Cage Trap Trigger Assembly for Safer Shipping and Easier Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current live animal traps face challenges with wire mesh cages that are difficult to assemble, costly, and prone to damage during shipping due to exposed trigger mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A live animal trap with a cage assembly using a removable top wall and internal trigger mechanism, featuring snap-fit polymer components and a detachable intermediate linkage to protect against damage and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire mesh cage construction is used, then trap functionality and humane trapping capabilities are maintained, but assembly difficulty and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cage assembly is divided into separate modular components including side walls, end walls, and a top wall that can be assembled together. The trigger assembly is also segmented into separate components (trigger mechanism, intermediate linkage, door linkage) that can be manufactured independently and assembled at the trap site, reducing overall assembly difficulty while maintaining trap functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate linkage component serves as a mediator between the trigger mechanism and the door linkage. This intermediary element simplifies the connection process and reduces assembly complexity by providing a standardized interface between the trigger assembly and door assembly components.
2Ease of operation
If exposed trigger mechanism components are used, then trap operation is simplified, but damage susceptibility during shipping and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly components are designed to nest within the cage assembly during shipping and storage. The intermediate linkage and door linkage can be positioned within the cage structure, protecting these exposed components from damage while maintaining their operational functionality when the trap is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is segmented into separate components that can be independently protected during shipping. The intermediate linkage can be detached and stored separately within the cage, reducing the risk of damage to exposed trigger components while maintaining ease of operation when assembled.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tooling and fixtures are used for metal forming and fastening, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire mesh cage structure is designed to serve its own attachment function. The mesh pattern and wire configuration allow for direct attachment of the trigger assembly components without requiring specialized tooling or fixtures. The cage structure itself provides the mounting points and fastening mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire mesh cage structure performs multiple functions: it provides the trap enclosure, serves as the mounting structure for the trigger assembly, and acts as the fastening system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized tooling and fixtures, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A live animal trap comprises a cage assembly defining an interior space accessible via at least one entrance, a door assembly and a trigger assembly. The cage assembly includes a floor, a pair of opposed side walls, a rear wall and a top wall removably connected to the pair of side walls and the rear wall. The door assembly includes a door pivotally mounted to the cage assembly and movable between a closed position and an open position for selectively opening and closing the at least one entrance. The trigger assembly includes a trigger arranged within the interior space of the cage assembly. A first linkage of the trap is removably attached to the door assembly in an operating position. The first linkage is adapted to engage with the trigger assembly to hold the door in the open position.