Flexible Bristle Sealing for Tree Trunk Pest Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree protection devices fail to effectively and easily adapt to the irregular shape of tree trunks, allowing harmful animals like caterpillars to pass through gaps between the device and the tree, and often require complex installation or damage the tree bark.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hair junction system that penetrates into the tree bark's irregularities, combined with a pivoting collar section design that allows the device to closely follow the tree's contour, ensuring a secure seal without damaging the tree and allowing easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If putty is used to create a joint cord for sealing between the trapping device and tree trunk, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the complex putty application process and implements it through a simple elastic element (rubber band or spring) that naturally conforms to the tree trunk irregularities. This eliminates the need for putty material handling and application while maintaining effective sealing against harmful animals.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing element is designed to automatically adapt to the tree trunk's surface irregularities without requiring manual shaping or adjustment. The elastic material self-adjusts to fill gaps and crevices, providing effective sealing through its own elastic properties rather than requiring external intervention for customization.
2Reliability
If putty is used to create a joint cord for sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the installation time increases and the tree bark is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming putty application step entirely by replacing it with a pre-formed elastic sealing element that can be quickly installed around the tree trunk. This dramatically reduces installation time while maintaining the sealing function through the elastic material's ability to conform to irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be quickly installed and removed without causing damage. Unlike putty which requires careful application and removal, the elastic element can be easily detached and replaced if needed, reducing both installation time and potential damage to the tree.
3Strength
If a rigid collar is used for trapping, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to irregular tree shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected together. Each section maintains structural strength through rigid construction, while the segmented design allows the overall collar to flex and adapt to irregular tree trunk shapes. The sections can be adjusted in number and configuration to match different tree dimensions and contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates elastic sealing elements (rubber bands or springs) that act as flexible components within the rigid collar structure. These elastic elements provide the necessary flexibility to conform to irregular tree surfaces while the rigid collar sections maintain structural integrity and trapping effectiveness.
4Reliability
If the collar is made to fit tightly around the tree trunk, then the trapping effectiveness is improved, but the ease of installation and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates elastic elements that provide dynamic adjustment capability. During installation, the elastic components can be temporarily expanded or compressed to facilitate easy placement around the tree trunk. Once installed, they maintain sufficient tension to ensure effective sealing and trapping, yet remain flexible enough for straightforward removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing elements are designed with specific mechanical properties that allow parameter changes during installation and operation. The elasticity modulus and tension characteristics are optimized to provide easy installation through flexible deformation, while maintaining adequate sealing pressure for effective trapping during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for trapping pests such as caterpillars, comprising a collar (2) shaped to encircle the trunk of a tree (3), said collar (2) including a substantially annular walkway (4) extending substantially in a foreground (P1) intended to be oriented horizontally. Joining means (31) comprising an arrangement (32) of flexible bristles (33) of suitable density prevent the passage of pests between the collar (2) and the trunk of the tree (3).