Illuminated Insect Trap with Specific Wavelength Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insect traps are ineffective in attracting and trapping stink bugs and other pestiferous insects, particularly those resistant to pesticides, and there is a need for methods that do not rely on toxic chemicals, especially for indoor use.
Innovation Solution
The development of an insect trap with a lighting device that emits specific wavelengths of light, such as 385 nm to 495 nm, combined with a trap design that incorporates attractant hooks and a slippery surface to facilitate insect entry and prevent escape, along with a pheromone attractant system, to attract and trap stink bugs and other true bugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pesticides are used to control pest insects, then pest population control is improved, but environmental and human health effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pesticides with a physical trapping system that uses light attraction (phototaxis) to lure insects into a trap chamber. The lighting device emits specific wavelengths that attract target insects, and the trap structure uses mechanical elements like entry funnels and internal surfaces to capture and retain insects without chemical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device serves as an intermediary that mediates between the trap structure and target insects. By emitting light at specific wavelengths, it attracts insects from a distance and guides them toward the trap entrance, enabling the trap to capture insects that would otherwise avoid direct contact with chemical pesticides.
2Device complexity
If conventional trap designs are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but trapping effectiveness for stink bugs worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by emitting light at specific wavelengths (385 nm to 495 nm) that are particularly attractive to stink bugs and other target insects. This spectral parameter optimization significantly enhances trapping effectiveness compared to conventional traps that either lack lighting or use broad-spectrum light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap incorporates dynamic elements including a removable lid for easy access, adjustable lighting components, and interchangeable attractant formulations. These dynamic features allow the trap to adapt to different insect species and environmental conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 effectively lures and captures stink bugs and other pest insects indoors and outdoors without using chemical attractants, demonstrating high efficacy in laboratory trials and versatility for various insect species.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lighting elements, which may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and are selected to emit light at a frequency that is selected to attract the target insects
Implementation Method 2
lighting elements that emit light with wavelengths in the range of 385 nm to 495 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An insect trap and lighting device for an insect trap suitable for trapping light-attracted insects, in particular indoor nuisance insects that overwinter indoors, including true bugs, lady beetles, and flies. The lighting device may be attached to the base or the top of the trap, and includes light-emitting elements that are directed towards the trap, and are configured to lure target insects toward the trap entryway. In an embodiment, the trap includes an entrapment chamber with an internal cone with an opening at both ends, and a collar over a distal end. A vanes assembly extends toward entryways. In an embodiment, the light fixture comprises a cap that fits over the trap and directs light into the trap through the entrapment chamber wall. The lighting elements may be selected to emit light in a narrow band selected to attract the target insect.