Biodegradable Layered Insect Trap with Exothermic Attraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect traps are complex to produce and dispose of, and they do not effectively capture a wide range of insect pests, including ants and cockroaches, due to their intricate design and lack of clear disposal methods.
Innovation Solution
An insect trap with a layered body made of biodegradable cardboard sheets and an exothermic body containing iron powder enclosed in an air-permeable bag, which simplifies production and allows for easy disposal by mixing with chicken excreta to accelerate biodegradation, while the exothermic powder releases heat to attract and capture pests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floor boards are arranged with sufficient vertical space between them to allow entry of large insects, then the insect trap can capture a wide range of pests including ants and cockroaches, but the structure becomes complex requiring many parts and complicated production
Solution Approach 1:
The trap body is divided into multiple horizontal floor boards that are stacked vertically with gaps between them. This segmentation allows insects to enter through the gaps while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The floor boards can be made from standard materials and assembled in a straightforward manner, reducing production complexity while still achieving the goal of capturing various insect sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor board structure serves multiple functions: it provides the entry pathways for insects of different sizes through the gaps, supports the exothermic body above, and maintains the structural integrity of the trap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying production while maintaining versatility in pest capture.
2Reliability
If the insect trap is made with a complex structure of floor boards and wall materials, then it can effectively capture pests, but disposal becomes difficult and requires industrial waste contractors
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the trap is changed from conventional non-biodegradable materials to biodegradable materials such as paper, cardboard, or wood pulp. This parameter change in material composition maintains the structural effectiveness for pest capture while fundamentally altering the disposal characteristics, allowing the trap to decompose naturally in compost or soil without requiring specialized waste handling facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap structure, which would normally be considered waste requiring disposal, is converted into a beneficial organic material through biodegradation. The breakdown of the trap materials in compost or soil contributes to nutrient cycling and soil health, transforming what was previously a disposal problem into an environmental benefit.
3Ease of manufacture
If biodegradable materials are used for the layered body and inner bag, then the trap can be easily disposed of by burial or mixing with chicken excreta, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trap incorporates composite material structures, such as layered configurations of paper or cardboard sheets, which provide enhanced mechanical strength while maintaining biodegradability. The layered arrangement creates a more robust structure that can withstand the forces of insect entry and handling during disposal, yet still decomposes effectively when buried or mixed with organic waste.
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 insect trap captures more pests than traditional designs, is easier to produce and dispose of, and the biodegradable materials convert into fertilizer-rich manure, reducing odor and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the exothermic powder contains iron powder that releases heat when oxidized
Implementation Method 2
the layered body and the inner bag are made of a biodegradable raw material
Implementation Method 3
since iron absorbs causative substances of foul odor such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and trimethylamine
Data Source
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AI summary
An insect trap comprises an exothermic body, and a layered body. The exothermic body is configured to comprise exothermic powder enclosed in an inner bag that is air permeable; the exothermic powder contains iron powder that releases heat when oxidized. The layered body is configured with layers of plate-like elements and comprises gaps as a pathway of entry for an insect pest. A housing space to house the exothermic body is arranged inside the layered body. The layered body and the inner bag are made of a biodegradable raw material.