Modular Insect Trap with Downward Adhesive Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting arthropods like ticks are inefficient and require significant man-hours for monitoring, as they often fail to trap the target species effectively and are prone to capturing non-target debris.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adhesive-coated surface facing downwards, suspended off the ground, uses attractants like CO2 to direct arthropods onto the adhesive side, allowing for passive collection over time without debris accumulation, utilizing a trap system that can be placed in various orientations to maximize insect capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adhesive tape is placed with adhesive facing upwards to trap arthropods, then arthropods can be collected, but debris accumulates on the adhesive surface reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional placement by positioning the adhesive surface to face downward toward the ground rather than upward. This inversion prevents debris accumulation on the adhesive surface while maintaining effective arthropod capture through the attractive force directed downward.
2Productivity
If traditional tick collection methods are used, then ticks can be collected, but significant man-hours are required for monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The trap device is designed to operate passively without requiring constant human monitoring or intervention. The adhesive surface with downward orientation automatically captures arthropods throughout the deployment period, eliminating the need for frequent manual checking and reducing labor requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If adhesive tape is placed on the ground to trap arthropods, then collection area is maximized, but debris collects onto the adhesive tape
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing adhesive tape flat on the ground surface, the patent inverts the orientation so the adhesive surface faces downward. This allows the trap to occupy ground space effectively while preventing debris from contacting the adhesive surface, as the adhesive is positioned below the ground level or oriented away from debris sources.
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 significantly increases the efficiency of tick collection compared to traditional methods, reducing labor requirements and minimizing debris interference, enabling effective long-term collection without constant monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
arthropods are trapped by an adhesive coated surface, such as on adhesive tape
Implementation Method 2
Arthropods are directed toward the tape by an attractant whereby the insects are stuck to the adhesive surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trap for collecting arthropods, for example ticks. The device comprises an attractant placed over an adhesive surface with the adhesive facing down or at an angle to prevent debris from inadvertently collecting. The arthropods, attracted to the device by the attractant then adhere to the adhesive surface on their dorsal side. The invention also relates to a method of using the device to collect insects by placing one or more of the devices in a desired collection area and collecting insects over a period of time without the need for constant monitoring of the devices.