Capacitive Sensor Array for Automated Pest Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pest control systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and monitoring pests, particularly subterranean termites and rodents, as they require frequent manual checks and lack effective automated monitoring and communication mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pest control device equipped with a capacitive sensor array and an electronic controller that generates electrical output signals indicating pest presence, calculates baselines, and records events based on predetermined thresholds, allowing for automated detection and communication of pest activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual checking methods are used to detect and monitor pests, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the productivity is low and requires frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The pest control device automatically monitors pest presence using capacitive sensor arrays and electronic controllers that detect changes in capacitance values. The system self-manages detection and reporting without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated baseline calculation and threshold-based event recording
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with electronic sensing technology. Capacitive sensors detect pest presence by measuring electrical properties, and electronic controllers automatically process data and generate alerts, substituting human manual checking with automated electronic monitoring systems
2Extent of automation
If automated monitoring systems are implemented, then the productivity and detection efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into distinct functional modules: capacitive sensor arrays for detection, electronic controllers for data processing, baseline calculation algorithms, and event recording mechanisms. This segmentation allows automated monitoring functionality to be implemented through coordinated simple components rather than a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller performs multiple functions including receiving sensor signals, calculating baselines, comparing measurements against thresholds, updating counters, and recording events. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation
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 system enables real-time, automated detection and reporting of pest presence, reducing the need for frequent manual checks and improving the efficiency of pest control operations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor array including a plurality of sensor pads, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the capacitive sensor array. The capacitive sensor array is configured to generate an electrical output signal indicating the state of each sensor pad
Data Source
AI summary
A pest control device comprising a capacitive sensor array including a plurality of sensor pads, the capacitive sensor array being configured to generate an electrical output signal indicating the state of each sensor pad, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the capacitive sensor array, the electronic controller including a processor and a memory including a plurality of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive the electrical output signals from the capacitive sensor array, determine a measured capacitance value for each sensor pad based on each electrical output signal, calculate a baseline for each sensor pad based on the measured capacitance value of the sensor pad, determine whether a difference between the measured capacitance value of at least one sensor pad and its corresponding baseline exceeds a first predetermined threshold, update a counter when the first predetermined threshold is exceeded, and record an event indicative of a presence of a pest when the counter exceeds a predetermined limit.