Semiaromatic Copolyester Membrane Dispenser for Controlled Formic Acid Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mite control devices for bee hives face challenges such as handling corrosive formic acid, unreliable dispensing in varying climates, and non-toxicity to bees, with existing solutions being non-biodegradable and requiring hole punching or cutting slits for acid release.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser filled with a gel comprising C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and a thickener, utilizing a semiaromatic copolyester membrane that allows controlled diffusion of formic acid, is designed to be biodegradable and easy to handle, eliminating the need for hole punching or cutting slits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polyethylene or polypropylene bags with slits are used as dispensers, then formic acid can be dispensed, but the dispenser is non-biodegradable and requires hole punching or cutting slits for acid release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the dispenser from conventional non-biodegradable polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene) to biodegradable materials (polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates). This parameter change enables the dispenser to decompose naturally after use, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining the functional integrity of the dispensing system without requiring slit cutting
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable dispenser material automatically degrades through natural biological processes without requiring human intervention to cut slits or holes. The material's self-degradation property replaces the manual operation of creating openings, making the system self-service oriented and more environmentally friendly
2Reliability
If latex condoms with thick membranes are used for membrane-barrier delivery, then formic acid can be delivered, but the membrane thickness varies from 71 to 650 μm causing unreliable dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the membrane thickness parameter from the wide range of 71-650 μm (latex condoms) to a controlled thin range of 1-50 μm. This parameter change ensures uniform and predictable formic acid diffusion rates, achieving reliable controlled release while simplifying the device structure by using consistently thin membranes rather than thick variable ones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous or microporous membrane materials that allow controlled diffusion of formic acid vapor. The porous structure provides consistent diffusion pathways regardless of minor thickness variations, ensuring reliable controlled release and reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on dispensing performance
3Reliability
If formic acid is dispensed in warmer climates, then mite control can be achieved, but the corrosive nature of formic acid makes handling difficult for beekeepers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biodegradable membrane as an intermediary barrier between the beekeeper and the corrosive formic acid. The membrane allows controlled vapor transmission for effective mite control while providing physical containment that protects handlers from direct contact with the corrosive acid, thereby improving handling safety without compromising efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible thin film membranes (1-50 μm thickness) that can be easily handled and applied while containing the corrosive formic acid. The thin film provides adequate protection against corrosion while being flexible enough for easy manipulation by beekeepers, resolving the contradiction between handling safety and operational ease
4Reliability
If gel formulations with various gelling agents are used, then formic acid can be controlled, but the additives may be toxic to bees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the gel formulation by selecting gelling agents and additives that are proven non-toxic to bees. This parameter change maintains the controlled dispensing functionality of the gel while eliminating the harmful toxicity effect, ensuring both reliability of acid release and safety for the bees
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful additives into beneficial or neutral components by carefully selecting substances that are non-toxic to bees. The gel formulation uses safe thickeners and stabilizers that provide controlled dispensing benefits without the harmful side effects, turning a potential harm (toxic additives) into a benefit (safe controlled release system)
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 solution effectively controls mite populations, is safe for bees, and can be used year-round, including in hot climates, with the gel being non-toxic and the device completely compostable, enhancing bee colony health without the need for antibiotics.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a semiaromatic copolyester membrane that allows controlled diffusion of formic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a dispenser, which is filled with a gel comprising a C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and a thickener, comprising a polyester membrane. The invention further relates to said gel. It also relates to s method for preparing said dispenser, comprising a) mixing C1 to C10 carboxylic acid and the thickener, and b) filling the mixture of step a) into the dispenser. The invention futher relates to a method for the control of mites in bee hives comprising putting said dispenser inside or near a bee hive. It also relates to a use of the dispenser or the gel for the control of mites or of nosema in agricultural, industrial or domestic environment.