Integrated Insect Control System with Electric Netting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spotted lanternfly is difficult to control due to its flight capability and the environmental risks associated with traditional insecticides, which are not practical for large-scale deployment and pose risks to non-target species like bees.
Innovation Solution
An integrated insect control system comprising a tree-shaped structure with electric netting, a vision sensor, and a controller to detect and kill insects using electric shocks, along with an attraction mechanism using chemical, light, or ultrasonic lures, and a recycling bin for deceased insects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional insecticides are used to kill spotted lanternflies, then the insects can be exterminated, but environmental risks increase and non-target species like bees are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical insecticides with an electrical field-based killing mechanism. The electric netting generates high-voltage electrical discharges that kill spotted lanternflies through electrocution, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals while maintaining effective pest control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (vision sensors, machine learning algorithms) between the pest and the killing mechanism. This intermediary layer enables selective identification and targeting of spotted lanternflies, ensuring that only the intended pest is affected while sparing non-target species like bees.
2Productivity
If physical stomping is used to kill spotted lanternflies, then the insects can be killed, but the method is not practical for mass quantities due to flight capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical stomping with an automated electrical field system. The electric netting continuously generates lethal electrical discharges in the trapping area, eliminating the need for human physical intervention while maintaining high killing efficiency regardless of insect flight capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs attractants (chemical, light, or ultrasonic) that preliminarily lure spotted lanternflies into the trapping area before they reach the electric netting. This preliminary action ensures insects are concentrated in the killing zone, maximizing the effectiveness of the electrical field without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If insecticides are applied by licensed professionals, then effective pest control is achieved, but deployment complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the device autonomously performs detection, identification, and killing of spotted lanternflies. The integrated sensors, machine learning algorithms, and electric netting work together automatically without requiring licensed professionals for operation or monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: attraction (chemical/light/ultrasonic), detection (vision sensors), identification (machine learning), and elimination (electric netting). This multi-functional integration simplifies deployment compared to multiple separate systems while maintaining high pest control effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a pest control device, crafted to mimic a tree, amalgamates physical, chemical, and biological lures, including light, ultrasound, infrared, and specific chemicals, to efficiently attract target insects. Periodically, the device photographs a set area, such as the trunk of the faux tree, equipped with electrified nets. Leveraging a pre-trained machine learning processor, the system detects the presence of specific insect species within these images. Upon identifying a target insect, an electric shock is released in the respective area, neutralizing the insect. The device also features a system to collect and process the insect remnants. Furthermore, these artificial trees can be interconnected to form a network, utilizing big data and machine learning, thereby enabling the formulation of optimal strategies for pest control across specific geographical regions.