Insect Repellent Device for Window Gap Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insect repellent devices have a limited effective range, failing to prevent insects from entering rooms through open windows or doors, which can lead to disturbance and potential bites or stings during sleep.

Innovation Solution

An insect repellent device designed to fit into the air gap between a window or door frame and sash, equipped with an actuating element that automatically deactivates when the window or door is closed, ensuring emissions are only generated when necessary to create a barrier that prevents insects from entering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the insect repellent device is placed far from the window or door to avoid collision with the wing, then the device structure is simpler, but the effective range is insufficient and insects can still enter through the open window or door

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective rangeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insect repellent device is nested within the air gap between the window frame and sash, utilizing the existing space structure. The housing is designed to fit precisely into this gap, with the emission unit positioned to project emissions through the air gap toward the wing surface, maximizing coverage area without requiring the device to be mounted far from the window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from traditional mounting on the window surface to installation within the three-dimensional air gap space. This dimensional change allows the emission unit to project repellent emissions through the air gap onto the wing, creating an effective barrier zone that covers the entire window opening area without collision risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the emission unit remains continuously active, then insects are consistently repelled, but the scent cartridge is exhausted prematurely when the window is closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect repulsion effectivenessVSAvoidscent cartridge life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The emission unit's operational state is made dynamic rather than static. The actuating element responds to the window opening/closing motion, automatically switching the emission unit between active and inactive states. This dynamic control ensures emissions are only produced when the window is open and insect entry is possible, preserving scent cartridge life while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates mechanical feedback through the actuating element that detects window state (open/closed) and accordingly controls the emission unit. The feedback mechanism ensures the emission unit operates only when the window is in the open position, automatically adjusting emission activity to match actual protection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If the insect repellent device is mounted in the air gap, then the effective range covers the entire window or door, but the housing dimensions must be precisely controlled to avoid collision with the wing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective rangeVSAvoidhousing dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with differentiated local dimensions optimized for its specific installation location. The housing width and depth are precisely matched to the air gap dimensions, while the length extends sufficiently to position the emission unit optimally. This local quality approach allows the device to maximize effective range while maintaining compatibility with standard air gap variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing dimensions are designed as adjustable parameters rather than fixed values, allowing adaptation to different air gap sizes. The emission unit's projection distance and orientation can be modified to optimize coverage area while maintaining clearance from the wing, providing flexibility to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and installation variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively prevents insects from approaching and entering through open windows or doors by ensuring the repellent emissions are only active when needed, enhancing protection and extending the life of scent cartridges by deactivating them when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

Conventional insect repellent devices may include an electrical emission unit for generating ultrasonic waves, scents, or other emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

purely passive insect repellent devices are known, e.g. from US2009/0260393 A1, which without supply of electrical energy give off scents that insects find unpleasant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScent emission: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3772933B1Device for repelling insects
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP3772933B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insect-repellent device comprising a housing which holds a sound- and/or odor-producing emitting unit. The housing is designed to fit in the gap between the window/door frame and a closed window or closed door.