Modular Bee Hive Bottom Board with 8-Frame Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bee hive bottom boards are expensive, time-consuming to manufacture and assemble, and require multiple aftermarket components, with no universal solution for accommodating both 8-frame and 10-frame hives, leading to unnecessary inventory for dealers and inefficiencies in mite control.
Innovation Solution
A modular bee hive bottom board system with an 8-frame adapter and integrated robbing screen that includes a 3-sided rectangular frame, self-draining edge, security pins, and a robbing screen with a secure snap-together design, eliminating the need for screws and providing universal fit for different hive sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bottom boards are made from wood and assembled with nails and glue to add screens and attachments, then the structure is strong and durable, but the manufacturing cost is high and assembly time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom board is divided into modular components: a frame structure, a removable tray, and separate screen assemblies. These segments can be manufactured independently and assembled quickly, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design
Solution Approach 2:
Wire mesh screens are used instead of rigid wooden screens. The wire mesh provides the necessary structural function for ventilation and debris removal while being lighter, easier to install, and requiring less complex assembly processes compared to traditional wooden screen constructions
2Manufacturing precision
If bottom boards are manufactured to accommodate only 10-frame or 8-frame hives separately, then the fit is precise for each hive type, but dealers must maintain double inventory
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom board frame is designed with a universal dimensions that can accommodate both 8-frame and 10-frame hives. The adjustable tray and entrance modifications allow the same base unit to serve multiple hive configurations, eliminating the need for separate inventory for different frame sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom board incorporates adjustable and removable components, such as the tray and entrance modifications, that can be reconfigured to suit different hive sizes. This dynamic adaptability allows a single bottom board design to precisely fit various hive configurations without requiring multiple static designs
3Ease of operation
If multiple aftermarket components are added to provide full functionality, then the bottom board meets all operational requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are integrated into the bottom board design: the frame provides structural support, the tray offers removable access for mite management and ventilation control, and the integrated screen assemblies combine ventilation with debris and mite removal. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate aftermarket additions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A bee hive bottom board system for receiving a hive body includes a 3-sided rectangular frame having a right side, a left side and a rear side, each side having a top surface and an inner surface, the top surface defining a frame plane; a drain edge positioned within the frame about the inner surface, the drain edge having a top surface defining a drain edge plane set below the frame plane; and two adapters having a support component and a flange component, the flange component of each adapter positionable along the inner surface of one of the right side and left side of the frame and mateable with the upper surface of one of the right side and left side of the frame. When mated with the frame, a top surface of the adapter is substantially flush with the top surface of the frame.