Adhesive Curtain Insect Control via Adjustable Cable Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insect damage to crops and the risk of pesticide residues accumulating in human bodies pose challenges in agricultural environments, as conventional methods like pesticides do not effectively address insect infestations without causing secondary harm.
Innovation Solution
A bug-catching curtain system utilizing commercially available double-sided adhesive materials suspended between rows of plants, supported by a structure of galvanized tubes and adjustable cables, powered by an electric motor or hand crank, to capture and reduce insect populations in crop-growing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pesticides are used to combat insects, then insect damage to crops is reduced, but pesticide residues accumulate in human bodies and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes insects from the crop environment using adhesive curtains that physically trap insects on the perimeter of the growing area, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and thereby preventing pesticide residue accumulation in human bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive curtain acts as an intermediary barrier between insects and crops, intercepting insects before they can reach the plants and transfer harmful substances, thus protecting crops without introducing harmful pesticides into the food chain
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive curtains are suspended between rows of plants, then insect capture effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into modular components including separate cable systems, motor units, and adjustable mounting mechanisms, allowing the complex function to be divided into manageable parts that can be independently controlled and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain system incorporates dynamic adjustability through motorized cable tensioning and height adjustment mechanisms, enabling the structure to adapt to different operational conditions and plant growth stages, thereby managing complexity through controlled flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If the curtain positioning is fixed, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different crop stages and worker access needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through motorized adjustment mechanisms that enable height and tension modifications, allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions across different operational phases while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures
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
The system effectively reduces insect populations near crops, minimizing pesticide use and subsequent residue accumulation, while allowing for adjustable positioning to optimize insect capture and ease of access for workers.
Implementation Method 1
bug-catching curtain material 21 through 24 is composed of commercially available double-sided adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
A bug-catching curtain system includes a plurality of curtains composed of adhesive material suspended from rigid framing material. A drive shaft is supported by the support structure. A plurality of primary cables extending out from a plurality of spindles that are mounted on the drive shaft. A plurality of support cables are attached to the primary cable and to the rigid framing material. The plurality of support cables suspend the plurality of curtains between rows of plants. A height at which the plurality of curtains are suspended is varied by using the turning the drive shaft to let out and to wind in the plurality of primary cables.