Curved Insect Trap Using Engaging Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insect traps with flat adhesive surfaces are not versatile enough for use in various environments, such as dining rooms or restaurants, as they are not suitable for placement on flat surfaces like tables.

Innovation Solution

A sheet-based insect trap with engaging means, such as complementary tabs and slots, that forms a curved adhesive surface when engaged, allowing it to be used on different surfaces, including tables and cupboards, and features a protection sheet to maintain adhesive properties until use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flat adhesive surface is used for the insect trap, then the trap is simple to manufacture and handle, but it cannot be effectively used on flat surfaces like tables or in various environments such as dining rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of trap placementVSAvoidstructure of trap
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by transforming the flat adhesive sheet into a curved surface that can conform to different placement surfaces. The sheet is bent along a curved folding line to create a three-dimensional adhesive surface that can be placed on tables, cupboards, or other surfaces, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining the basic sheet structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat sheet to a three-dimensional curved surface by introducing a curved folding line. This dimensional change allows the adhesive surface to conform to various placement surfaces, enabling use in diverse environments without significantly complicating the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the adhesive surface is exposed, then insects can adhere to it effectively, but the adhesive properties are lost during handling and storage before use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive effectivenessVSAvoidhandling convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adhesive surface from the rest of the sheet by providing a protection sheet that covers only the adhesive area. This segmentation allows the adhesive surface to be protected independently during handling and storage, while the rest of the sheet remains accessible for manipulation and placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection sheet acts as an intermediary layer between the adhesive surface and the external environment. It prevents direct contact that would cause adhesive loss or contamination, while allowing the user to handle the trap through the protection sheet or by gripping non-adhesive portions of the sheet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 curved design enables the trap to be effectively used in multiple settings, ensuring insects adhere to the adhesive surface, which can be enhanced with aromas or colors for attraction, while the protection sheet preserves the adhesive properties for handling.

Implementation Method 1

a sheet that defines an adhesive surface... insects remain adhered to the adhesive surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Said curved folding line defines an inner cone when said opposite ends are engaged together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric transformation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3383174B1Sticky trap for insects
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 ZOBELE HLDG SPA
  • EP3383174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3383174B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The insect trap is formed from a sheet (1) that defines an adhesive surface (4), and is characterized in that said sheet (1) comprises on two opposite ends engaging means (2, 3) in order to engage said opposite ends together; this way, said adhesive surface (4) is curved when said opposite ends are engaged together. It allows the insect trap to be used in any location, including inside a cupboard or on a table.