Stackable Insect Trap Using Flexible Sheet Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insect traps for flying pests, particularly those intended for mass trapping, face challenges in transportation and cost due to their bulky design, making them less effective for global use and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A stackable trap design utilizing flexible sheets for the base and lid, with pre-scored or pre-formed access entries and optional translucent zones to attract insects, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and storage, while using biodegradable materials to reduce waste and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional insect traps use rigid three-dimensional chamber structures, then trapping effectiveness is maintained, but transportation cost and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is divided into separate components: a flat sheet base and a lid, which can be manufactured independently and assembled when needed. This segmentation allows the trap to be compact for transport but functional when assembled, resolving the contradiction between small volume and trapping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap base is made from a flexible sheet that can be formed into a three-dimensional chamber when assembled with the lid. The flexible sheet allows the trap to be flat for transport but creates an effective confinement chamber when deployed, maintaining trapping effectiveness while reducing transport volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If trap components are made from rigid materials, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trap uses flexible sheets instead of rigid materials. The flexible sheet base and lid can be manufactured from inexpensive materials like plastic or metal sheets, and their flexibility allows for simple forming and assembly processes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for trap functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the trap into separate sheet components that can be manufactured independently, the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced. Each component can be produced using standard sheet metal or plastic forming techniques, avoiding the need for complex rigid structure fabrication.
3Volume of stationary object
If the trap is designed as a single integrated unit, then assembly is simple, but storage space and transportation volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is segmented into a flat sheet base and a separate lid that can be stored and transported independently. When needed, these components are easily assembled by joining the base and lid, providing simple assembly while minimizing storage and transportation volume during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap transitions from a three-dimensional assembled state to a two-dimensional flat sheet state for storage and transport. This dimensional change allows the trap to occupy minimal space when disassembled while maintaining ease of assembly when deployed, as the flat sheets can be quickly joined to form the functional three-dimensional chamber.
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 trap design minimizes space occupation during transport, facilitates global use at a reasonable cost, enhances trapping efficiency by attracting insects with light and color, and reduces production costs through the use of biodegradable materials, ensuring effective pest control without the need for extensive collection after the season.
Implementation Method 1
the lid preferably comprises a translucent or transparent zone through which external light may enter said chamber. Once the insect has entered the chamber, it will tend to go towards the light and therefore remain in the trap for longer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trap for flying insects that includes an inner chamber (2) for confining the insects and that is accessible via at least one access entry suitable for said insects. The chamber (2) is defined by at least one flexible sheet (8, 30) that can be rolled from an open position to a closed position, forming a three-dimensional body that is open at least at one of the ends thereof. The invention also relates to the use of a flexible sheet for manufacturing the traps, and to a manufacturing method.