Cylindrical Adhesive Insect Trap for Flexible Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insect traps are limited by their design to certain placements, are visually obtrusive, require manual cleaning, and pose safety risks, failing to provide a discreet, versatile, and user-friendly solution for insect control in residential and commercial settings.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical tube trap with a removable plastic cover and adhesive layer that can be placed in various locations, blending into the environment, and is disposable after use, ensuring ease of use and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flat or square sticky traps are used, then insects can be trapped effectively, but placement versatility is limited to upright flat surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement versatilityVSAvoidtrapping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by transitioning from flat square traps to cylindrical tube-shaped traps. The cylindrical geometry allows the trap to conform to various surfaces including vertical walls, horizontal ceilings, and irregular contours, thereby achieving multi-directional placement versatility while maintaining trapping effectiveness through uniform adhesive coverage on the curved surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a third dimension by using a cylindrical three-dimensional structure instead of a two-dimensional flat surface. This dimensional change enables the trap to be positioned on surfaces of any orientation (vertical, horizontal, or angled) and allows adhesive application on all external surfaces of the cylinder, dramatically expanding placement options while preserving trapping reliability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If gel-based traps are used to fill gaps and crevices, then hard-to-reach areas are covered, but visibility becomes unsightly and residue requires cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of hard-to-reach areasVSAvoidmaintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a disposable cylindrical trap design where the entire unit including the adhesive layer is discarded after use. This eliminates the maintenance problem of cleaning residual adhesive from surfaces, as the trap is removed as a complete unit. The disposable nature allows the trap to be used in hard-to-reach areas without concern for subsequent cleaning efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical trap utilizes a flexible adhesive layer applied to the external surface of the tube, which can conform to irregular surfaces and fill gaps similarly to gel traps. However, unlike gel that leaves visible residue, the adhesive is contained within the cylindrical structure and removed entirely with the trap, eliminating the unsightly appearance and cleaning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If adhesive is applied on the inside or top surface of flat traps, then insects are captured, but placement options are restricted to specific orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect captureVSAvoidplacement orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical geometry provides uniform curvature in all directions around the trap body. Adhesive can be applied to the entire external surface of the cylinder, allowing the trap to effectively capture insects approaching from any direction regardless of the trap's orientation on the surface, thereby achieving orientation-independent placement versatility while maintaining capture reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical trap design makes the adhesive surface universally functional in all orientations. Unlike flat traps that require specific mounting positions, the cylindrical shape with circumferential adhesive coverage allows the same trap design to function effectively whether mounted vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, providing universal adaptability across different placement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cylindrical trap effectively captures insects without drawing attention, is easy to deploy and maintain, and ensures environmental safety, addressing the limitations of traditional traps.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus comprises a tube-like structure with enclosed ends, which is fully enveloped in a sticky adhesive substance, capable of ensnaring various types of insects upon contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12471587B2System of extendible adhesive-based insect and pest entrapment apparati
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PIMENTEL JENNY
  • US12471587B2 patent drawing
  • US12471587B2 patent drawing
  • US12471587B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adhesive cylinder/tube insect trap designed to address the challenges of traditional pest control methods. This innovative trap features a substantially cylindrical form with enclosed ends, fully enveloped in a sticky adhesive substance, capable of ensnaring various types of insects upon contact. A key aspect of the invention is the inclusion of a removable plastic cover that safeguards the adhesive layer, ensuring its potency and stickiness are preserved until the moment of use. The cylindrical design offers versatility in placement, allowing the trap to be positioned in strategic locations, including corners, cabinet interiors, beneath appliances, or adhered to vertical surfaces. The discreet form factor allows the trap to blend seamlessly into its surroundings or remain hidden from view, making it an unobtrusive presence in both residential and commercial spaces. The invention provides an effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly solution for insect and pest entrapment, emphasizing ease of use, aesthetic discretion, and environmental safety.