Magnetic Switch Detector for Rodent Trap Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest-management devices, such as rodent snap-traps, lack remote notification capabilities, making manual inspection time-consuming and costly when deployed in large numbers, and add-on detection systems are difficult to install and prone to damage from environmental conditions and pests.
Innovation Solution
A pest-management apparatus with a detector device featuring a magnetic switch and circuitry that detects trap operation, providing remote notification and indicator activation, and includes 'plug and play' components with no exposed wires to prevent damage, allowing for easy deployment and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If add-on detection and communication systems are installed on existing pest-management devices, then remote notification capability is improved, but installation difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection component, communication component, and power component into a single integrated detector device that attaches to the pest-management device. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of multiple components and their associated wiring, thereby reducing installation difficulty while maintaining remote notification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector device is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various types of pest-management devices. It performs multiple functions including detection, communication, and power management within a single unit, making it easy to deploy across different applications without requiring custom installation procedures.
2Extent of automation
If add-on detection and communication systems are installed on existing pest-management devices, then remote notification capability is improved, but the system becomes more susceptible to environmental damage and pest interference
Solution Approach 1:
The detector device is nested within a protective housing that encloses all sensitive components including the detection component, communication component, and power component. This nesting approach shields the components from environmental conditions and pest interference while maintaining the remote notification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the detector device incorporates protective enclosures that act as barriers against environmental damage and pest access. The design includes sealed compartments and protective coverings that prevent wires from being exposed and chewed on, thereby improving system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If all-in-one products with integrated detection and communication systems are used, then ease of installation is improved, but repairability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: the detector device (containing detection and communication components) and the power component. This segmentation allows the detector device to be easily installed as a complete unit while enabling individual replacement of components based on their specific lifetimes and failure modes, improving both installation ease and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows for dynamic reconfiguration where components can be independently replaced or upgraded. The detector device can be detached and replaced without affecting the pest-management device or power component, enabling flexible maintenance and repair operations.
4Loss of information
If manual inspection of each pest-management device is performed, then operational status can be determined, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection component provides real-time feedback about the operational status of the pest-management device by detecting changes in magnetic field or electrical characteristics. This feedback is transmitted remotely via the communication component, eliminating the need for manual inspection and providing continuous monitoring information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring where the pest-management device, through its integrated detector, automatically tracks and reports its own operational status. This self-service capability removes the burden of manual inspection from human operators while maintaining accurate records of device performance.
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective remote monitoring of trap operations, reducing manpower and time for identification, and allows for easy repair and customization of pest-management systems without discarding entire units.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic switch (e.g., a reed switch) coupled to the housing... configured to detect operation of the trap based on a change in state of the switch responsive to a magnet coupled to the trap
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods associated with pest (e.g., rodent) management. An example of a pest-management apparatus includes a detector device having a housing, a magnetic switch coupled to the housing, and circuitry disposed within a cavity of the housing. The detector device is configured to be coupled to a trap having a base and a capture element pivotally coupled to the base such a portion of the capture element is biased toward a capture portion of the base. The circuitry is configured to detect operation of the trap based on a change in state of the magnetic switch responsive to a magnet coupled to the trap. In a particular implementation, the detector device is coupled to the trap via a platform. In another particular implementation, the detector device includes multiple magnetic switches and is configured to concurrently be coupled to multiple traps.