Automated Pest Trap with Sensor-Driven Remote Resetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest control traps require manual inspection and resetting, leading to inefficiencies and additional work time and expense due to untimely triggers and the need for operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A remotely armed and automatically resettable trap equipped with sensors and a motor to detect trap activation and pest capture, utilizing a telecommunications module for remote status monitoring and resetting, and energy-efficient batteries for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection and resetting of traps is used, then trap functionality is maintained, but work time and expense increase due to regular operator travel
Solution Approach 1:
The trap system performs self-inspection through sensors that automatically detect trap activation and pest capture status. The system self-resets by using a motor to return the capture structure to its initial position, eliminating the need for operator intervention and reducing travel time while maintaining reliable trap functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical resetting process is replaced with an automated motor-driven mechanism. The motor receives signals from sensors and automatically actuates the capture structure back to its initial position, substituting human labor with an automated electromechanical system.
2Reliability
If manual trap resetting is required, then trap readiness is ensured, but productivity decreases due to regular inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors provide continuous feedback on trap status (activation and pest capture detection) to a control unit, which automatically controls the motor to reset the trap when needed. This closed-loop feedback system ensures trap readiness without requiring manual inspection, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors its own status through sensors and performs self-resetting operations, eliminating the need for external operator intervention. This self-service capability maintains trap readiness while improving productivity by removing the bottleneck of manual inspection and resetting.
3Ease of operation
If sensors and motor are added for automatic resetting, then manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes sensor signals, determines trap status, controls the motor actuator, and manages communication with external systems. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system reduces overall complexity despite adding sensors and motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit merges the control functions for the motor actuator and the sensor signal processing into a single integrated component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the added complexity of sensors and motor more manageable.
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 automatic and remote trap arming and resetting, reducing manual intervention and operational costs while maintaining trap functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged to cause the capture structure to rotate around an axis when it is released
Implementation Method 2
a motor arranged to actuate means for re-arming the trap if no pest is detected in the triggered trap
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trap for animal pest that can be set automatically and remotely. More particularly, the invention relates to a pest trap comprising a supporting platform (1) supporting a trapping structure (5), a hook (3) designed to hold the trapping structure in the "set" position, a lever (2) designed to move the hook to so as to release the trapping structure when pressure is applied to said lever, a spring (4) designed to cause the trapping structure to rotate about an axis when released, characterized in that the trap further comprises a sensor (6) that detects whether the trap is set or has been sprung, a sensor (7) that detects the trapping of a pest if the trap is sprung, and a motor (9) designed to actuate means for resetting the trap if no pest is detected in the trap which has been sprung.