Fruit Insect Trap with Convex Opaque Base and Integrated Ducts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trapping devices for frugivorous insects, such as fruit flies, face a reduction in capture efficiency due to the loss of pheromone diffuser effectiveness over time, and require complex assembly and transportation of multiple components, increasing operational and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A trapping device with an opaque, convex base and movable side ducts that form a single piece, reducing the need for assembly and simplifying transportation, while the opaque design and semidarkness inside the ducts enhance insect attraction and entry into the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple side ducts are assembled in situ during preparation, then insect entry points are increased, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple side ducts into a single integrated piece that forms multiple entry points simultaneously. Instead of assembling separate ducts during preparation, the invention provides a pre-formed component with multiple openings that can be installed as one unit, thereby increasing insect entry points while reducing assembly complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The side duct is designed with multiple separate openings or channels within a single structure, allowing insects to enter through multiple points while the duct itself remains as one assembled component. This segmentation of entry points within an integrated structure resolves the contradiction between providing multiple access points and maintaining simple assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If transparent side ducts are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but insect attraction and entry are reduced due to light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the trapping device. The side ducts are made opaque or translucent rather than transparent, creating a localized dark environment that attracts insects, while other parts of the device may remain transparent for manufacturing simplicity. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and insect attraction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the base is flat and open, then manufacturing is easier, but insect entry through the lower area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the flat, open base into a convex, closed curved structure. This spherical or domed shape provides multiple benefits: it maintains manufacturing feasibility through molding processes, creates additional surface area for insect contact, and provides structural strength while eliminating the need for separate lower ducts. The curved geometry naturally directs insects toward the side ducts, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and entry efficiency.
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 device significantly increases insect captures by 56.7% compared to traditional designs, with a probability of p=0.040, and reduces manufacturing and transportation costs through simplified design and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
once inside the duct, the insects tend to enter following the light at the end of the duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5A
AI summary
The invention relates to a trapping device for frugivorous insects comprising an insect confining chamber (2) and at least one side duct (8) for accessing the chamber (2). The side duct (8) has an inlet mouth (16a) and an outlet mouth (16b). The chamber (2) in the device comprises at least a lower opaque first area (4) and an upper translucent second area (6) through which light from the outside can directly enter the chamber (2). Furthermore, the lower base (10) of the first area (4) is convex and closed.