Moated Insect Repelling System with Concealed Filling Funnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect repelling systems fail to effectively conceal the moat channel and provide easy access for filling, leading to unappealing designs, spillage, and difficulty in determining the liquid level, which hampers their effectiveness in preventing ants and other insects from accessing food and pet dishes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part system with a concealed moat channel around a central area, featuring a lip extending perpendicularly along the rim to prevent lateral access and a funnel-based filling port that indicates the liquid level without overflowing, allowing for easy filling and access while keeping the channel hidden from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the moat channel is concealed from view, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but access for filling the channel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: the concealed moat channel structure and the removable funnel assembly. The funnel can be inserted and removed independently through the filling port, allowing the channel to remain concealed while providing easy access for filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the user and the concealed channel. It provides a controlled filling path through the filling port, enabling users to fill the channel easily without needing direct visual access or complex lateral access mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If liquid is poured into the moat channel without a filling indicator, then the structure remains simple, but spillage and mess occur
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel provides visual feedback during the filling process. As liquid fills the channel, the user can observe the liquid level through the funnel, allowing them to stop pouring at the appropriate level and prevent overflow or spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating during filling. The funnel's geometry and positioning naturally guide the liquid flow and provide visual cues, allowing users to control the filling process themselves without requiring complex external indicators or measurement tools.
3Ease of operation
If lateral access is provided to fill the moat channel, then filling is easier, but the channel becomes visible and unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing lateral access (horizontal dimension), the system uses a vertical filling port that allows the funnel to be inserted from above. This dimensional change enables easy filling through the top while keeping the channel concealed from lateral views, maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Data Source
AI summary
A moated system for repelling insects. The moated system is a two-part system including a first body having a lip extending substantially perpendicularly along a rim, wherein the rim encloses a central area. A moat channel forms the second body and extends about a lower side of the rim, wherein the moat channel can be filled with liquid to prevent ants from crawling into the central area. A filling port having a funnel is disposed through the upper side of the rim and is positioned directly over the moat channel. The funnel extends into the moat channel to prevent the moat channel from overflowing. In some embodiments, the two-part system is in a configuration of servingware or a pet dish having an interior compartment, wherein other embodiments, the two-part system is utilized along a perimeter of a tabletop to prevent insects from accessing an upper surface thereof.