Electrically Conductive Foam Scent Generator for Targeted Pest Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling insect pests, such as the Asian Citrus Psyllid, are ineffective due to insecticide resistance, environmental risks, and harm to non-target species, necessitating integrated strategies that are unsustainable in the long term.

Innovation Solution

A scent generator using electrically conductive foam to volatilize and eject precise mixtures of olfactory stimulants, attracting pests into a trap, combined with a control system for adjusting operations based on environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If broadly acting chemical insecticides are used to control ACP, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but environmental risks increase and non-target species are harmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental risks and harm to non-target species

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses species-specific olfactory attractants to target only Asian citrus psyllids, creating a localized control method that affects only the target pest while leaving beneficial insects and non-target species unharmed. This resolves the contradiction by providing effective pest control without the broad-spectrum harm of chemical insecticides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (olfactory attractant) that mediates between the trap and the target pest. The attractant selectively draws in ACP through species-specific scent profiles, enabling effective trapping without direct chemical contact that would harm non-target organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If repeatedly used chemical treatments are applied to control ACP, then initial pest control effectiveness is improved, but insecticide resistance develops reducing long-term effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidlong-term effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical insecticide applications with a mechanical trapping system using olfactory attractants. This substitution eliminates the selection pressure that drives resistance development, allowing for sustained long-term effectiveness without the diminishing returns seen in chemical treatment programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the composition and concentration of olfactory attractants based on environmental conditions and pest pressure, changing the parameters of attraction over time. This prevents pests from adapting to a fixed chemical signature, maintaining long-term effectiveness similar to how varying chemical parameters could prevent resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If tree trunk antibiotic injection and screens are used to prevent HLB spread, then disease control is improved, but sustainability is reduced due to cost and practical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease controlVSAvoidsustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by trapping and removing ACP before they can transmit HLB to citrus trees. By intercepting the vector population proactively through scent-based attraction, the system prevents disease transmission before it occurs, offering a sustainable alternative to reactive antibiotic treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The trapping system operates autonomously using natural olfactory cues that attract ACP without requiring human intervention for application or monitoring. The system self-regulates based on pest presence and environmental conditions, providing sustainable disease prevention without the recurring costs and logistical challenges of antibiotic injections and physical screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively targets specific insect species without harming beneficial insects, reducing chemical use, and maintaining efficacy over time by dynamically adjusting scent compositions.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive foam configured to volatilize a portion of the olfactory stimulant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a power supply configured to provide an electrical signal to the electrically conductive foam and cause the olfactory stimulant to volatilize

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250295101A1Methods and apparatus for pest control

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 UNIV OF CONNECTICUT

AI summary

A scent generator includes a supply chamber configured for receiving a volume of an olfactory stimulant, the supply chamber including an electrically conductive foam configured to volatilize a portion of the olfactory stimulant; and a power supply configured to provide an electrical signal to the electrically conductive foam and cause the olfactory stimulant to volatilize and be ejected from the supply chamber. A pest trap using the scent generator and a computer program product for controlling the scent generator are disclosed.