Multi-Orientation Bait Packet Access Structure for Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commonly available bait packets for household pests are limited to a single orientation, typically horizontal, leading to spilling and reduced accessibility when positioned in other orientations, such as vertical, impairing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A bait packet design with a container featuring an access structure that protrudes into the bait containing space, allowing access in multiple orientations without spilling, including a first portion above the bait level in a vertical orientation and a second portion above the bait level in a horizontal orientation, facilitating ant access in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bait packet is designed for a single horizontal orientation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bait spills and accessibility is impaired when positioned in other orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The access structure is designed with multiple portions (first portion and second portion) that serve different functions depending on orientation. The first portion provides access when the packet is in vertical orientation, while the second portion provides access when horizontal, making the structure universally functional across multiple orientations without requiring separate access mechanisms for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access structure extends in multiple spatial dimensions with portions positioned at different heights and locations. By adding vertical dimensionality to the access structure (first portion above bait level in vertical orientation, second portion above bait level in horizontal orientation), the design enables multi-orientation functionality without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bait packet is positioned in vertical orientation, then wall attachment is enabled, but bait spilling occurs and ant access is impaired without the access structure
Solution Approach 1:
The access structure is pre-configured within the container before use, with portions positioned to be above the bait level in both vertical and horizontal orientations. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the packet is attached to a wall in vertical orientation, ants can immediately access the bait through the first portion without causing spilling, and the structure is already prepared to function reliably in vertical position.
Solution Approach 2:
The access structure acts as an intermediary element between the external environment (where ants approach from) and the bait material inside the container. By positioning portions of the access structure above the bait level, it mediates ant access in a way that prevents direct contact with the bait container walls that would cause spilling, while still allowing reliable bait containment and ant access in vertical orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bait packet includes a container defining a bait containing space with a bait in the bait containing space and an access structure protruding from the container into the bait containing space. The access structure has a first portion that is above a level of the bait in a first orientation of the bait packet and a second portion different from the first portion that is above the level of the bait in a second orientation of the bait packet. The second orientation is approximately perpendicular to the first orientation.