Breathable Membrane Attractant Pod for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect lures often require consumers to manually poke holes in a foil lid to control the release rate of attractants, which can be inefficient and costly, and may not provide precise control over the release of chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-covered attractant pod with a breathable fabric or membrane that fits over the receptacle and a removable foil lid, allowing for controlled release of insect attractants without the need for manual hole-poking, and enabling tailored release rates based on the molecule size of the chemicals used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable foil lid is used to seal the attractant, then the attractant is protected from contamination, but the consumer must manually poke holes to control the release rate which is inefficient and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solid foil lid with a breathable membrane that has controlled porosity. The membrane contains numerous microscopic pores that allow attractant molecules to diffuse through at a controlled rate, eliminating the need for manual hole-poking while maintaining protection and enabling precise release rate control based on molecule size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the lid material from solid (foil) to porous (breathable membrane). This parameter change allows the lid to simultaneously provide protection and enable controlled release through the inherent properties of the porous structure, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If sized die cut holes are used in the foil lid to control release rate, then release control is possible, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating sized die cut holes through complex manufacturing processes, the patent uses a breathable membrane whose porosity is inherently controlled during material fabrication. This provides precise release rate control through the membrane's uniform microscopic pore structure, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane serves as a disposable component that can be manufactured more simply and cheaply than precision-cut foil lids. The membrane's controlled porosity is achieved through standard material fabrication processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while providing the desired release rate control.
3Reliability
If a cap is used on the pod to seal the attractant, then the attractant is protected, but the overall cost of the pod increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and the release control function into a single breathable membrane component. This eliminates the need for a separate cap, reducing the number of parts and overall pod cost while maintaining attractant protection and enabling controlled release through the membrane's porous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the attractant from contamination like a cap, controls the release rate through its porosity like a regulated opening, and eliminates the need for separate components. This multi-functionality reduces overall pod cost while maintaining protection.
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 breathable membrane allows for finely controlled release rates of insect attractants, improving catch rates and reducing costs by eliminating the need for a cap, while also simplifying user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A breathable fabric or membrane hole size can be tailored to a molecule size of the chemicals used in the pod
Implementation Method 2
The breathable fabric or membrane hole size can be tailored to a molecule size of the chemicals used in the pod
Data Source
AI summary
A pod includes a receptacle having a compartment configured to house an insect attractant, a membrane designed to fit over the top of the receptacle, and a removable foil lid designed to fit over the top of the membrane.