Timer-Controlled Insect Spray with Door Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect control devices in enclosed spaces, such as garages or barns, lack the ability to spray insecticide on a timer basis or when doors are closed, failing to effectively control flying insect populations while ensuring safety from human presence.
Innovation Solution
A flying insect spray apparatus with a casing, reservoir, pump, and controller that disperses insecticide radially and can be actuated by a timer, featuring an infrared camera to determine door closure and human absence, ensuring safe and targeted insecticide dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing insect control devices are used in enclosed spaces, then they can trap and kill flies, but they lack the ability to spray insecticide on a timer basis or when doors are closed
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus is configured to automatically spray insecticide based on timer settings or door closure detection without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by monitoring conditions and executing spraying actions autonomously, eliminating the need for human intervention in the spraying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with electronic control systems including timers, sensors for door closure detection, and electronic switching mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic and automated controls enables timer-based spraying and condition-responsive operation.
2Reliability
If insecticide is sprayed continuously to control fly populations, then insect control effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase when people are present
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus incorporates sensors that detect door closure status and presumably human presence, providing feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines whether to activate spraying, ensuring insect control effectiveness while preventing harmful exposure to humans by canceling or delaying spray cycles when people are detected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spray apparatus is activated at any time to disperse insecticide, then insecticide distribution is achieved, but the ability to target specific conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus transitions from static, continuous operation to dynamic, condition-based activation. The system adapts its operation based on real-time conditions such as door closure status and timer settings, enabling it to respond flexibly to different environmental states and optimize insect control effectiveness.
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
Effectively controls flying insect populations within enclosed spaces by spraying insecticide at predetermined times only when doors are closed and the area is clear of people, providing comprehensive and safe insect control.
Implementation Method 1
A preferred embodiment includes an infrared camera that is configured to determine if an opening into the enclosed space has been closed so that a spraying operation may proceed. The camera also can determine if the enclosed area is clear of a person prior to initiating a spraying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A flying insect spray apparatus includes a casing having upper and lower portions that define an interior area. The casing may be mounted to a wall or ceiling of an enclosed structure such as a garage. A reservoir configured to hold an insecticide is positioned in the interior area, the reservoir having an outlet such as a hose. A pump is positioned in the interior area and electrically connected to the reservoir and configured to cause the insecticide to be urged from the reservoir when the pump is electrically actuated. The outlet is in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles spaced apart radially about a dispensing member such that the insecticide is dispersed in a 360 degree radius of the casing. The spray apparatus includes a controller electrically connected to the pump that includes a timer, the controller configured to actuate the pump at a predetermined time.