Electrified Garbage Container Cover Insect Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Garbage containers often become infested with insects due to the attraction of food scraps, leading to proliferation, germ spread, odor production, and deterrence of use, with existing methods being inefficient or requiring user effort to catch insects.

Innovation Solution

An electrified garbage container cover with a frame, mesh insert, and power source that fits over the container opening, featuring an electrified mesh to kill insects attempting to enter or escape, along with a fastening mechanism and optional luring components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional cover is used to prevent insects from entering the container, then insect access is blocked when closed, but the cover can be left ajar after use allowing insects to access garbage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect prevention reliabilityVSAvoidcover operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical passive cover system with an active electrical system. Instead of relying on users to properly close and secure a physical cover, the invention uses an electrified mesh that delivers electric shocks to insects upon contact, eliminating the need for users to manually ensure the cover is properly closed. The electrical mechanism automatically prevents insect access regardless of cover position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If existing insect trapping devices are used, then insects can be collected, but they require fixed structures that are not as attractive to insects as garbage containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect attraction and capture effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the garbage container cover function with the insect trapping function into a single integrated device. The electrified mesh cover serves both as the closure for the garbage container and as the insect killing mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate trapping devices and their associated complex fixed structures, while maintaining high insect attraction because the cover is positioned directly over the garbage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual insect chasing and swatting devices are used, then insects can be electrocuted and collected, but users must spend time and effort to find and stalk insects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect elimination effectivenessVSAvoidtime and effort to locate and eliminate insects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the electrified mesh cover automatically eliminates insects without requiring user intervention. Insects are attracted to the garbage container by natural factors (food scraps, odors) and are electrocuted upon contact with the mesh simply by attempting to access the garbage. Users do not need to actively search for, chase, or swat insects - the system handles insect elimination autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If manual insect swatting is used, then insects can be electrocuted, but users may miss the insect allowing it to escape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect electrocution reliabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electrified mesh cover in advance over the garbage container opening, creating a pre-positioned barrier before insects arrive. The mesh is already electrified and ready to deliver shocks. When insects approach and attempt to access the garbage, they immediately encounter the electrified barrier. This eliminates the need for users to reactively chase and swat insects, ensuring no insects can escape without being electrocuted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 insect infestation by electrocution, reducing insect populations and preventing germ spread, odor production, and deterring insects from accessing the container, while being adjustable and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

an electrified mesh, capable of electrifying insects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentUS11518610B2Electrified garbage container cover

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 MILLER EVE

AI summary

The present invention provides an electrified garbage container cover that destroys insects that may attempt to access, or escape from a garbage container. The electrified garbage container cover frame is configured to fit in the opening of a garbage container enclosing or sealing the interior of the garbage container with the lower edge of the electrified garbage container cover. The electrified garbage container cover frame supports a mesh frame portion between the upper and lower edges, which supports an electrified mesh. The electrified mesh is capable of electrifying insects destroying them upon contact. The electrified garbage container cover also has a fastening mechanism supported by the frame, which is configured to attach the electrified garbage container cover to a garbage container. The electrified garbage container cover also has a power source which is able to provide electricity to the electrified mesh, and is capable of being recharged.