Omni-directional Pest Trap Module Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for eliminating pests from trees, such as using pesticides and manually removing pest eggs, are laborious and not environmentally friendly.

Innovation Solution

An omni-directional pest trap comprising a trap module and a connector module, where the trap module is disposed on a columnar standing structure and includes a trap body with an inside path for pests to move through, and the connector module defines a tunnel with a texture similar to tree bark to guide pests into a collection module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (pesticides and manual removal) are used to eliminate pests, then pest elimination effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest elimination effectivenessVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pest trap enables self-service by allowing pests to automatically enter and become trapped through their own movement behavior. The trap structure includes an inside path that guides pests naturally into the collection module without requiring human intervention for placement or removal, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining pest elimination effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The trap module acts as an intermediary device between the pest infestation problem and the desired outcome. It provides a structured pathway (inside path) that mediates pest movement from the tree surface into the collection module, replacing direct human action with an automated intermediate system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional methods (pesticides and manual removal) are used to eliminate pests, then pest elimination effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest elimination effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful behavior of pests (crawling on trees) into a beneficial outcome by designing a trap that exploits their natural movement patterns. The inside path and tunnel structure guide pests into the collection module using their own crawling behavior against them, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides while maintaining pest control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical system (pesticides) with a mechanical system (physical trap structure). The trap uses mechanical elements such as the inside path, tunnel, and collection module to physically capture and contain pests, eliminating environmental contamination from chemical substances while achieving the same pest elimination goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a trap structure is designed to guide pests effectively, then pest capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest capture efficiencyVSAvoidtrap structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trap is segmented into distinct functional modules: the trap module with inside path, the connector module with tunnel, and the collection module. Each segment performs a specific function in the pest capture sequence, allowing for simplified design and manufacturing of individual components while achieving high overall capture efficiency through their coordinated arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of actively pursuing or chasing pests, the trap structure inverts the approach by creating a passive guidance system. The inside path and tunnel are configured to naturally channel pest movement toward the collection module, allowing pests to guide themselves into captivity through their own movement behavior rather than requiring active capture mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 pest trap effectively captures pests by guiding them into a collection module, reducing the need for pesticides and manual removal, while being environmentally friendly and adaptable to different tree sizes.

Implementation Method 1

An inner surface of the trap body is at least partially slippery for the pest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A portion of an inner surface of the tunnel of the connector module has a texture similar to a bark of a tree

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface texture recognition:

Data Source

PatentUS20250134084A1Omni-directional pest trap

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 BARN OWL TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

A pest trap includes a trap module and a connector module. The trap module is disposed on a columnar standing structure. The trap module includes a trap body that cooperates with an outer surrounding surface of the columnar standing structure to define an inside path therebetween for a pest to move therein. The connector module is connected to the trap module. The connector module defines a tunnel that has a first opening through which the tunnel is in spatial communication with the inside path, and that is for the pest to move therethrough. An inner surface of the trap body is at least partially slippery for the pest.