Covered Gravity Feed Ant Elimination System with Metered Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest control devices are not effectively targeted to specific airborne and crawling insect species such as mosquitoes, aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale, and other arthropods, lacking specific attractants and biopathogens to achieve mass remote extermination.
Innovation Solution
Development of covered devices and cover assemblies that retrofit existing systems, using species-specific insect attractants and biopathogens or bio-friendly active ingredients, combined with a metered dispenser system, light sources, and solar panels to lure and contact targeted insects, allowing them to contaminate others upon interaction, thereby achieving targeted pest control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing pest control devices are used, then general insect control is achieved, but species-specific targeting capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating species-specific attractants and biopathogens at different locations within the device. Different insect species are targeted with specific chemical attractants dispersed throughout the bait matrix, allowing the same device to selectively target multiple species based on their unique chemical signatures rather than using a uniform approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pest control function by separating attractant delivery from biopathogen delivery. The attractants lure specific insect species to the device, while the biopathogens (such as Beauveria bassiana fungus) are contained within the bait matrix to contact and eliminate the targeted insects. This segmentation allows for species-specific control while maintaining device versatility.
2Reliability
If biopathogens and bio-friendly active ingredients are used, then targeted pest elimination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device structure. The housing contains both the attractant dispensing mechanism and the biopathogen-containing bait matrix in one unit, eliminating the need for separate attraction and elimination devices. This combining approach maintains reliability while reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various insect species through a single platform. By incorporating interchangeable or adjustable attractant types and a universal bait matrix formulation that can accommodate different biopathogens, the device achieves targeted pest elimination across multiple species without requiring species-specific device variants.
3Measurement precision
If metered dispenser systems and additional components are added, then species-specific attractant delivery is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using passive metering mechanisms that rely on natural insect behavior and environmental factors. The attractant dispensing system is designed to release chemicals at controlled rates through diffusion, capillary action, or temperature-dependent volatilization, eliminating the need for complex active metering devices, motors, or electronic controls that would complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, inexpensive attractant delivery components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The bait matrix and attractant containers are designed as disposable or easily replaceable units, allowing for simple manufacturing processes while maintaining precise attractant delivery through carefully engineered material properties rather than complex mechanical metering systems.
4Reliability
If covered devices with extended covers are used, then weather tolerance is enhanced, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using collapsible or flexible cover materials that can adapt to environmental conditions. The cover structure is designed to expand or contract based on weather conditions, providing maximum protection during storms while minimizing volume during calm periods. This dynamic approach maintains weather tolerance without permanently increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible thin-film covers made from weather-resistant materials that provide protection against elements while maintaining a compact profile. These thin film covers can be tensioned or relaxed as needed, offering weather tolerance when required while minimizing the device's overall volume during storage or non-storm conditions, avoiding the bulk of rigid extended covers.
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 provides effective, targeted, and mass remote extermination of specific airborne and crawling insect species by using species-specific attractants and biopathogens, ensuring long-term pest control with enhanced weather tolerance and outdoor usability.
Implementation Method 1
a metered bioattractant dispenser housed in the cover and adapted to release a species-specific insect attractant therefrom
Implementation Method 2
a metered biopathogen dispenser housed in the cover and adapted to contact the targeted insect(s) with a biopathogen
Implementation Method 3
a light source housed in the cover
Implementation Method 4
a solar panel housed in the cover
Implementation Method 5
a base carrying a membrane ring impregnated or coated with an active ingredient thereon and an insect feeding pool; a stem mounted to the base
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices for eliminating airborne and crawling insect pests including a base carrying a membrane ring and insect feeding pool; a stem mounted to the base having a lower portion that covers the membrane ring; a reservoir positioned atop the stem, the reservoir adapted to contain liquid bait; stress duct openings disposed in the stem for metering flow of the liquid bait from the reservoir to the insect feeding pool; and a cover positioned atop the reservoir and extending radially outward therefrom to span and cover the base, the cover housing at least one of a metered bioattractant dispenser, a metered biopathogen dispenser, a light source, and a solar panel. Also disclosed are pest control device cover assemblies configured for attachment to existing pest control device(s) that allow for enhanced elimination airborne and crawling insect pests.