Pallet Rodent Station with Retention Teeth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling and eliminating rodents in distribution and retail environments, particularly in areas using pallets, are inefficient due to open setups, limited access for monitoring, and compatibility issues with varying pallet sizes and styles.
Innovation Solution
A rodent station designed to be held partially within the fork opening of a pallet, featuring a cover with a pallet retention system that includes engagement members with teeth to secure the station in place, and a sled for holding traps, attractants, and rodenticide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traps and poisons are placed on the top side of pallets in open areas of known rodent activity, then rodent elimination effectiveness is improved, but the setup is open to the air and lacks protection for the materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cover (essentially a shell structure) that encloses the traps and poisons on the pallet top surface. This cover protects the rodent control materials from environmental exposure while maintaining their effectiveness against rodents. The cover creates a controlled environment that shields the materials from air and weather while still allowing the rodent elimination function to operate.
2Reliability
If tubes are integrated with racks or traps are added under false tops of pallets, then rodent control is provided, but access for monitoring status is limited and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rodent control system into removable components: the cover can be removed or opened to access the traps and poisons underneath. This segmentation allows the system to provide both protection (when closed) and easy access (when opened), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation. The modular design enables maintenance and monitoring without requiring complex disassembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rodent stations are designed to fit various pallet sizes and styles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases to accommodate different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the rodent station with universal features that allow it to function on various pallet types and sizes. The cover and underlying structure are designed with adjustable or flexible elements that can accommodate different pallet dimensions. This universality enables a single device design to serve multiple pallet configurations without requiring complex customization for each pallet type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic or adjustable elements in the rodent station design that allow it to adapt to different pallet configurations. These may include adjustable positioning mechanisms, flexible mounting options, or modular components that can be reconfigured based on the specific pallet dimensions. This dynamic capability provides adaptability across various pallet styles while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Ease of operation
If a self-holding mechanism is implemented for the rodent station in the pallet opening, then ease of installation is improved, but the mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-holding mechanism where the rodent station automatically secures itself to the pallet opening without requiring additional fastening operations. The design likely incorporates friction-fit elements, elastic retention features, or geometric interlocking that enable the station to hold itself in place once positioned. This self-service approach simplifies installation while adding only minimal complexity to the device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A rodent station can be fit inside a pallet, such as within a fork opening of a pallet. The rodent station includes a multi-functional slide or sled and an end cap. The slide is a flat surface with attachment options that can accommodate rodent traps, insect traps, solid or liquid rodenticide bait placements, attractants, sensing equipment, etc. The end cap is multifunctional in that it can cover the opening, hide and protect the slide or slide assembly, and the end cap can also hold the slide in place. The cover is temporarily secured in place to the interior of the pallet to mitigate pallet jacks and forklifts from damaging the internal components. The securement can be teeth or other tension devices that engage with the pallet to hold the cover in place.