Acoustic Resonance Insect Trap for Non-Destructive Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insect traps, such as Malaise traps, are effective for non-specific insect capture but inevitably kill the insects, while species-specific traps like those described in WO 2004/013718 A2 and EP 3 657 941 B1 are unsuitable for objective monitoring due to selective attraction.

Innovation Solution

Combining a classic Malaise trap with an acoustic resonance chamber and a classification module using a microphone and evaluation unit to analyze the wingbeat sounds of insects for species identification, allowing non-destructive classification and potential release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If classic Malaise traps are used for non-specific insect capture, then objective monitoring of flying insects is achieved, but the insects are inevitably killed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective monitoringVSAvoidinsect mortality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical killing mechanism (alcohol-filled container) with an acoustic detection system. A resonance chamber amplifies wingbeat sounds, and a microphone records these sounds for species identification. This substitution allows insects to be monitored and classified without physical harm, resolving the contradiction between effective capture and insect survival.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic resonance chamber as an intermediary between the trap and the insects. The chamber amplifies the subtle wingbeat sounds of captured insects, enabling detection without direct contact or harm. This intermediary mechanism allows for non-destructive monitoring while maintaining the effectiveness of insect capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If species-specific traps with bait are used, then targeted species detection is improved, but objective monitoring is compromised due to selective attraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecies detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring objectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the trap universal by removing species-specific bait and using a resonance chamber that can detect and amplify sounds from various insect species. The system can identify different species through acoustic analysis of wingbeat patterns, enabling both targeted detection and broad-spectrum monitoring without compromising objectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If acoustic analysis is implemented without resonance amplification, then species classification is possible, but cost-effective and robust sensor technology cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecies classificationVSAvoidsensor cost and robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs acoustic resonance within a specifically designed chamber to amplify the weak wingbeat sounds of insects. This mechanical resonance approach allows the use of simple, robust microphones rather than requiring expensive, highly sensitive acoustic sensors. The resonance chamber passively amplifies the signals, making the system cost-effective and suitable for field deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables objective, non-destructive monitoring and classification of flying insects using cost-effective and robust sensor technology, with the ability to release insects unharmed and direct them to appropriate destinations based on classification results.

Implementation Method 1

The invention uses the non-specific capture characteristics of classic malaise traps and combines these with an acoustic analysis of the sounds emitted by the trapped insects for the purpose of their classification, which does not affect the trapped insects. The invention makes use of a passive, resonance-based amplification of the sounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4631352A1Insect trap for flying insects and classification module

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 UNIVERSITY OF KASSEL

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an insect trap (10) for flying insects, comprising a funnel-shaped feed area through which target flying insects can fly, having an inlet with a larger cross-section and an outlet (123) with a smaller cross-section. The invention is characterized in that the feed area opens, on the outlet side, into an acoustic resonance chamber (16) through which the target flying insects can fly, which has an outlet (162) opposite the opening of the feed area and in which a microphone (181) is arranged, which is operatively connected to an evaluation unit (201) configured to analyze sounds generated when a target flying insect flies through the resonance chamber (16) and recorded by the microphone (181) in order to classify the target flying insect generating the sounds. The invention further relates to a classification module (14) of such an insect trap (10).