Collapsible Set Arm for Compact Animal Trap Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional animal traps, particularly snapping jaw traps, face challenges in packaging, shipping, and distribution due to their design, which often includes protruding arms or handles that complicate efficient handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a collapsible set arm that can pivot between a collapsed position for compact storage and an open position for use, allowing the trap to be more efficiently packaged and distributed while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruding arm or handle is provided on the upper jaw to provide a load bearing surface for opening the jaw, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of packaging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The set arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between an extended operational position and a retracted storage position. This dynamic configuration enables the arm to provide leverage when needed while eliminating protrusions during packaging, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If a protruding arm or handle is provided on the upper jaw to provide a load bearing surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ease of manufacture and distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable set arm can be positioned in a retracted state during manufacturing and packaging processes, creating a compact profile that is easier to handle and ship. When deployed, it extends to provide the necessary load bearing surface, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving ease of manufacture and distribution
3Ease of operation
If the set arm is extended to provide a lever for opening the upper jaw, then the ease of operation is improved, but the volume of the trap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The set arm pivots about a pivot point on the upper jaw, extending outward to provide lever mechanical advantage when needed. When not in use, it can be rotated back against the jaw, significantly reducing the overall trap profile and volume, thus resolving the contradiction between operational effectiveness and compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The set arm utilizes rotational movement in a different spatial dimension, allowing it to extend perpendicular to the jaw's closing direction for leverage, then fold back parallel to the jaw body for compact storage, effectively managing volume while maintaining functional capability
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
This design enables the trap to be more compact for shipping and storage, reducing handling complexities while maintaining the ability to effectively trap animals by allowing the upper jaw to pivot between open and closed positions.
Implementation Method 1
The set arm may be moved to a collapsed position to reduce the overall profile of the trap, such as for packaging, shipping and distribution purposes.
Implementation Method 2
an upper jaw pivotally coupled with the base so that it moves between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 3
In its open position, the set arm provides a lever whereby application of a force to the set arm moves the upper jaw toward its open position.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal trap has a base, an upper jaw pivotally coupled with the base so that it is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a set arm that is pivotally coupled with the upper jaw and moveable between a collapsed position and an open position. In its open position, the set arm provides a lever whereby application of a force to the set arm moves the upper jaw toward its open position. A method for trapping an animal includes moving a trap between a first position, where the upper jaw is closed, and the set arm is collapsed, and a second position, where the upper jaw is closed and the set arm is open. The method further includes the step of moving the trap between a second position and a third position in which the upper jaw is open, and the set arm is open.