Reusable Insect Trap with Phosphorescent Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insect traps are often costly, non-reusable, and use harmful chemicals or electricity, posing environmental and health risks, while many existing solutions are not effective in controlling mosquito and other vector populations, which contribute to significant infectious disease transmission.
Innovation Solution
A plastic insect funnel cone lid converts common buckets into low-cost, non-toxic, reusable insect traps by incorporating conically-shaped inserts with apertures and frusto-conical ends, which can be illuminated and scented to attract insects, using phosphorescent materials and attractive scents to enhance trapping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insect traps are used, then insect trapping function is achieved, but they are costly and non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is divided into separable components: a reusable container and removable inserts (funnels, screens, baits). This allows the main structure to be reused while only consumable parts need replacement, reducing long-term costs and improving reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows recovery and reuse of the container body while discarding only the consumable inserts (baits, screens). This selective discarding approach maintains reusability of the expensive component while accepting replacement of inexpensive consumables.
2Productivity
If harmful chemicals or electricity are used in insect traps, then insect killing effectiveness is improved, but environmental and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful chemical insecticides into beneficial natural attractants (fermented fruit baits, plant-based scents) that lure insects voluntarily into the trap, achieving control without toxic substances. The harm is transformed into a natural, safe attraction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Natural baits and attractants serve as intermediaries between the trap and insects, replacing direct harmful chemical contact. Insects are attracted through natural scent pathways and trapped mechanically, eliminating the need for toxic substances while maintaining effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple trap designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but trapping capacity and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The trap uses segmented, modular inserts (funnels, screens, bait containers) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This allows simple individual components to be produced cheaply while the combined system achieves high trapping capacity through multiple working surfaces and entry points.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (funnels, screens, bait containers) are nested within each other and within the main container. This nested arrangement maximizes trapping capacity within a compact volume without requiring complex external structures, maintaining low manufacturing costs.
4Productivity
If multiple functional inserts are added to enhance trapping, then trapping efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (attraction, entry guidance, capture, containment) are segmented into separate removable inserts rather than integrated into a single complex structure. Each insert performs one function simply, but together they achieve high trapping efficiency through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body serves multiple functions: structural support, insect containment, and protection of internal inserts. The removable inserts can be used in different configurations for different insect types, providing universal applicability without requiring complex specialized structures for each insect species.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reusable method for capturing insects, effectively reducing vector populations and minimizing disease transmission risks by using a low-maintenance, high-capacity trap that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Implementation Method 1
using phosphorescent materials and attractive scents to enhance trapping efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An insect trap is provided with a bottle or bucket for holding insects and one or more conically-shaped, perforated inserts for insertion into the bottle or bucket. The insert includes holes for permitting light and visibility. The trap and/or trap insert may be made from a plastic or a polymer. Furthermore, insect attracting scents may be injected or impregnated into the plastic or polymer. A chemical exhibiting phosphorescence or photoluminescence may also be combined with the plastic and/or polymer. The bucket embodiment has a snap-on or screw-on lid with a high capacity for catching insects in an indoor or outdoor environment.