Raptor repellent apparatus

Abstract

A raptor repellent apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a frame which is formed to be supported by the ground or a structure; a patterned plate having eye-shaped patterns on the outer surface thereof, and is formed of a flexible plate material to be deformable; a motor which is installed inside the frame and generates rotation force; a conversion mechanism having one end connected to the motor and the other end connected to the back surface of the patterned plate, and converting the rotation of the motor so that the patterned plate can fluctuate; and a controller controlling the operation of the motor.

Description

Raptor repellent device

[0001] The present invention relates to a bird of prey repelling device for preventing bird strikes or ensuring aviation safety.

[0002]

[0003] Bird strikes, which occur when a bird collides with an aircraft in flight, can cause fatal damage to the aircraft. The likelihood of an aircraft encountering birds increases, particularly around airports, where bird populations are abundant due to their feeding environment. Conversely, birds naturally avoid predators, regardless of size or speed, unless they approach within a certain distance. Therefore, even with loud engine noise or the aircraft's size, it's difficult to repel an approaching aircraft.

[0004] Accordingly, bird repelling technologies are being developed to prevent bird strikes. These include acoustic and acoustic technologies that utilize sound waves, predator calls, or gunshots; visual devices using lasers (most effective at night or early in the morning), balloons, flags, stickers, or reflectors; technologies that utilize models or real predators; ecological control technologies that reduce bird populations by managing trees and plants around airports; and technologies that utilize drones to deter bird approaches.

[0005] Meanwhile, birds of prey (raptors), such as hawks and eagles, rely heavily on vision. A study published in Martine Hausberger et al. demonstrated that superstimuli, combined with eye movements and stimuli to mimic a pre-collision threat, eliciting an avoidance response (Martine Hausberger et al.). While the warm updrafts of heated runways are advantageous for raptors' gliding and hovering, they can pose a serious hazard to aircraft taking off and landing.

[0006] *Related literature

[0007] "Wide-eyed glare scares raptors: From laboratory evidence to applied management," Martine Hausberger et al., PLOS ONE, published October 11, 2018

[0008] US 10405536 B2 (registered on September 10, 2019)

[0009] JP 2011-155856 A (Published on August 18, 2011)

[0010] JP 2010-081928 A (Published on April 15, 2010)

[0011] JP 2009-089645 A (Published on April 30, 2009)

[0012]

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bird repelling device for preventing bird strikes, which can ensure aviation safety by causing birds of prey in the sky to leave the installation area by visually causing an optical illusion of soaring by a device installed on the ground.

[0014] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical tasks can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015]

[0016] A raptor repelling device according to the present invention comprises: a frame formed to be supported on the ground or a structure; a patterned plate formed in a flexible plate shape to be deformable and having an eye-shaped pattern on the outer surface; a motor unit installed on the inside of the frame and generating rotational force; a conversion mechanism unit having one end connected to the motor unit and the other end connected to the back surface of the patterned plate and configured to convert the rotation of the motor unit to cause the patterned plate to vibrate; and a control unit configured to control the operation of the motor unit.

[0017] As an example according to the present invention, the pattern plate may be arranged in a free-ended form such that one pair of opposing sides are fixed to the frame and the other pair of sides form an arch with respect to the frame.

[0018] As an example according to the present invention, the frame may have one pair of legs formed shorter than the other pair of legs so that the pattern plate forms an oblique angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0019] As an example according to the present invention, the conversion mechanism can be formed to move a portion connected to the pattern plate up and down so that when the connected portion rises, the pattern plate becomes convex upward, and when the connected portion lowers, the pattern plate becomes an 'M' shape.

[0020] As an example according to the present invention, the conversion mechanism may include a rotary link coupled to face the rotation axis of the motor in a radial direction; a swing arm having one end connected to one side of the motor; a connecting rod having one end connected to an end of the first link and the other end connected to the swing arm, and configured to rotate the swing arm forward and backward within a limited angular range according to rotation of the rotary link; and an operating rod having one end connected to the end of the swing arm and the other end connected to the back surface of the pattern plate, and configured to reciprocate up and down according to rotation of the swing arm.

[0021] As an example according to the present invention, the swing arm may have a plurality of connecting portions so as to select a connection position with the connecting rod.

[0022] As an example according to the present invention, the operating rod may have a plurality of connecting portions so as to select a connection position with the swing arm.

[0023] As an example according to the present invention, the operating rod may be formed with a spring connected in the middle to enable elastic contraction and relaxation.

[0024] As an example according to the present invention, the back side of the pattern plate may have a plurality of connecting portions so as to select a position for joining with the operating rod.

[0025] As an example according to the present invention, the pattern plate includes a panel body made of polycarbonate, and the outer surface of the panel body is formed with a yellow-colored fluorescent ultraviolet-curable printing layer to have high brightness, and the pattern may be formed by attaching a black-colored film to the surface of the ultraviolet-curable printing layer.

[0026] As an example according to the present invention, the pattern may have at least one point light source arranged to implement a reflected light effect.

[0027] As an example according to the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control the motor unit to have a periodic operating period and an idle period.

[0028]

[0029] According to the raptor repelling device related to the present invention, by installing and operating a mechanism capable of causing deformation of a patterned plate with visible eyes, an optical illusion of soaring is created in the eyes of raptors in the sky, causing them to escape from the installation area, thereby effectively repelling raptors that are difficult to repel with devices such as sound repellents, acoustic repellents, or lasers, thereby ensuring aviation safety.

[0030] According to an example related to the present invention, by applying a fluorescent ultraviolet curing printing layer to a pattern plate, it is effective in repelling nocturnal birds of prey, such as owls (eagle owls, owls, etc.) in low-light conditions or at night.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a bird of prey repelling device according to an example of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a bird of prey repelling device related to the present invention as seen from below.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing elements for driving a pattern plate related to the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the motor unit and the conversion mechanism unit in operation in the state of Fig. 3.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing conceptually explaining the repelling of birds of prey through the state of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a raptor repelling device according to another example of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a raptor repelling device according to another example of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing a bird of prey repelling device according to the present invention installed on an airport runway.

[0040]

[0041] Hereinafter, a raptor repelling device related to the present invention will be described in detail using the attached drawings. The terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their dictionary meanings, but are appropriately defined and understood to best describe the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the appearance of a bird of prey repelling device (100) according to the present invention. The bird of prey repelling device (100) comprises a frame (110) and a pattern plate (120) installed on the frame (110).

[0043] The pattern plate (120) has a panel body (121) having an eye-shaped pattern (122A, 122B) on the outer surface. Each pattern (122A, 122B) has a black dot similar to an eye inside a black circle. The panel body (121) has a thin rectangular panel shape, and as seen in the drawing, a pair of short sides (125, 126) are fixed to a frame (110), and the other pair of sides are free-ended to form an arch with respect to the frame (110). The panel body (121) can be formed of a resin having excellent weather resistance and moisture resistance, as well as flexibility and rigidity. In this example, a polycarbonate material was used. The outer surface of the panel body (121) can be formed with a yellow-colored fluorescent ultraviolet printing layer having high brightness to easily be noticed by birds of prey in the sky. The eye-shaped pattern (122A, 122B) can be formed by attaching a black film. At this time, at least one point light source (not shown) can be placed in the center or edge of the pattern (122A, 122B) so that birds of prey in the sky can easily recognize it. As described below, this point light source can be turned on momentarily at a specific point in time when the pattern plate (120) moves, thereby maximizing the optical illusion effect of the pattern (122A, 122B) formed on the pattern plate (120) rising up.

[0044] The frame (110) is formed so that it can be fixed to the ground or supported by a structure. One pair of legs of the frame (110) may be formed shorter than the other pair of legs so that the pattern plate (120) forms an oblique angle with respect to the horizontal plane. That is, according to FIG. 1, the pattern plate (120) is arranged so that the front is low and the back is high. The frame (110) may also include a turntable so that the pattern plate (120) can be rotated within an angular range of 360 degrees or less. In this case, the pattern plate arranged on the upper part of the turntable may be formed so as to form an incline.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bird of prey repelling device (100) related to the present invention as seen from below, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing elements for driving a pattern plate (120).

[0046] As shown in these drawings, a motor unit (130) and a conversion mechanism unit (140) connecting the motor unit (130) and the back surface of the pattern plate (120) are installed on the inside of the pattern plate (120). The motor unit (130) may include a motor and a reduction gear unit, and a control unit (controller) for driving the motor unit (130) may be installed inside a housing surrounding the motor unit (130). The raptor repelling device (100) may also be equipped with a separate external power connection unit or a solar generator and battery (not shown) to supply power to the motor unit (130).

[0047] The conversion mechanism (140) is connected to the back of the pattern plate (120) and is formed to convert the rotation of the motor part (130) so that the pattern plate (120) can vibrate. The vibrating of the pattern plate (120) causes movement of the patterns (122A, 122B) on the outer surface, which creates an optical illusion of soaring when seen by birds of prey in the sky.

[0048] For this purpose, the conversion mechanism (140) includes a rotation link (141), a connecting rod (143), and an operating rod (145).

[0049] The rotary link (141) is connected radially to the rotary axis of the motor unit (130). The swing arm (142) is installed so as to be able to rotate in a constrained state by being rotatably connected to one side of the motor unit (130) (referring to a pin connection or pivot connection). One end of the connecting rod (143) is connected to the rotary link (141) and the other end is connected to the swing arm (142). Accordingly, the connecting rod (143) rotates the swing arm (142) forward and backward within a limited angular range according to the rotation of the rotary link (141). The swing arm (142) may have a plurality of connecting portions (144) so ​​as to select a connection position with the connecting rod (143).

[0050] The operating rod (145) is arranged vertically, with the lower end connected to the end of the swing arm (142) and the upper end connected to the connecting portion (128) on the back of the pattern plate (120). Accordingly, the operating rod (145) reciprocates up and down while the swing arm (142) rotates within a limited angular range. The operating rod (145) may also have multiple connecting portions (146) so that the connection position with the swing arm (142) can be selected.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a state in which the motor unit (130) operates in the state of FIG. 3 and the rotary link (141) is rotated at a specific angle. If FIG. 3 shows that the connecting portion (128) with the pattern plate (120) is moved up and down by the conversion mechanism (140) so that the connecting portion (128) rises and the pattern plate (120) is convex upward, FIG. 4 shows that the connecting portion (128) is lowered so that the pattern plate (120) is formed in the shape of the letter 'M'. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the pattern plate (120) undulates at the top of the raptor repelling device (100), thereby creating an optical illusion in which the pattern portion (122) rises, startling the raptor (B) and causing it to evade.

[0052] The control unit may be implemented in the form of a circuit board for controlling the power supply or electrical components of the motor unit (130). The control unit may be configured so that the motor unit (130) has a periodic operating period (e.g., 2 minutes) and an idle period (e.g., 3 minutes). The raptor repellent device (100) may include a sensor for detecting the brightness of the surroundings, and in this case, the control unit may control the motor unit (130) to operate during the day and turn off at night according to the brightness detected by the sensor.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a raptor repelling device according to another example of the present invention. In this example, the back surface of the pattern plate (120) has a plurality of connecting portions (128, 128', 128") so that the rear surface can be selected for engagement with the operating rod (145). When connected to a connecting portion (128', 128") other than the central connecting portion (128), the mode of the swaying of the pattern plate (120) can be changed, and accordingly, the optical illusion effect can be implemented more dynamically.

[0054] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of a raptor repelling device according to the present invention. In this example, a spring (148) is connected to the middle of the operating rod (145', 145") and is formed to enable elastic contraction and relaxation. Accordingly, the spring (148) can induce additional shaking in the pattern plate (120), thereby forming a new mode of shaking of the pattern plate (120).

[0055] Figure 8 shows that raptor repellent devices (100A to 100P) according to the present invention are installed at regular intervals (e.g., 300 m) around the runway (R). At this time, a plurality of raptor repellent devices (100A to 100P) may be configured so that each pattern plate implements an independent rattling mode through individual control, or a plurality of pattern plates may implement the same rattling mode simultaneously through simultaneous control.

[0056] The raptor repelling device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the described embodiments. The embodiments described above may be selectively combined, in whole or in part, to allow for various modifications. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted to include such embodiments or technical concepts within an equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A frame formed so that it can be supported on the ground or a structure; A patterned plate having an eye-shaped pattern on the outer surface and formed into a flexible plate shape so that it can be deformed; A motor unit installed on the inside of the above frame and generating rotational force; A conversion mechanism which is connected at one end to the motor section and at the other end to the back surface of the pattern plate, and is formed to convert the rotation of the motor section so that the pattern plate can vibrate; and A bird of prey repelling device comprising a control unit formed to control the operation of the above motor unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pattern plate is a raptor repellent device in which one pair of opposing sides are fixed to the frame and the other pair of sides are arranged in a free end form to form an arch with respect to the frame.

3. In paragraph 2, The above frame is a raptor repellent device in which one pair of legs is formed shorter than the other pair of legs so that the above pattern plate forms an oblique angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

4. In paragraph 2, A bird of prey repelling device in which the above-mentioned conversion mechanism moves the portion connected to the pattern plate up and down so that when the connected portion rises, the pattern plate becomes convex upward, and when the connected portion lowers, the pattern plate becomes an 'M' shape.

5. In paragraph 4, The above conversion mechanism is, A rotary link coupled radially to the rotation axis of the above motor; First, a swing arm connected to one side of the above motor; A connecting rod, which is connected at one end to the first link and at the other end to the swing arm, and is formed so that the swing arm can rotate forward and backward within a limited angular range according to the rotation of the rotary link; and A bird of prey repelling device, comprising an operating rod, one end of which is connected to an end of the swing arm and the other end is connected to the back surface of the pattern plate, and configured to reciprocate up and down as the swing arm rotates.

6. In paragraph 5, A raptor repellent device, wherein the above swing arm has a plurality of connecting portions so as to select a connection position with the above connecting rod.

7. In paragraph 5, A raptor repellent device, wherein the above-mentioned operating rod has a plurality of connecting portions so as to select a connection position with the above-mentioned swing arm.

8. In paragraph 5, The above operating rod is a raptor repellent device formed with a spring connected in the middle to enable elastic contraction and relaxation.

9. In paragraph 5, A raptor repellent device having a plurality of connecting portions on the back of the above pattern plate so as to select a position for joining with the above operating rod.

10. In paragraph 1, The above pattern plate includes a panel body made of polycarbonate, The outer surface of the above panel body is formed with a yellow-colored fluorescent ultraviolet curing printing layer to ensure high brightness. The above pattern is a bird of prey repellent device formed by attaching a black film to the surface of the ultraviolet-cured printing layer.

11. In paragraph 10, The above pattern is a raptor repellent device having at least one point light source arranged so as to implement a reflected light effect.

12. In paragraph 1, A raptor repellent device, wherein the control unit is configured to control the motor unit to have a periodic operating period and a rest period.

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