Segmented CO2 Mosquito Trap Array with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mosquito trap systems are not effective in completely preventing mosquito stings in outdoor spaces, as they either have limited coverage, are temporary, pose health risks, or do not account for varying mosquito densities and meteorological conditions.
Innovation Solution
A complex mosquito trap system comprising multiple individual traps arranged along a separation line with a CO2 distribution station and low-voltage network, where traps are spaced 12 meters apart and have a CO2 flow exceeding 0.5 g/h per meter, featuring a centralized flow regulator and limiter, providing continuous protection without health risks or ecosystem disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual traps are arranged along a separation line with CO2 distribution, then the coverage area and effectiveness of mosquito elimination is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protected outdoor space into multiple zones by arranging several individual traps (6-12 traps) along a separation line. Each trap operates independently with its own CO2 flow control, creating segmented protection zones that collectively cover the entire outdoor area. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability across large areas without requiring a single complex centralized trap.
Solution Approach 2:
A CO2 distribution network acts as an intermediary between the central CO2 source and individual traps. The network includes a flow regulator that distributes CO2 to multiple traps through a tube system with flow limiters at each trap location. This intermediary infrastructure enables coordinated operation of multiple traps while maintaining simple individual trap designs, resolving the contradiction between system effectiveness and complexity.
2Reliability
If traps are spaced 12 meters apart with CO2 flow exceeding 0.5 g/h per meter, then the barrier effect against mosquitoes is strengthened, but the CO2 consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes CO2 consumption by precisely controlling flow parameters. Each trap receives CO2 at a regulated flow rate exceeding 0.5 g/h per meter of distance between traps, with a maximum spacing of 12 meters. Flow limiters at each trap location ensure precise dosage control, maintaining the barrier effect while minimizing total CO2 consumption compared to unregulated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 distribution system provides localized quality control by delivering specific CO2 flow rates to individual traps based on their position along the separation line. Traps closer together receive proportionally less CO2 per unit distance, while traps at maximum 12-meter spacing receive higher individual flows. This local optimization ensures effective barrier coverage while minimizing overall CO2 consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If a centralized flow regulator and individual flow limiters are installed in each trap, then the CO2 distribution precision and trap performance are improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into a centralized regulator for overall CO2 distribution and individual flow limiters at each trap location. This segmentation allows the centralized regulator to handle bulk flow management with high precision, while individual limiters provide simple, standardized flow restriction at each trap. The modular design simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise CO2 flow control through parameter optimization: the centralized regulator maintains overall pressure and flow stability, while individual flow limiters are calibrated to deliver exact flow rates (exceeding 0.5 g/h per meter) to each trap. This two-level parameter control achieves high manufacturing precision without requiring complex electronics or control systems, maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the trap system operates continuously throughout the day and season, then the protection duration and reliability are improved, but the energy consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous protection throughout the day and mosquito season through automated operation. The CO2 distribution system runs continuously, maintaining the barrier effect without interruption. Individual traps operate autonomously with built-in fans that run continuously to draw mosquitoes into the traps. This continuous operation eliminates protection gaps while the automated nature reduces manual intervention and associated energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap system is designed for autonomous, self-service operation. The centralized CO2 distribution system automatically regulates flow to all traps without manual intervention. Individual traps self-regulate their CO2 consumption through built-in flow limiters and operate their fans autonomously. This self-service capability enables continuous operation while minimizing human energy input and maintenance requirements.
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 system effectively eliminates adult mosquitoes and creates a barrier to prevent new mosquitoes from entering protected areas, offering continuous, automatic protection throughout the day and season, while respecting the ecosystem and being risk-free for humans and animals.
Implementation Method 1
a CO2 distribution station (1210) comprising a source of carbon dioxide (1201) and a control unit (1202) for distributing the carbon dioxide at a constant pressure through a network of tubes (1203) to the individual traps (1110)
Implementation Method 2
When they approach the trap, a fan draws them in and holds them in a net or a sort of cage from which they cannot escape
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a complex mosquito trap for outdoor spaces which comprises a plurality of individual traps in an array supplied with CO2, comprising in combination a distance between each individual adjacent trap that does not exceed 12 metres, a CO2 flow rate in each individual trap greater than 0.5 g/h per metre of distance between adjacent traps, and the presence of a centralised flow controller and a flow limiter in each trap.