Aqueous Gel Pest Control Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical pest control devices face challenges such as accessibility issues for humans and other animals, durability in external environments, and reduced effectiveness due to pest aversion, particularly rodents not consuming sufficient rodenticide in compositions mixed with attractants.
Innovation Solution
A pest control device with a container having a first compartment containing a low-biodecide aqueous gel to satisfy rodents' thirst and a second compartment with a biocide-containing bait, where the gel is vapor and liquid-tight and the bait compartment is aroma-permeable, encouraging increased consumption of the bait.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical pest control compositions are mixed with attractants to increase consumption, then pest consumption increases, but pests develop aversion and stop consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the bait station into separate compartments: one containing the attractant and another containing the rodenticide. This segmentation allows pests to access the attractant without immediately encountering the poison, reducing aversion while maintaining consumption motivation. The physical separation resolves the contradiction by decoupling the attractant and toxic components.
Solution Approach 2:
A gelatinized matrix serves as an intermediary medium that binds the rodenticide to the attractant. This matrix modifies the delivery mechanism, allowing the poison to be consumed in small, non-alarming quantities mixed with the appealing substance. The intermediary enables continuous consumption without triggering pest aversion.
2Productivity
If poison is provided in accessible form to pests, then pest consumption increases, but access by children and other animals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bait station employs different compartment designs with varying access characteristics. The attractant compartment has broader access to lure pests, while the rodenticide compartment requires specific entry conditions. This local differentiation of access quality allows selective consumption by target pests while limiting access to children and non-target animals.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the poison into a separate compartment that requires specific access conditions, the device reduces the risk of accidental consumption by children and pets while maintaining effective delivery to target pests. The physical separation creates different access barriers for different user groups.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If solid poison compositions are used in external environments, then durability is improved, but rain water dissolves components reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The rodenticide is incorporated into a gelatinized matrix that combines the stability of solid materials with controlled solubility properties. This composite structure protects the active ingredient from rapid dissolution by rainwater while maintaining durability in external environments. The gelatinized form creates a balanced material that resists both complete dissolution and degradation.
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 device significantly increases the consumption of the rodenticide bait, leading to higher mortality rates of rodents by addressing thirst and aversion issues, while ensuring safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous gel for sating the thirst of rodents by consumption of the aqueous gel by the rodents
Implementation Method 2
the first compartment being equipped with a removable first cover on its top, adapted to close the first compartment, wherein the first cover is a vapour and liquid tight cover
Implementation Method 3
the at least one other compartment being equipped with a further cover adapted to close the at least one other compartment, wherein the further cover is an aroma-permeable cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A consumable aqueous gel is provided for use in pest control. The gel sates the thirst of pests and increases the consumption of bait by pests. The gel is substantially free of biocides. The gel may be provided as a combination for use in a pest control device. The combination comprises an aqueous gel which is substantially free of biocides and a bait. A pest control device comprises a container having a first compartment containing an aqueous gel which is substantially free of biocides. A method of controlling pests comprises the step of deploying any of the aforementioned aqueous gel, combination according or pest control device. An aqueous gel which is substantially free of biocides may be used with or in a pest control device.