Pest Detection Post with Optical Sensor for Early Termite Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pest damage in wooden building structures, such as termite infestation, often result in late detection, making timely countermeasures difficult due to the hidden nature of the damage and the difficulty in visually assessing the extent of the damage.
Innovation Solution
A pest detecting apparatus with a post-shaped main body featuring multiple holes and a sensor unit that includes light-emitting and sensing units to detect light transmission between holes, coupled with a wireless communication system for immediate signal transmission to an electronic apparatus, allowing for early detection of pest damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If baits are disposed on the ground near building structures and the decrease of the baits is monitored by taking them from the ground, then pest detection is performed, but the detection of damage is late and proper countermeasures cannot be provided on time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing the detection device in advance near the building structure, with the light source and sensor already positioned and connected. The system is prepared and waiting for pest activity, so when termites or other pests pass through, detection occurs immediately without the need to manually retrieve and analyze baits later. This eliminates the time delay between pest infestation and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of retrieving and visually inspecting baits with an automated optical detection system. Instead of physically taking baits from the ground and examining them, the system uses a light source and photodetector to automatically sense pest presence and activity, converting a manual process into an automated sensing system that provides immediate detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the termite does not light, then it is harmful to the inside of woods, but it is difficult to realize the progress of damage in wooden buildings by eyesight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to detect pest activity inside wooden structures. Since termites and other pests are invisible and cannot be seen directly, the system introduces light that passes through or near the wood, and uses a photodetector to sense changes in light caused by pest movement or gnawing activity. This intermediary light-based sensing method makes the invisible pest activity detectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection (eyesight) with an optical sensing system. Instead of relying on human eyes to see pest damage, which is impossible when pests are hidden inside wood, the system uses a light source and photodetector combination to sense pest presence and activity, substituting biological vision with instrumental optical detection.
3Reliability
If various apparatuses and methods are used for prevention of damage on wooden buildings by termites, then pest prevention is attempted, but the monitor of the decrease of the baits is performed by taking the baits from the ground, thus the detection of damage may be late
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device performs self-service by automatically detecting pest activity without requiring manual intervention. The light source continuously emits light, the photodetector continuously monitors for changes, and the system automatically signals when pests are detected. This eliminates the need for humans to periodically retrieve and examine baits, providing continuous automatic monitoring that reduces detection time while maintaining reliable pest prevention.
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
Enables immediate detection of pest damage, minimizing the extent of damage by providing early alerts and facilitating timely countermeasures, thus protecting wooden building structures effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit comprising at least one light-emitting body for irradiating the interior of at least one hole among the plurality of the holes
Implementation Method 2
a sensing unit for sensing the light emitted from the light-emitting unit disposed in the at least one hole among the plurality of the holes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and system for pest detection and a method for detecting pest damage to prevent pest damage in wooden building structures. The apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a post-shaped main body extending in a set direction and formed therealong, and comprising a plurality of holes distanced from each other with a wall therebetween, the wall comprising timber which can be despoiled by pest; and a sensor unit allowing attachment and detachment to and from the upper end of the main body. Here, the sensor unit may comprise: a light-emitting unit comprising at least one light-emitting body for irradiating the interior of at least one hole among the plurality of holes; a sensing unit for sensing the light, emitted from the light-emitting unit, in the interior of at least one hole from among the plurality of holes; and a detection unit for outputting a light signal received from the sensing unit as an electrical signal.