Centrifugal Fan Bug Catcher Integrated with Light Socket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bug exterminating equipment are often cumbersome, pose safety risks due to high voltage, and are financially inefficient, especially when covering large areas, as they require separate power sources and multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

An integrated apparatus that connects directly to a lighting fixture's power source, using a centrifugal fan and funnel to create suction and draw bugs away from the light source, eliminating the need for separate fixtures and power units, and featuring a collection bin for easy disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate bug catching devices are used to cover large areas, then bug control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebug control effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of separate devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bug catching function with the existing lighting fixture by integrating a centrifugal fan and collection bin into the light socket structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate bug catching devices while maintaining effective bug control, directly resolving the contradiction between bug control effectiveness and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting fixture is transformed into a multi-functional device that provides both illumination and bug control. The integrated design allows the same device to serve dual purposes, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and lowering overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high voltage electrocution devices are used to kill bugs, then bug extermination effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebug extermination effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical electrocution mechanism with a mechanical suction system using a centrifugal fan. This substitution eliminates high voltage exposure while maintaining bug extermination effectiveness through physical removal, directly addressing the safety risk contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a centrifugal fan to create airflow that suction bugs into a collection bin. This pneumatic mechanism provides a safe alternative to electrical hazards, effectively removing bugs without exposing users to high voltage risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Area of stationary object

If multiple bug catching devices are installed to cover large areas, then bug control coverage is improved, but financial cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging bug control functionality into the existing lighting fixture, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate devices. This integration allows one device to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total number of devices needed and lowering financial costs while maintaining adequate coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If flood lights are used to cover large areas, then illumination coverage is improved, but bug attraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverage areaVSAvoidbug swarming

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of bug attraction to a beneficial outcome by using the centrifugal fan to actively suction bugs away from the light source. The same light that attracts bugs also powers the fan that removes them, transforming the problem into a solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Provides effective bug control without the need for separate power sources or multiple devices, ensuring safety and reducing costs by integrating bug control functionality with existing lighting fixtures, effectively managing bug swarms around a wide range of lighting setups.

Implementation Method 1

using a centrifugal fan and funnel to create suction and draw bugs away from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9480247B2Bug catching apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 BEITLER DAVID THOMAS

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling the bugs that swarm a light bulb consists of a centrifugal fan, a funnel, a light bulb, an electrical contact base, and a collection bin. The funnel is mounted adjacent the centrifugal fan and helps channel the airflow towards the centrifugal fan. A motor transfers rotational motion to the centrifugal fan. Both the motor and the light bulb are powered through the electrical contact base. The centrifugal fan directs the airflow towards the collection bin through an outlet duct. An impeller of the centrifugal fan opens an entrance of the collection bin. When the impeller is stationary, a trapdoor conceals the entrance. The collection bin is removably attached so that it can be removed according to user preference.