Beehive Entrance Separator With Dual Cover Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bee entrance-exit separators fail to effectively manage bees' entrance and exit from hives according to different seasonal and usage requirements, as they either do not close or partially close the entrance-exit holes, making it difficult for beekeepers to control bee traffic and relocate hives efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A bee entrance-exit separator with a cover mechanism that allows for complete or partial closure of entrance-exit holes using a primary and secondary cover system, which can be adjusted to meet various usage and seasonal requirements without the need for external closure pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slider mechanism is used to close entrance-exit holes, then bee traffic can be regulated, but the slider fails to completely close the holes located at the midsection of the separator
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is divided into two independent parts: a first closure element for side holes and a second closure element for midsection holes. This segmentation allows each element to independently and completely close its designated holes, solving the problem of incomplete closure that occurs with a single slider mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different closure elements are positioned at different locations (side vs. midsection) to address the specific closure needs of different hole regions. This local differentiation ensures that each area receives appropriate closure attention, with midsection holes getting dedicated closure elements that can completely block them.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separator is designed with fixed holes for pollen trap, then pollen collection is enabled, but the holes cannot be completely closed when pollen is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The closure elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment between open and closed states. The second closure element can be positioned to completely block midsection holes when pollen collection is not needed, while still allowing access when pollen collection is desired, providing operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a single slider mechanism is used for closure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to completely close all hole types is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into multiple independent elements (first closure element for side holes, second closure element for midsection holes). This segmentation, while increasing component count, ensures complete closure capability for all hole types, achieving reliability that a single simplified mechanism cannot provide.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to separators (1) that regulate bees' entrance to and exit from a hive according to various seasonal and usage requirements, that are provided with several bee entrance-exit holes (6) that allow a bee colony to enter to and exit from a hive, and that are provided with at least one primary cover (3) and a secondary cover (4) associated with the primary cover (3) in order to close at least a portion of said holes (6).