Glue Trap with Tilt Trigger and Adhesive Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glue traps are ineffective in capturing vermin as rodents tend to approach cautiously and are likely to detach from adhesive surfaces, and open trays expose caught rodents for an extended period, with some rodents able to free themselves by leveraging non-adhesive surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A glue trap design featuring a base flap and cover flap made from folded cardboard with a slippery coating, a target with non-drying adhesive, and a tilt trigger mechanism that ensures the cover flap folds over the base flap once vermin adhere to the target, trapping them effectively, or a hinged configuration with risers and adhesive on both flaps to secure the vermin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If open trays of adhesive are used to trap rodents, then the trap structure is simple, but rodents can leverage non-adhesive surfaces to free themselves and exposed rodents remain visible for days
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is divided into distinct functional zones: adhesive target areas for capturing rodents, and slippery non-adhesive surfaces for preventing escape. The trap enclosure is segmented into base and cover portions that can pivot independently, creating controlled access points that force rodents through adhesive zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap employs a nested structure where the rodent enters through an outer opening, triggers an internal mechanism, and becomes enclosed within nested flaps and barriers. The multi-layered design includes outer enclosures, inner adhesive targets, and overlapping flaps that create successive containment zones.
2Reliability
If rodents approach enclosures tentatively, then they are less likely to enter, but this cautious behavior reduces capture success
Solution Approach 1:
Different surfaces within the trap have specialized properties optimized for specific functions: highly adhesive surfaces for initial capture, slippery surfaces for preventing escape, and textured surfaces for triggering mechanisms. Each zone is locally optimized to guide rodent behavior through the capture sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap pre-positions adhesive surfaces and trigger mechanisms to anticipate rodent movement patterns. The design includes pre-configured entry points, pre-loaded trigger arms, and pre-applied adhesive layers that are ready to engage as soon as the rodent enters, eliminating the need for rodents to commit to full entry before capture begins.
3Reliability
If a tilt trigger mechanism is added to automatically close the cover flap, then the trap becomes more effective at securing rodents, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt-trigger mechanism is designed to activate automatically through the rodent's own weight and movement. When the rodent steps onto the tilted surface or presses the trigger point, its own body force initiates the cover flap closure sequence, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electronic or motorized closing mechanisms are replaced with simple mechanical leverage systems. The tilt-trigger uses basic fulcrum principles and gravity-assisted flap movement to achieve automatic closure, substituting sophisticated control systems with elementary mechanical advantage.
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 significantly increases the likelihood of capturing vermin by preventing them from detaching and reduces exposure time, ensuring efficient and humane trapping with minimal escape possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
A substantial portion of the target surface is coated with a non-drying adhesive or glue
Implementation Method 2
The base flap has an upper surface and a surface opposite to the upper surface, and the upper surface of the base flap is coated with a slippery coating, such as silicone
Data Source
AI summary
A glue trap for trapping vermin has a base flap and a cover flap formed by folding a cardboard sheet to create a folding hinge. At least one slot is formed in the cover flap at or near the fold line. A target surface of non-drying adhesive is installed on or over the upper surface of the base flap. Optionally, a target surface of non-drying adhesive is installed on or over the upper surface of the cover flap. In one embodiment, a tilt trigger having a bent angle shape has its first arm appended to the target and its second arm inserted into the slot opening of the cover flap, and in contact with the rear surface of the cover flap. The trap is installed with the base flap over a horizontal support surface and the cover flap disposed at an angle thereto and preferably in contact with a vertical surface, such as a wall. Vermin will stick to the adhesive and try to escape, causing a tilting motion of the tilt trigger and urging the cover flap to fold over the base flap and over the vermin caught on the target surface. In another embodiment, a riser is formed at the fold line creating the hinge of the trap. Movement of vermin caught by the adhesive moves the riser near the fold line downward, which causes the cover flap to fold over the base flap at the fold line.