Conical Insect Trap with Flanges for Nest Eradication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect traps are ineffective in capturing large numbers of yellow jackets near their nests, often require chemical attractants or pesticides that pose environmental risks, and are limited in capacity, failing to eradicate the entire nest population without frequent emptying and replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A conically-shaped trap apparatus with a holding reservoir and flanges to secure it over or near insect nests, allowing yellow jackets to enter but not exit, eliminating the need for chemical attractants and pesticides, and capable of trapping large numbers without frequent emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing traps are placed at a distance from the nest, then they can be safely positioned away from the nest structure, but they fail to capture enough yellow jackets to effectively eradicate the nest population
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is positioned over the nest entrance before yellow jackets emerge, capturing them at the source rather than waiting for them to fly away. This preliminary positioning at the nest entrance ensures maximum capture efficiency and prevents the need for frequent emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap transitions from a horizontal placement away from the nest to a vertical positioning directly over the nest entrance. This dimensional change allows the trap to intercept yellow jackets as they emerge vertically from the nest, dramatically increasing capture effectiveness.
2Productivity
If chemical attractants and pesticides are used in traps, then yellow jackets are effectively attracted and killed, but environmental risks are posed to humans and animals
Solution Approach 1:
The trap design extracts and eliminates the need for chemical attractants and pesticides by using a purely mechanical capture mechanism. Yellow jackets are trapped through the conical passage geometry and flange structure, removing harmful chemicals from the system while maintaining effective capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap converts the natural behavior of yellow jackets (emerging from the nest) into a beneficial capture mechanism. By positioning the conical passage over the nest entrance, the trap uses the insects' own emergence pattern to their detriment, capturing them without requiring external chemical inducements.
3Device complexity
If traps are made small to simplify design, then manufacturing and deployment are easier, but they can only contain a few hundred yellow jackets at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The trap employs a nested structure where the conical passage is positioned within or over the nest entrance, and the holding reservoir is integrated into the same assembly. This nesting allows the trap to capture large numbers of yellow jackets while maintaining a compact, simple overall design that is easy to manufacture and deploy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to trap apparatuses for trapping insects therein. Specifically, the trap apparatuses comprise a conically-shaped passage leading to a holding reservoir for holding the insects therein. Flanges may be disposed at the bottom of the conically-shaped passage portion for securing the same over or otherwise in proximity to an insect nest. The insect trap apparatuses of the present invention are particularly useful for trapping yellow jackets and other like insects that create nests in the ground, in cracks in walls or other vertical structures, or other similar areas.