Modular Hive Frame Clamps and Segmented Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beekeeping methods face challenges in safely extracting hive frames without breaking them and in minimizing bee disturbance or escape during frame removal, often requiring the use of smokers to manage agitated bees.
Innovation Solution
Mechanized clamps with downward-facing jaws and a shaker mechanism are used to separate and lift hive frames, applying forces of up to 520 Newtons and shaking the frames to encourage bee departure, while a 'cover per frame' configuration divides the hive cover into sections to reduce disturbance and facilitate handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to extract hive frames, then beekeepers can handle frames directly, but frames are likely to break and bees become agitated and escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical extraction device with clamps as an intermediary between the beekeeper and the hive frame. The clamps grip the frame's top bar and side bars, providing controlled separation force to break bee glue joints without requiring direct manual handling of the frame, thereby preventing frame breakage and minimizing bee disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device incorporates a shaker mechanism that applies mechanical vibration to the hive frame during extraction. This vibration encourages bees to move away from the frame, reducing bee disturbance and escape while the frame is being removed from the hive
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional cover covers all frames, then the hive is fully protected, but handling and storage becomes difficult when frames need to be extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional hive cover into multiple separate sections, with each section corresponding to one hive frame. This segmentation allows individual cover sections to be easily removed and handled when specific frames need extraction, while still providing protection for the remaining frames when cover sections are in place
3Stability of the object's composition
If bees are glued to frames with wax, then frames are securely attached in the hive, but frames become difficult to separate and extract
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker mechanism applies mechanical vibration to the hive frame during extraction, which helps break the wax glue joints between frames more easily. The vibration disrupts the adhesive bonds while the clamps provide controlled separation force, reducing the complexity of the separation process
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps are designed to engage the frame's top bar and side bars before extraction begins, performing preliminary action to secure the frame and prepare it for separation. This preliminary engagement ensures controlled force application to break the wax glue joints without requiring complex separation 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 solution effectively reduces frame breakage and bee escape, minimizes the need for smokers, and eases the handling and storage of hive covers, particularly in hives with multiple frames.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical shaker shakes a hive frame engaged by the jaws of the downward facing clamps
Implementation Method 2
separation is performed by increasing distance between jaws of a downward facing clamp. According to various exemplary embodiments of the invention 480 Newtons, 490 Newtons, 500 Newtons, 510 Newtons, or 520 Newtons of separation force or intermediate or greater forces are applied
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: (a) lowering two pairs of mechanical rods into inter-frame spaces on each side of a single hive frame in a beehive; (b) decreasing a distance between downward facing jaws of a motorized clamp until said jaws engage and retain the single hive frame; and (c) lifting said motorized clamp.