Elastic Bird Deterrent Blades for Curved Building Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird deterrents, such as mechanical and electric types, deteriorate the aesthetic appearance of buildings, are ineffective on non-planar surfaces, and require frequent maintenance, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bird deterrent system comprising elastic blade elements made of hardened steel or plastic, with pointed ends, that bend under bird weight to create an uncomfortable surface and induce flight, installed using bonding or fastening elements, adaptable to various surface geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical bird deterrents with needles or electrified metal components are installed, then birds are discouraged from roosting, but the aesthetic appearance of the building deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible blade elements made of elastic material that can bend and deform when birds attempt to land on them. These flexible blades are arranged in a way that creates an uncomfortable surface for birds while being less visually intrusive than rigid mechanical structures. The flexibility allows the blades to move with wind and bird contact, maintaining aesthetic appeal while preserving deterrent functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bird deterrent uses dynamic blade elements that change their configuration based on external forces. The blades are designed to bend and flex in response to bird weight and wind conditions, creating an adaptive surface that is both effective at preventing bird roosting and aesthetically pleasing when not in use. This dynamic behavior allows the deterrent to maintain its protective function while minimizing visual impact on the building's appearance.
2Reliability
If rigid mechanical bird deterrents are installed, then birds are prevented from roosting, but the structure requires frequent maintenance and replacement due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using elastic materials with specific physical properties that allow the blades to flex and recover. This parameter change from rigid to elastic materials enables the deterrent to withstand weathering and bird droppings without rapid degradation. The elastic properties allow the blades to absorb impact forces and return to their original position, reducing wear and tear and minimizing maintenance requirements while maintaining effective bird deterrence.
3Reliability
If traditional bird deterrents are installed on small or curvilinear surfaces, then bird roosting is prevented, but the deterrent cannot be properly adapted to the surface geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bird deterrent into multiple flexible blade elements that can be independently arranged and configured. This segmentation allows the deterrent to be adapted to various surface geometries including small or curvilinear surfaces. Each blade element can be positioned and oriented to match the specific contours of the installation surface, ensuring effective bird deterrence while maintaining proper contact with the surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible blade elements made from elastic materials enables the deterrent to conform to different surface shapes and sizes. The flexibility allows the blades to bend and adapt to curvilinear surfaces, small ledges, and irregular geometries where traditional rigid deterrents would fail. This flexible design provides versatility across various installation locations while maintaining effective bird prevention 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
Effectively prevents birds from roosting by inducing flight, maintains aesthetic integrity, and reduces maintenance needs due to weather and droppings resistance, suitable for diverse surface types.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of blade elements (3) arranged substantially side by side, made at least partly of a substantially elastic material and comprising at least a first end (4) associated with the supporting means (2) and at least a second free end (5) provided with at least one pointed element (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A bird deterrent comprises a supporting device/structure/apparatus/element/unit/or the like associable with a holding surface; a plurality of blade elements arranged substantially side by side, made at least partly of substantially elastic material and comprising a first end, associated with the supporting device/structure/apparatus/element/unit/or the like, and a second free end provided with a pointed element, wherein the blade elements are flexible in a substantially elastic manner as a result of the support of a bird.