Handheld Insect Locator Tool with Magnifying Window and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for both locating and removing parasitic insects like fleas, lice, and ticks from hair-covered skin, as they either focus on detection or removal but not both effectively, especially on small, embedded insects like deer tick nymphs, which are difficult to find and remove due to their size and the hair-covered nature of the skin.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held tool with a pad-like head, a magnifying window, rake-like teeth for locating, and comb-like teeth for removal, equipped with LED illumination and a DC battery for clear visibility, allowing for systematic detection and removal of parasites from hair-covered skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate tools are used for locating and removing parasitic insects, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall treatment process becomes complex and requires multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insect locating function (magnifying window with illumination) and removal function (comb teeth and lifting mechanism) into a single integrated hand-held tool. This allows the user to perform both detection and removal operations with one device, eliminating the need to switch between separate tools while maintaining optimization of each function within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functional capabilities: the head portion serves as both a magnifying glass for locating insects and a removal device with comb teeth and lifting mechanism. The same device structure supports multiple operations (inspection, combing, lifting, removing) without requiring separate specialized tools for each function.
2Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used without magnification, then the process is simple, but small insects like deer tick nymphs (approximately one half millimeter in size) are extremely difficult to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination sources (LEDs) are nested within the head portion structure, and the magnifying window is integrated into the same head portion. This nested arrangement provides magnification and illumination without adding significant bulk or complexity to the overall tool structure, allowing portable hand-held operation while achieving enhanced detection capability.
3Loss of time
If hair-covered skin areas are inspected without proper tools, then the process is quick, but locating embedded insects becomes very difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The comb teeth are designed to systematically move through the hair, continuously parting hair strands and exposing skin surfaces. This continuous combing action, combined with the magnifying window and illumination, allows for efficient systematic inspection of hair-covered areas without requiring repeated stopping or complex manual manipulation, reducing both time and operational difficulty.
4Reliability
If insecticides are used for flea treatment, then prevention can be effective, but the treatments can be very costly and contain harmful substances
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables early detection and removal of parasitic insects before they can establish an infestation or require chemical treatment. By extracting and removing insects mechanically through the comb and lifting mechanism, the need for costly and potentially harmful insecticides is eliminated or reduced, while still achieving effective prevention of infestation.
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 tool effectively locates and removes parasitic insects from hair-covered skin, providing a clear and magnified view with illumination, making it easier to detect and remove embedded insects, even in challenging areas like the scalp or pet fur, while being easy to use, adaptable, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Means for illuminating the viewing area around the magnifying window are further provided and include a series of LED lights stationed on the head portion
Implementation Method 2
a magnifying window incorporated into the head portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held tool for locating and removing parasitic insects from hair-covered skin comprises a tool body including a pad-like head portion with extended handle and a magnifying window incorporated therein; a linear set of rake-like teeth along one side of the window projecting at a 90° thereto; and a separate set of comb-like teeth along the opposite side of the window projecting at about 45°. With means for illuminating the viewing area further provided around the magnifying window, the tool is stroked through the hair with the rake-like teeth passing in the direction opposite from the natural growth of the hair to provide an illuminated and magnified view of exposed skin area through the window as the hair is pulled back by the rake-like teeth. If an insect is viewed, the tool is stroked in reverse through the same area leading with the comb-like teeth to collect and remove the insect.