Bait Station Locking Mechanism for Secure Anchoring and Detachable Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rodent bait stations face a conflict between being securely anchored to prevent movement and easy cleaning, as anchoring makes it difficult to invert and empty the station without separating it from the mounting surface.
Innovation Solution
A bait station system with a base that allows releasable mounting using a locking mechanism, accessible only by key, enabling secure anchoring and easy detachment for cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bait station is physically attached to a mounting surface using glue, twisted wire, adhesives, or fasteners, then the station is securely anchored and cannot be easily moved or tipped over, but the station cannot be easily detached for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The bait station system is divided into two separable components: a base that remains anchored to the mounting surface and a bait station body that can be detached. The locking mechanism includes posts with locking portions that engage with slots in the base, creating a secure but separable connection. This segmentation allows the station to be firmly attached during operation yet easily detached for cleaning by simply releasing the locking mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bait station is fixedly mounted to prevent movement, then the station remains stable during use, but the station cannot be inverted and emptied for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic controllable connection. The locking portions on the posts can be engaged to provide stable mounting during operation, and disengaged to allow detachment for cleaning. This dynamic capability is achieved through slots that guide the locking portions, allowing the station to be securely mounted yet easily removed when needed for maintenance.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the bait station to the base, then the station remains firmly attached during operation, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism rather than being integrated into the main station structure. The locking portions on the posts work independently with slots in the base, providing secure attachment without requiring complex integrated locking systems. This extraction simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliable attachment security during operation.
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 provides secure anchoring to prevent bait station movement while allowing easy cleaning and maintenance by enabling detachment without tools, ensuring effective pest control and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the base has at least one elastically biased latch which passes through an opening in a portion of the floor of the box of the bait station
Implementation Method 2
a ramp on the elastically biased latch forces deflection of the latch surface allowing it to pass through the opening in the floor of the box
Implementation Method 3
The base may be anchored to a planar surface by the force of gravity acting on the weight contained in the base
Data Source
AI summary
A bait station system has a bait station mounted to a base. The bait station has the general shape of a box with a locking hinged lid. The box has side walls with openings so that rodents can enter into the box and gain access to poison bait or a mechanical trap. The base has a lower tray for receiving a weight. The lower tray has a lower surface which may be glued, attached by a screw, bolt, or earth anchor to a planar surface. The bait station is releasably mounted to the base by a locking mechanism which can be unlocked only by gaining access to the interior of the box forming the bait station.