Fly Attractant System Using Toxicant-Treated Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attracting and capturing flying insects, such as flies, are limited by reliance on chemical attractants and baits, which can have unpleasant odors, are not aesthetically pleasing, and are not suitable for indoor use due to shape restrictions and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A system using darkened insecticide-treated strips or cords attached to a solid surface to simulate cracks or crevices, combined with a visual attractant like blue color, to attract and kill flies without live trapping, allowing for various shapes and odor-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical attractants and baits are used to trap flies, then flies can be attracted and captured, but unpleasant odors are generated and ventilation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical attractants with visual attractants (colored strips and cords) to eliminate unpleasant odors. The colored strips and cords serve as visual stimuli that attract flies without emitting chemical scents, thereby solving the contradiction between effective fly attraction and odor generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific colors (blue, white, yellow) on strips and cords as visual attractants to draw flies. The color-coded system provides an odor-free alternative to chemical baits, maintaining fly attraction effectiveness while eliminating harmful odors.
2Reliability
If cylindrical containers are used for trapping flies, then flies can be contained, but the devices are not aesthetically pleasing and have limited application flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trapping mechanism into separate functional components: visual attractants (colored strips), killing mechanism (insecticide-treated cords), and containment structure. This segmentation allows for greater design flexibility and aesthetic customization while maintaining effective fly containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional cylindrical containers to two-dimensional surface attachments (strips and cords) that can be mounted on various surfaces. This dimensional change enables aesthetic integration into different environments while maintaining trapping functionality through the combination of visual attraction and insecticide treatment.
3Device complexity
If string stretched across openings is used, then flies can be trapped in cylinders, but the strings are not treated and require additional components for effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cord structure itself: visual attraction (through coloring), insecticide delivery (through impregnation), and structural support. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and ensures reliable fly trapping through an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by impregnating cords and strips with insecticides while applying color treatments. This creates a multi-functional material that provides visual attraction, toxicant delivery, and structural integrity in a single component, enhancing trapping effectiveness without increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If expensive components are used in prior art devices, then certain functions can be achieved, but the devices are not economical and user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, easily replaceable cords and strips that can be economically produced and disposed of. The simple structure allows for low-cost manufacturing while maintaining effective fly control, making the device economical and user-friendly for prolonged use.
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 attracts and kills flies using a visual attractant and insecticide-treated cords, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with a design that is aesthetically flexible and cost-effective, achieving high mortality rates without the need for ventilation or expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
toxicant-treated cords and strips attached to sidewall surface(s) of housings
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, apparatus and methods of attracting and capturing flies with toxicant treated darkened cords and printed or painted strips on sidewalls of housings. The darkened cords and strips black to confuse flies into believing they are cracks and crevices. Flies feed off the insecticide treated strips and are killed over time. At least one black line over a blue background can simulate a harborage to attract flying insects. At least one black line over a sticky surface card can be used. Geometrical housing shapes can include triangular, pentagon, cylindrical, rectangular, square, cube and/or other geometrical shapes. Housings can be tied off to be suspended. Second housings can be suspended beneath a main housing by attaching strips to the lower suspended housing. The housings can also work in an unassembled state where planar type sheets can be mounted on a wall.