Light-Activated Portable Mist Sprayer for Insect Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect control systems lack automatic activation at specific ambient light conditions, such as dusk and dawn, and require AC power or manual operation, making them inadequate for remote areas and inefficient in targeting peak insect activity times.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained mist sprayer system with a direct current power supply, ambient light sensor, and electronic circuitry that activates a pump to dispense a treating fluid as a mist during 'dusk' or 'dawn' conditions, optionally triggered manually or by a remote transmitter, without the need for AC power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing insect control systems are used, then they can dispense chemical sprays, but they require AC power or manual operation and lack automatic activation at specific ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an ambient light sensor to automatically detect dusk or dawn conditions and triggers the pump to dispense treating fluid without requiring manual operation or AC power. The device serves itself by monitoring environmental light conditions and autonomously activating the insect control function at appropriate times.
2Reliability
If chemical sprays are applied continuously, then insect control is maintained, but chemical usage and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies chemical sprays periodically based on detected ambient light conditions rather than continuously. The pump is activated only during dusk or dawn periods when insects are most active, as determined by the light sensor, thereby maintaining effective insect control while significantly reducing overall chemical consumption and associated costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are deployed in remote areas, then insect control is provided, but they require AC power which is not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the requirement for AC power with a portable power source such as batteries. The electronic circuitry is designed to operate from DC power, enabling the device to function in remote locations without electrical infrastructure. This substitution of the power delivery mechanism maintains all insect control functions while enabling deployment in previously inaccessible areas.
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 system effectively targets and reduces insect populations during peak activity times, reducing chemical usage and costs, while adapting to varying daylight hours and locations, and can be integrated into various carrier devices like lamps or torches.
Implementation Method 1
The portable, self-contained mist sprayer system is preferably triggered automatically by an ambient light sensor that senses the timing of dusk or dawn
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.