Autonomous Electrocuter Trap for Olive Fruit Fly Mass Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling olive fruit fly populations, such as OLIPE traps, are logistically challenging and ineffective in large olive groves due to limited attractive volatile dissemination and require frequent maintenance, while chemical pesticides pose environmental and health risks and promote resistance.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous, cylindrical device with a fan and electrocuting mechanism that actively and passively disseminates specific volatile compounds to attract and capture olive fruit flies, using dual openings for efficient air circulation and volatile release, and equipped with solar panels and sensors for operation optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OLIPE traps are used for mass capture of olive fruit fly, then pest population reduction is achieved, but logistical complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the electrocuting mechanism integrates attraction, capture, and killing functions in one unit, eliminating the need for separate trap components and reducing logistical complexity while maintaining effective pest population reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it attracts flies through volatile compounds, captures them through electrocuting contacts, and eliminates them through electrical shock. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies maintenance requirements compared to traditional multi-component trap systems
2Ease of operation
If OLIPE traps with small lateral holes are used, then passive volatile release is achieved, but attraction range and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fan that actively circulates air and propels volatile compounds outward, transforming the static passive release system into a dynamic active dissemination system. This extends the attraction range significantly while maintaining operational simplicity, as the fan automatically maintains volatile distribution without requiring manual intervention
3Productivity
If chemical pesticides are applied to control olive fruit fly, then pest population is reduced effectively, but environmental harm and resistance development occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pesticides with a physical-electrical mechanism for pest control. Instead of using toxic substances that harm the environment and promote resistance, the device uses electrocuting contacts that physically eliminate pests through electrical shock, combined with biological attraction using volatile compounds. This substitution eliminates chemical residues in the environment and avoids the development of chemical resistance
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 effectively captures olive fruit flies over larger areas with reduced logistical needs, minimizing environmental impact and pesticide use, and can be adapted for other nocturnal insect pests by adjusting attractive compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (7), wherein the fan (7) promotes air circulation on the inside of the outer body (15) to promote and maximize the dissemination of the volatile compounds
Implementation Method 2
an electrocuting device (6) for eliminating the trapped insects
Implementation Method 3
specific volatile compounds to attract this type of insect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the development of a device for capturing flying insects, in particular olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), a known key olive grove pest that can reduce olive production for olive oil by over 90%. The device is autonomous and active in operation and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer body (15), a fan (7), an insect trapping mechanism within, composed of an electrocuting device (6), and volatile compounds (4 and 5) specific to attract the desired insect type. In this way, it is possible to promote the biotechnical control of the olive fruit fly by mass capturing thereof through the device of the invention, aiming at protecting the olive grove from the harmful action associated with the presence of the populations of this pest. The present invention thus relates to the field of agronomy, phytosanitary protection and biotechnical control of olive grove pests.