LED Waterfowl Deterrent Disrupting Night Vision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deterring waterfowl, such as geese, from settling on properties are either ineffective at night, costly, or pose environmental and safety risks, as they often rely on manual operation, chemical repellents, noise makers, or visual deterrents that geese can adapt to, failing to disrupt their dark-adapted nighttime vision effectively.
Innovation Solution
A humane, non-lethal method using a floating apparatus with an elongated tubular structure, solar panel, rechargeable battery, microcontroller, and LED array that emits distinct patterns of light in the visible and UVA spectrum to temporarily incapacitate waterfowl's visual defense system, preventing them from settling by disrupting their dark-adapted nighttime vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical repellants are applied to turf, then geese are deterred from settling, but the method is expensive and may have unknown environmental consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical repellants with a light-based system (LED array emitting visible and UVA light) to deter geese. This substitution eliminates environmental contamination from chemicals while maintaining effective deterrence through disruption of the geese's dark-adapted vision, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
2Reliability
If noise makers such as air cannons are used, then geese are deterred, but they are not welcomed in residential areas and have limited use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic noise makers with an optical system (LED array with visible and UVA spectrum lights). This substitution eliminates noise disturbance to residential areas while maintaining effective deterrence through visual disruption of the geese's dark-adapted nighttime vision, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and noise harm.
3Reliability
If lasers and flashing lights are used during dusk hours, then geese are deterred, but it is not practical to man a laser during nighttime hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an autonomous system with automatic dusk-to-dawn operation triggered by ambient light sensing. The microcontroller automatically activates the LED array when darkness falls and deactivates it at dawn, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining continuous nighttime deterrence, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If border collies are used to deter waterfowl, then settlements are prevented during daytime, but it is not practical nor safe to continue such deterrent method at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological deterrents (border collies) with an optical system (LED array emitting visible and UVA light). This substitution eliminates safety risks associated with using live animals while maintaining effective deterrence through disruption of the geese's dark-adapted nighttime vision, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and safety.
5Reliability
If visual deterrents such as balloons and Mylar tape are used, then some deterrence is achieved, but they provide limited results as geese can adapt quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic flashing patterns of the LED array in both visible and UVA spectra. This periodic action creates unpredictable visual disruption that resets the geese's dark-adapted vision repeatedly, preventing them from adapting to a static deterrent, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
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 deters waterfowl from settling by creating an unsafe environment at night, preventing them from adapting to the light patterns and maintaining the area as uninhabitable, thus reducing the likelihood of geese becoming resident and staying on the property.
Implementation Method 1
LED array that emits distinct patterns of light in the visible and UVA spectrum
Implementation Method 2
temporarily incapacitate waterfowl's visual defense system, preventing them from settling by disrupting their dark-adapted nighttime vision
Implementation Method 3
solar panel to recharge a battery power source
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for averting water fowl settlements using a humane, non-lethal, optionally solar and rechargeable battery operated microcontroller controlled by preset code, a multi-patterned and changing light generating apparatus, with at least 500 nm to 570 nm visible and 300-399 nm ultraviolet spectrum LED lights, activated by means for sensing ambient light levels to determine activation periods and resting periods for retraining water fowl to relocate settlements to an alternate location by disrupting their dark-adapted night vision. The apparatus may be in the form of a floating buoy or a land or other structural surface mountable device and includes means to prevent perching thereon.