Bird Repellent Track With Segmented Arc Suppressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bird deterrent devices face issues such as water pooling, short-circuiting due to bending, and aesthetic concerns, as well as sensitivity to moisture and fecal contamination, which affect their operational reliability and installation aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The use of at least two electrically conductive traces mounted on a carrier separated by an umbrelloid-shaped arc suppressor, which increases the creep distance between the traces by at least 1.5 times, providing effective drainage and preventing short-circuiting while maintaining a flexible and aesthetically pleasing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conductive traces are mounted on a flexible carrier blanket, then installation flexibility is improved, but inadvertent short circuiting occurs due to folding or bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidshort circuiting prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is divided into multiple rigid segments spaced apart, which prevents continuous folding or bending that would cause short circuits, while still allowing flexible installation overall. Each segment maintains its shape to prevent inadvertent contact between conductive traces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating elements are introduced between the conductive traces and the carrier surface, and between adjacent conductive traces. These intermediaries prevent direct contact and short circuiting while allowing the flexible carrier configuration to remain effective for installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conductive traces are positioned close together to deter birds, then deterrent effectiveness is improved, but sensitivity to moisture and fecal contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterrent effectivenessVSAvoidmoisture and fecal contamination sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Insulating elements are positioned between the closely spaced conductive traces to prevent moisture and fecal contamination from creating conductive paths. These intermediaries maintain the close spacing needed for bird deterrence while blocking harmful contaminants from causing short circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible insulating coating or film is applied over the conductive traces and carrier surface. This thin film prevents moisture and fecal contamination from contacting the conductive traces directly, maintaining deterrent effectiveness while protecting against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If conductive traces are mounted on an elevated carrier, then reliability when exposed to moisture is improved, but aesthetic pleasingness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture exposure resistanceVSAvoidaesthetic pleasingness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The elevated carrier is segmented into discrete support elements rather than a continuous elevated structure. This allows the conductive traces to be positioned at an elevated, moisture-resistant height while maintaining a flatter, more aesthetically pleasing overall profile that blends better with surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively prevents short-circuiting due to moisture and ensures continuous operation by increasing the creep distance between conductive traces, while allowing for flexible installation and improved aesthetics by maintaining a clean and functional bird deterrent system.

Implementation Method 1

an arc suppressor that has at least one of (a) an umbrelloid shape, and (b) a configuration effective to increase creep distance between the first and second conductive traces by at least 1.5 times

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCreep distance:

Implementation Method 2

at least part of the carrier and/or at least part of the arc suppressor is angled, wherein the angle is selected such that when the device is installed on a horizontal surface water runs off the angled part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the first and second conductive traces are spaced apart at a distance that allows formation of an electric circuit via a foot of a bird

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7802396B2Electrified bird repellent track

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 BIRD B GONE INC

AI summary

An animal deterring device has a carrier with first and second conductive traces that are separated by an arc suppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor is configured to eliminate short circuiting of the device when exposed to fog, dew, rain, or animal excrements while at the same time to allow an animal to contact both conductive traces at the same time.