Bird Deterrent Device with Adjustable Locking Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing defense systems fail to effectively and cost-efficiently prevent bird access, particularly pigeons, into the gaps between photovoltaic or solar collector modules and roof elements without causing injury to the birds.

Innovation Solution

A defense device featuring an elongated carrier with adjustable holding and locking parts that form a structurally robust, bend-resistant and displacement-proof defensive part, allowing for easy attachment to modules and roofs, using tubular or sleeve-shaped locking parts that can be extended telescopically to bridge gaps, made from rust-free materials like stainless steel or aluminum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If U-shaped wire deterrent elements are inserted into brackets on supports to block gaps, then bird access is prevented, but the device becomes complex and difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebird access preventionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: carrier elements with holding parts that can be independently attached to the support, and locking parts that can be adjusted on the holding parts. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and installation while maintaining effective gap blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking parts are designed to be adjustable on the holding parts, allowing the device to adapt to different gap sizes and positions. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies installation across various configurations without requiring multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If holding parts are attached close together to prevent animal access, then reliability improves, but material consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap blocking effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The locking parts extend perpendicular to the plane of the carrier elements, creating a three-dimensional barrier that blocks animals from bypassing gaps between holding parts. This dimensional extension allows for larger spacing between holding parts while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking parts are designed to engage with the holding parts in a nested configuration, where the locking part fits over or into the holding part. This nesting provides structural stability and secure gap blocking with minimal material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier is made long to bridge large gaps, then adaptability improves, but structural stability and resistance to bending decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap bridging capabilityVSAvoidbend resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is divided into multiple shorter segments or modules that can be connected together. Each segment maintains adequate structural stiffness, while the modular connection allows the overall carrier to span large gaps through multiple sections rather than requiring a single long, flexible element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If locking parts are made wider than holding parts to prevent displacement, then reliability improves, but ease of assembly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking parts are designed with movable or adjustable features that allow easy insertion and positioning during assembly. Once in position, the wider dimensions and engagement mechanisms provide stable locking that prevents displacement during use, achieving both ease of assembly and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4368019A1Device for repelling animals, in particular birds, preferably pigeons
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 ZIWI VERTRIEBS GMBH
  • EP4368019A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4368019A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4368019A1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The deterrent device (1) is designed to deter animals, in particular birds, preferably pigeons. It has at least one support (2) to which several retaining elements (4) are attached, each of which has a locking element (5) adjustably mounted. In order to reliably prevent animals from entering such a gap in a simple and cost-effective manner, the locking element (5) has a greater width than the retaining element (4), at least in the area of ​​its free end (5a). This allows the retaining elements (4) to be attached to the support (2) at greater intervals without impairing the locking effect.