Insect Trap Reflective Surface Radiation Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insect traps, even when using messenger substances and electromagnetic radiation, fail to attract insects effectively due to limitations in the placement and reflection of radiation.

Innovation Solution

A system where a source emitting electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared, is positioned at a distance from the trap and directs radiation onto a reflective surface, which increases the attraction effect by reflecting the radiation in a spectrum relevant to insects, enhancing the trapping efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the source emitting electromagnetic radiation is arranged on or in the trap device, then the radiation can directly attract insects to the trap, but the attraction effect is insufficient and the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect attraction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the radiation source from a two-dimensional placement (on or in the trap) to a three-dimensional distant position, using spatial separation to simplify the trap structure while maintaining attraction effectiveness through geometric configuration of reflective surfaces

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reflective surfaces as intermediaries between the distant radiation source and the trap, allowing the source to be separated from the trap while still directing radiation effectively onto the trap to attract insects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If messenger substances are used alone to attract insects, then the trap structure remains simple, but the attraction effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect attraction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines messenger substances with electromagnetic radiation and reflective surfaces into an integrated attraction system, where multiple attraction mechanisms work together synergistically to enhance overall effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the radiation source is positioned at a distance from the trap, then the trap structure is simplified, but the radiation intensity reaching the trap decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidradiation intensity at trap
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-directs radiation from the distant source onto the reflective surfaces before it reaches the trap, using the reflective surfaces to concentrate and redirect radiation intensity precisely where needed, compensating for the distance-related intensity loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Significantly improves the attraction and trapping of insects by utilizing the reflective surface to amplify the electromagnetic radiation's effect, increasing the overall trapping efficiency beyond traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a source (10) emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular heat radiation or infrared radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

directs radiation onto a reflective surface, which increases the attraction effect by reflecting the radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2943061B1Arrangement for attracting insects
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 WITASEK PLANZENSCHUTZ GMBH
  • EP2943061B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2943061B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2943061B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for attracting insects, comprising an insect trap (1) which is equipped with a messenger (semi-chemical, such as for example pheromones). Said insect trap is at least one source (10) of electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, heat radiation and/or ultraviolet radiation, for attracting insects in such a manner that the radiation oriented towards the insect trap (1) is reflected by the reflection surfaces (9). As a result, insects are heavily attracted and can be trapped.