). It has a fast response speed, strong resistance to ambient light interference, and relatively simple installation and debugging. Its housing usually has a certain level of waterproof and dustproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor environments.

[0032] In this solution, the control unit adopts a PLC controller, which has a digital input interface and is directly connected to the output signal line of the infrared sensor 15. The output interface of the control unit is a relay output interface or a transistor output interface, which can control the opening and closing of the drive motor 10 and its forward and reverse directions.

[0033] Furthermore, the control logic of the control unit is as follows: First, when the infrared sensor 15 outputs an "unobstructed" signal, the control unit starts the drive motor and makes it rotate forward, causing the drum 9 to rotate and tighten the pull rope 8 (the spring 7 contracts and the inlet opens). When the infrared sensor 15 detects that the beam is blocked (otter enters) and outputs an "obstructed" signal, the control unit receives this signal and sends a motor reversal signal to the drive motor 10. The drive motor 10 reverses, and at this time the spring 7 is not subject to the limiting pull force transmitted by the drive motor 10 to the moving door 6 through the pull rope 8, so the spring 7 extends, and the moving door 6 moves to the right to block the capture hole 12.

[0034] It should be noted that the programming and circuit design of the PLC controller module are mature existing technologies, and its logic is clear and simple: when the signal change of the infrared sensor 15 is detected, the PLC control unit triggers the action of the drive motor 10.

[0035] This solution also includes a locking mechanism, the main body of which is an electromagnetic lock. The PLC controller is also electrically connected to the electromagnetic lock. The electromagnetic lock is located on the upper and lower edges of the capture box 1. After the capture cage is set up, the infrared sensor 15 outputs an unobstructed signal, causing the moving door to be pulled to the left by the pull rope (at this time, the motor rotates forward). When no otter enters the cage, the moving door needs to be kept open (i.e., the spring 7 is compressed). At this time, the electromagnetic lock pin located on the upper and lower edges extends towards the moving door and further blocks the moving door, keeping it locked. After the infrared sensor 15 detects that the beam is blocked (otter enters) and outputs an "obstruction" signal, and the control unit receives this signal, it sends a signal to the electromagnetic mechanism. The electromagnetic lock pin retracts and simultaneously sends a motor reversal signal to the drive motor 10. The drive motor 10 reverses, thus releasing the locking state, and the moving door closes to the right, capturing the otter inside.

[0036] It should be noted that the electromagnetic latch used in this solution is a mature access control component and is existing technology.

[0037] In this solution, the power supply device can use a rechargeable lithium battery pack as the main power source. The battery pack is encapsulated in a waterproof box and fixed in a concealed position, such as the bottom or side wall of the trap, where it is not easily accessible to otters. A waterproof charging interface (such as an aviation plug or magnetic charging port) is provided on the outside of the battery box or trap, which can be charged through an external adapter.

[0038] Furthermore, a small solar panel can be installed on the outside of the top of the capture cage, which is connected to the lithium battery pack through a solar charging controller to achieve automatic charging during long-term deployment in the field.

[0039] The workflow of the electrical control system in this solution is as follows: First, the capture cage is placed in the target area, ensuring the power supply is sufficient. Then, the main power switch is turned on. At this time, the infrared sensor 15 detects an unobstructed signal. After receiving the signal, the PLC control unit causes the drive motor 10 to rotate forward, causing the sliding door to open to the left. At the same time, the PLC unit outputs a signal to make the electromagnetic lock pin press against the sliding door 6, keeping it locked after the motor rotates forward. Second, when the otter enters the capture box 1, its body blocks the beam of the infrared beam sensor installed at the top / entrance, causing the infrared sensor 15 to change its output signal. The control unit receives and executes the signal, sending a signal to unlock the electromagnetic lock (causing its pin to retract) and sending a signal to start the drive motor 10 to reverse, thereby causing the sliding door 6 to close the entrance to the right.

[0040] This utility model is an otter trap. When catching otters, the trap is placed in a suitable position. First, the drive motor 10 is started. The rotation of the motor causes the rotating drum 9 to rotate and tighten the pull rope 8. At the same time, the spring 7 is compressed. After the otter crawls into the trap through the trap hole 12, the drive motor 10 reverses to loosen the pull rope 8. The spring 7 extends and moves the movable door 6 to the right to block the trap hole 12, thus trapping the otter inside the trap. Then, the light shield 4 is pulled up to observe the otter. At the appropriate time, the movable door 2 is opened to remove the otter, completing the entire catching process.

[0041] It should be noted that all electronic components (sensors, control boxes, terminal blocks, motor interfaces, battery boxes) must be waterproof and dustproof (such as using waterproof housings, potting sealants, and waterproof connectors) to withstand humid outdoor environments.

[0042] Existing methods for capturing small animals like otters mostly involve using nets. Otters are small and move very quickly, making it difficult to capture them quickly with nets, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, otters are timid and easily stressed; nets do not provide a comfortable and safe environment for them to relax, potentially leading to injuries to staff, or even injury and death to the otters due to stress. This design proposes a trap cage that is tailored to otters' natural inclination to burrow and use dark, confined spaces. It features a trap hole 12 for luring and a motor-controlled sliding door 6 that opens and closes the trap hole 12 by pulling a rope 8 and a spring 7, preventing manual operation that could frighten the otters. Additionally, this design includes an observation port, which uses a transparent acrylic window in conjunction with a movable light shield 4. The device facilitates observation of the otters and allows for the creation of a dark environment through the light shield 4 to prevent stress on the otters. The designed movable door 2 makes it easy to retrieve the otters without injuring them. The device has a simple structure, saves time and effort in capturing otters, and does not cause stress to them.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An otter trap, characterized in that: Including the capture box (1); A capture hole (12) is provided on the front of the capture box (1), and a movable door (6) is provided at the capture hole (12) and its opening / closing is controlled by a sensing component. The sensing component is located on the top of the capture box (1). An observation port for observing the internal situation is provided on the side of the capture box (1); The capture box (1) is equipped with a movable door (2) that can be flipped open; The otter crawls into the capture box (1) through the capture hole (12) and the sensor detects the otter inside the box. The moving door (6) is controlled to close the capture hole (12). The condition of the otter inside the box can be observed through the observation port, and the otter can be taken out by opening the moving door (2).

2. The otter trapping cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing components include an infrared sensor (15), a PLC control panel, and a drive motor (10). The infrared sensor (15) is located at the top of the capture box (1) and the position of the infrared sensor (15) is far away from the capture hole (12). The infrared sensor (15) is electrically connected to the PLC control panel, and the PLC control panel is electrically connected to the drive motor (10). The drive motor (10) drives the moving door (6) to open / close. When no otter enters the box, the infrared sensor (15) outputs an unobstructed signal to the PLC control panel, and the PLC control panel causes the drive motor (10) to rotate forward, thereby driving the movable door (6) to open; when the otter has completely entered the capture box (1) and is sensed by the infrared sensor (15) far away from the capture hole (12), the obstruction signal is output to the PLC control panel, and the PLC control panel causes the drive motor (10) to rotate in reverse, thereby closing the movable door (6).

3. The otter trapping cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The movable door (6) can slide left and right and is located on the back of the front panel of the capture box (1); The left side of the movable door (6) is connected to the left inner wall of the capture box (1) via a compression spring (7); a winch mechanism is provided on the left outer wall of the capture box (1), and the winch mechanism is connected to the left side of the movable door (6) via a pull rope (8).

4. The otter trapping cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hoisting mechanism also includes a drum (9); a drive motor (10) is provided on the left outer wall of the capture box (1), the output end of the drive motor (10) is provided with a drum (9), a pull rope (8) is wound on the drum (9), and the end of the pull rope (8) is connected to the left side of the movable door (6) to form a structure in which the movable door can be opened / closed.

5. The otter trapping cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The capture box (1) has a sliding track (14) on the inner side of the upper and lower frame edges on the front, and the movable door (6) is fitted into the sliding track (14) to make the movable door (6) slide more smoothly left and right.

6. The otter trapping cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable door (2) is an L-shaped structure formed by the vertical connection of rectangular plate A and rectangular plate B. One end of rectangular plate A is hinged to the top plate of the capture box (1), so that the movable door can be flipped up and down along the hinge point to open and close. At the same time, rectangular plate B and the back of the capture box (1) are closed by a limiting block (5). Rotate the limiting block (5) until it abuts against the rectangular plate B to block the movable door (2) from opening and closing up and down.

7. The otter trapping cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation port includes an observation window (3) and a light shield (4); the observation window (3) is made of transparent material and is fixedly inserted into the right side of the capture box. A light shield that can slide up and down is provided outside the observation window. When the light shield is pulled up, the condition of the otters in the box can be observed through the exposed observation window.

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