Hive Structure Contoured Surfaces for Propolis Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hive structures discourage propolis accumulation due to smooth surfaces, which are optimized for cleaning but lack the features that encourage propolis deposition, despite propolis providing benefits such as parasite and disease resistance for bees.
Innovation Solution
The development of hive structures with contoured surfaces on the interior surfaces of the hive elements, created by abrading techniques that orient the grain direction obliquely to the abrading direction, to facilitate propolis accumulation by providing a propolis-encouraging feature that deviates from flat and smooth shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smooth surfaces are used in conventional hive structures, then cleaning is facilitated, but propolis accumulation is discouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The hive structure incorporates different surface qualities in different locations: smooth surfaces in areas requiring cleaning and contoured surfaces in areas where propolis accumulation is desired. This local differentiation allows the hive to simultaneously achieve ease of cleaning and promote propolis deposition for disease resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces contoured surfaces with curves and irregularities instead of flat smooth surfaces. These contoured surfaces provide niches and irregular geometries that encourage propolis accumulation, while maintaining overall cleanability of the hive structure.
2Reliability
If contoured surfaces are created by abrading techniques, then propolis accumulation is facilitated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface parameters of the hive structure by introducing contoured surfaces with specific geometric characteristics. These parameter changes (surface geometry, roughness, contour patterns) are achieved through abrading techniques that modify the physical state of the surface to promote propolis accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional smooth surface manufacturing with abrading techniques that create contoured surfaces. This mechanical substitution transforms the surface topology from flat to contoured, providing propolis-encouraging features without requiring complex assembly of multiple components.
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 contoured surfaces effectively encourage propolis accumulation, enhancing the health of the hive by providing a surface for propolis deposition, thus addressing the lack of usefulness in manufactured hive structures and promoting a healthier environment for the bees.
Implementation Method 1
abrading the surface of the hive element by operating the abrading machine to move the abrading elements in the abrading direction oblique to the grain direction of the hive element to produce contouring of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A hive supporting apparatus for supporting elements of a hive may include a housing assembly having an interior space for accommodating at least one comb and having a housing segment with a perimeter wall having an interior surface about a portion of the interior space. The perimeter wall may include a plurality of wall portions each having a wall portion surface forming a portion of the interior surface and having a primary plane. A section of the interior surface of the perimeter wall may have a propolis-encouraging feature located on at least one of the wall portions of the perimeter wall. The propolis-supporting surface section may have a contour which extends out of the primary plane of the wall portion surface of the respective wall portion.