Bee Installation Funnel with Articulating Unitary Blank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bee hives and cages lack effective solutions for safely and efficiently transferring bees from a bee cage to a bee hive.
Innovation Solution
A bee installation funnel apparatus that articulates from a flat, collapsed configuration to a rigid, three-dimensional form, allowing for safe and efficient transfer of bees, comprising a unitary blank with panels and score lines for folding, and a security strap for securing to the bee hive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a bee installation funnel is made from a unitary blank that articulates from flat to three-dimensional configuration, then ease of storage and shipment is improved, but device complexity increases due to foldable structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel apparatus is divided into multiple panels (back panel, side panels, bottom panel) connected by score lines, allowing each panel to be independently positioned during articulation while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel transitions from a static flat configuration to a dynamic three-dimensional articulated configuration, enabling the structure to adapt between compact storage and functional deployment states through foldable joints
2Reliability
If a security strap member is added to secure the funnel to the bee hive, then reliability of bee transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security strap member is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main funnel structure, allowing it to be independently attached and detached without affecting the funnel's articulation or bee transfer function
Solution Approach 2:
The security strap member serves multiple functions: securing the funnel to the bee hive, preventing accidental disassembly, and providing a visual indicator when properly installed, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If minimal fabrication effort is used to create the funnel from a unitary blank, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may worsen due to folding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Score lines are pre-marked on the unitary blank during manufacturing, providing predetermined fold locations that guide the user during assembly and ensure consistent geometric accuracy without requiring complex fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel is designed as a disposable or single-use apparatus where minimal fabrication effort is acceptable, and any minor imprecision in folding does not compromise the primary function of bee transfer, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A bee installation funnel apparatus, including: (1) a unitary blank having (a) a back panel, wherein the back panel includes a top side, a left side, a right side, and a bottom side, and at least one aperture, (b) at least one side panel, wherein the at least one side panel emanates contiguously from the back panel; and (c) a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel comprises a top side, a left side, a right side, and a bottom side, and at least one tab, and (2) a security strap member, wherein the security strap member is positionable around an associated bee hive.