Compact Arthropod Trap with Reflective Insert and LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arthropod trapping devices are too large, bright, and expensive for widespread use in homes, and they often require handling of trapped insects and adhesive, which is inconvenient and potentially messy.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable arthropod trapping device with a housing that includes a base with an LED light source and a shade that can receive an insert with a reflective, concave surface coated with adhesive, allowing for effective trapping of arthropods without direct contact with the adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large fluorescent tube is used to emit light and trap insects, then the trapping effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes too large, too bright, and too expensive for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a base housing containing the power source and control electronics, and removable adhesive boards that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the trapping mechanism to be maintained without replacing the entire device, reducing overall system cost and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive boards are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components with a limited service life. Once the adhesive is depleted or contaminated, the entire board can be removed and discarded without affecting the permanent base structure, allowing the expensive permanent components to be reused indefinitely.
2Reliability
If a large fluorescent tube is used to emit light and trap insects, then the trapping effectiveness is improved, but the light emitted is too bright for home environments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical parameters of the light source are modified by introducing a reflective hood structure that redirects and diffuses the light emission. This changes the light distribution pattern from a concentrated bright beam to a more diffuse illumination, reducing the perceived brightness while maintaining the total light output needed for effective insect attraction.
3Ease of manufacture
If glue boards are used to trap insects, then the trapping mechanism is simple and effective, but the boards are difficult to remove and replace without touching trapped insects and adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
A tab extension protruding from the adhesive board serves as an intermediary handling element. This tab provides a clean contact point for user fingers during installation and removal operations, mediating between the user's hand and the contaminated adhesive surface, thereby preventing direct contact with trapped insects and adhesive residue.
4Volume of moving object
If smaller disposable traps with LED lights are used, then the device has a minimal footprint and aesthetically pleasing design, but the trapping effectiveness is reduced compared to larger fluorescent tube traps
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive board incorporates a reflective material layer that works in conjunction with the LED light source to enhance light utilization efficiency. This composite structure allows the compact LED to achieve trapping effectiveness comparable to larger fluorescent tubes by reflecting and redirecting light onto the adhesive surface, maximizing the utility of the reduced light source size.
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 device is effective in capturing arthropods, is not offensively bright, and has a compact, aesthetically pleasing design, while allowing for easy maintenance and handling without contacting trapped insects or debris.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive disposed on a surface of the insert is for trapping the arthropod
Implementation Method 2
a shade-facing surface and a LED-facing surface, where an adhesive for trapping the arthropod is disposed on the LED-facing surface of the insert, where the at least one LED is configured to emit light toward the LED-facing surface of the shade, where the light is reflected off the shade, off the insert, or off a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to an arthropod trapping device, more particularly, to a compact and portable trapping device comprising a housing and an insert, where the insert is also attachable to or insertable into a handheld trapping implement.