Multi-Segment Heat Strip Trap for Red Mite Extermination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arthropod pest extermination systems rely on harmful poisons, require frequent maintenance, and are restricted in some jurisdictions, while others use bait or pheromones that need continuous refreshment, disrupting livestock and being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment heat strip apparatus with a controller in a dark housing that attracts arthropods, using temperature variations to trap and exterminate pests like red mites, with optional power sources and deployable in animal pens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If poisons are used to exterminate arthropod pests, then the pest elimination effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects to livestock and environmental restrictions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical poison-based extermination with a thermal processing system. A controlled heating element raises the temperature within the nesting box to a range (35-45°C) that is lethal to red mites but safe for chickens, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and their associated harmful effects on livestock.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter within the nesting box from normal conditions to a elevated range (35-45°C) that selectively kills mites while preserving chicken safety. This parameter change enables effective pest control without requiring poisonous substances.
2Reliability
If bait or pheromones are used to attract arthropods, then the trapping effectiveness is improved, but continuous refreshment requirements and livestock disturbance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bait/pheromone-based attraction with thermal attraction. By maintaining a warm temperature (35-45°C) in the nesting box, the system naturally attracts cold-blooded red mites seeking warmth, eliminating the need for continuous bait replacement and avoiding livestock disturbance from bait refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses excessive warmth (temperature above normal nesting conditions) as the attracting factor. This excessive thermal condition continuously draws mites into the box without requiring periodic intervention to refresh attractants, providing lasting trapping effectiveness.
3Reliability
If poisons are used for pest extermination, then the pest control effectiveness is improved, but frequency of replacement and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces poison-based control with an automated thermal control system. The heating element and temperature control mechanism continuously maintain lethal temperatures for mites without requiring manual intervention for poison replacement, significantly reducing maintenance frequency while sustaining effective pest control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal processing system operates autonomously once activated, automatically maintaining temperatures that kill mites without requiring human intervention for poison replacement or bait refilling. The system serves itself by continuously providing the thermal conditions necessary for pest elimination.
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
Effectively traps and kills arthropods with minimal waste and no harmful chemicals, adaptable to different environments and pest species, reducing disturbance to livestock.
Implementation Method 1
The heat strip includes at least one inner segment or zone between two outer segments or zones. The controller provides electrical power to and regulates the operation of the multi-segment heat strip.
Implementation Method 2
The heat strip includes at least one inner segment or zone between two outer segments or zones... energizing the at least one inner segment or zone and the two outer segments or zones to a first temperature for a first selected period; changing the temperature of the two outer segments or zones to a second temperature for a second selected period; and changing the temperature of the at least one inner segment or zone and the two outer segments or zones to a third temperature for a third selected period.
Implementation Method 3
The housing is opaque to visible light to create a dark environment for the mites.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an apparatus, system, and method for trapping and exterminating arthropods, particularly red mites. The apparatus includes an opaque housing and a heat strip configured to have separate temperature zones. The method includes warming the heat strip to lure the mites into the trap, heating outer heat strip segments to drive the mites toward the center of the trap, and then raising the entire heat strip to a temperature sufficient to exterminate the mites. The system includes placing one or more of the traps in animal hold structures, including nesting boxes in poultry houses.