Intermittent Flashing Decoy with Randomized Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional decoys, including motion decoys, become ineffective as animals become 'decoy wise' due to predictable patterns, and they are often expensive, large, and require high maintenance, limiting their effectiveness in attracting game or deterring animals.
Innovation Solution
An intermittent flashing decoy apparatus using a variable chip or controller to power a motor attached to a flasher, creating unique and randomized light patterns, which can be used with or without a traditional decoy body, and can be employed in multiple units to mimic a flock, reducing costs and enhancing attractiveness or deterrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional decoys or motion decoys are used, then animals may be attracted initially, but animals become 'decoy wise' due to predictable patterns, reducing effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the decoy's behavior changeable and adaptive. The controller randomly selects from multiple motion patterns (stationary, waddling, floating, diving) and adjusts operational parameters dynamically, preventing animals from predicting the decoy's behavior and maintaining long-term effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent operation cycles. The controller activates the decoy for specific durations (e.g., 5-30 minutes) followed by inactive periods, and cycles through different motion patterns periodically, creating unpredictable timing that prevents animals from becoming accustomed to the decoy's behavior.
2Reliability
If motion decoys are used to attract game, then attractiveness improves, but cost, size, and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the decoy system into independent, simple modules: a basic decoy body, a separate motor unit, a flasher unit, and a controller. This modular approach allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while the combination creates effective motion and light patterns that attract game.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motion systems with a simpler electromechanical system. Instead of elaborate mechanical linkages for motion, it uses a basic motor coupled with a flasher that creates the illusion of motion through intermittent light reflection, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance needs.
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 intermittent flashing decoy system effectively attracts animals or deters smaller rodents by creating a natural and unpredictable light display, reducing the likelihood of animals becoming accustomed to the decoy, while also being cost-effective and adaptable for use in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flasher (115) attached to an exterior surface of the housing unit (100) wherein the motor (107) is capable of rotating the drive shaft (114) and, thus, the flasher (115)
Data Source
AI summary
Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System generally comprising a housing unit, a power source, a motor, a cycler, a switch, and a flasher, wherein the motor, power source, and cycler are substantially housed within the housing unit, and wherein the power source is capable, when the apparatus is turned on via the switch, of powering the motor off and on at random as controlled by the cycler, which is an intermittent timer chip, to manipulate the flasher as to create intermittent “flashes” as flasher rotates and reflects light such as sunlight. A system of two or more intermittent flashing decoys wherein each decoy is controlled by an intermittent timer chip, the cycler, so that no pattern of flashing occurs between any two decoys.