Moth Trap Light Source Photon Flux Density Guide Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light traps for indoor Phycitinae moths, such as tobacco, Indian meal, dried currant, and Mediterranean flour moths, have low trapping efficiency due to behavioral suppression caused by high photon flux density, leading to ineffective insect capture in practical spaces like warehouses.

Innovation Solution

A trapping method and device that emits attracting light with a predetermined photon flux density, forming a guide path with directivity to attract and trap moths by limiting light irradiance below the behavior suppression threshold, using a light source with a narrow-angle light distribution and strategically placing trapping members within the guide path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light trap with high photon flux density is used to attract moths, then the attraction range is increased, but behavioral suppression occurs and trapping efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoton flux densityVSAvoidtrapping efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different light intensity zones: a high-intensity attraction zone to draw moths from a distance, and a low-intensity guide path zone that prevents behavioral suppression. The light flux density is carefully controlled to remain below the suppression threshold in the guide path while maintaining high attraction range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by using multiple light sources with different emission characteristics (intensity, wavelength, directionality) that can be independently controlled. This allows the system to dynamically create the optimal light distribution pattern that balances attraction and avoidance of behavioral suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a light source with wide-angle distribution is used, then the attraction coverage area is increased, but the light intensity becomes insufficient to form an effective guide path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattraction coverage areaVSAvoidguide path intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light sources with different characteristics (wide-angle for coverage, narrow-angle for guide path formation) into a unified trapping system. This combination allows simultaneous achievement of broad attraction coverage and focused guide path intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds dimensional complexity by considering multiple spatial dimensions and light propagation angles. Different light sources are positioned and oriented to cover horizontal and vertical spaces, creating a three-dimensional guide path structure that maintains intensity while expanding coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple light sources are added to increase attraction range, then the device complexity increases, but the trapping effectiveness improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrapping effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing light sources that perform multiple functions: attracting moths from distance, forming the guide path, and preventing behavioral suppression. Each light source is optimized to contribute to multiple aspects of the trapping process, reducing the need for excessive numbers of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method and device significantly improve the trapping efficiency of adult Phycitinae moths by creating a non-behavior suppression region that guides them into the trap without causing behavioral suppression, enhancing the attraction and capture rate in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

the attraction of the adult Phycitinae to attracting light has been elucidated in laboratories

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhototaxis:

Data Source

PatentEP3732960B1Method for trapping indoor moth adult belonging to subfamily phycitine, light source device and trap
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP3732960B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3732960B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3732960B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for trapping indoor adult Phycitinae, which is an adult moth belonging to Phycitinae subfamily includes: emitting attracting light at a predetermined photon flux density for a predetermined period of time or longer; forming a guide path to guide the adult Phycitinae to a vicinity of an emission end of the attracting light in a region having a photon flux density lower than the predetermined photon flux density on a side lower than a height of the emission end; and trapping the adult Phycitinae attracted by the attracting light in the guide path.