Lizard Trap with Evaporative Cooling and Open-Top Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal trapping devices are ineffective for capturing lizards like iguanas due to their hesitation to enter enclosed structures and lack of a thermally inviting environment, leading to failure in trapping and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A novel animal trapping device featuring a base with a wire mesh cage assembly and evaporative cooling reservoirs that create a temperature gradient, attracting lizards through conical entrances and preventing escape, with a liquid feeding system to maintain a desirable environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional enclosed traps are used, then animal containment is achieved, but lizards hesitate to enter due to enclosed structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional trap design by providing an open-top structure instead of an enclosed cage, allowing lizards to enter freely while preventing escape through one-way exit mechanisms and angled surfaces that guide them into the collection chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The trap is segmented into distinct functional zones: an entry area with open top for attraction, a transition zone with angled surfaces, and a collection chamber with escape prevention mechanisms, allowing each section to address specific behavioral needs of lizards
2Productivity
If ambient temperature is high, then lizards are active and visible, but the trap environment becomes thermally uncomfortable for lizards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a shaded microenvironment within the open-top structure, using the trap walls and positioning to block direct sunlight from the collection chamber while maintaining visibility and accessibility at the entry point
3Ease of manufacture
If trap structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but animal removal and disposal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the animal removal function as a separate operational step, designing the collection chamber to allow easy access and removal of captured lizards through the open top structure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical release mechanisms
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 device effectively and efficiently traps lizards by creating a thermally inviting environment, preventing escape, and providing a safe and easy means for capture and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
evaporative cooling reservoirs that create a temperature gradient
Data Source
AI summary
An animal trapping device with a base length separating first and second ends of the base, a wire mesh cage assembly operably configured to surround the base and defining a base opening and a width, wherein the base is selectively, freely, and removably disposed within the base opening. The device also includes one or two opposing mesh entrances with a second free end elevated above an upper surface of the base and defining an exit aperture. The first and second wire mesh entrances, the wire mesh cage assembly, and the upper surface of the base defining an animal retention zone and the exit apertures of the first and second wire mesh entrances facing one another and at least partially aligned with one another.