Fruit-feeding Insect Trap with Contact Insecticide Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current trapping devices for frugivorous insects pose risks to workers due to the handling of toxic insecticides, and the use of DICHLORVOS is no longer authorized in several countries, necessitating a safer and more economical alternative.

Innovation Solution

A trapping device with a contact insecticide coating on the inner chamber walls, eliminating the need for manual handling of toxic insecticides, using an aqueous pyrethrin suspension applied to the walls, and a design with contrasting light areas to enhance insect attraction and contact with the insecticide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional toxic insecticides like DICHLORVOS are used in trapping devices, then insect killing effectiveness is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to inhalation and skin contact risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect killing effectivenessVSAvoidworker safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the insecticide from separate handling components and integrates it directly into the trap structure through wall coating. The insecticide is applied to the inner chamber walls during manufacturing, eliminating the need for workers to handle toxic substances during trap preparation and deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (aqueous pyrethrin suspension) that serves as a safer alternative to traditional toxic insecticides like DICHLORVOS. This intermediary maintains insect killing effectiveness while reducing harm to workers and the environment through lower toxicity and biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual handling of insecticide diffusers is required, then trap preparation flexibility is improved, but worker intoxication risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrap preparation flexibilityVSAvoidworker intoxication risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the insecticide diffusion function from separate handheld components and integrates it into the trap structure itself. The inner chamber walls are coated with insecticide during manufacturing, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle insecticide-containing diffusers during trap preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The trap structure itself serves the insecticide delivery function through its coated walls. The trap is self-sufficient in delivering the insecticidal effect without requiring separate insecticide containers or manual application mechanisms, simplifying worker operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If DICHLORVOS is used as the traditional insecticide, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates as it becomes unauthorized in several countries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the insecticide from DICHLORVOS to pyrethrin, selecting a substance with different regulatory status that is authorized for use in multiple countries. This parameter change maintains cost-effectiveness while improving regulatory compliance and adaptability to different market requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the trap design universal by using pyrethrin as the insecticide, which can be applied across multiple countries and regions with different regulatory requirements. This single insecticide choice provides multi-functionality in terms of regulatory compliance across diverse markets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If insecticide is applied as a coating on inner chamber walls, then worker safety during preparation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safety during preparationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the insecticide application step with the trap manufacturing process. The inner chamber walls are coated with insecticide during production, combining two operations (manufacturing and insecticide application) into one integrated process, which actually simplifies overall manufacturing rather than complicating it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures worker safety by preventing inhalation and skin contact with insecticides, reduces costs by integrating the insecticide into the trap, and increases effectiveness through targeted insect attraction and contact with the insecticide, while using a non-toxic and environmentally friendly pyrethrin.

Implementation Method 1

the inner chamber (6) is provided with a contact insecticide (16) coating on its walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact toxicity:

Implementation Method 2

using an aqueous pyrethrin suspension applied to the walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2489261B1Trapping device for fruit-feeding insects
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE DESARROLLOS QUIMICOS SL
  • EP2489261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Trapping device for frugivorous insects comprising [a] a base (2), and [b] a lid (4) removably joined together to form an insect confinement chamber (6), and [c] at least one insect entrance opening (8) into said chamber (6). The walls (18) delimiting said chamber (6) have, at least partially, a coating of contact insecticide (16) for killing the entering insects once they knock against the coating.