Pneumatic Animal Trap Trigger Mechanism with Series Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal traps, particularly kill traps, require significant labor for maintenance and resetting, and are inefficient due to the need for frequent emptying and re-baiting, with existing pneumatic mechanisms being unsuitable for smaller or more cautious animals.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically powered animal trap with a sensitive trigger mechanism using multiple trigger valves connected in series, actuated by an animal, which rapidly vents compressed gas to power a kill mechanism, allowing for quick and forceful operation with minimal animal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pneumatic mechanism is used to power the kill trap, then the trap can automatically kill animals, but the mechanism requires significant force to actuate and has a long response time
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is divided into multiple separate chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) connected in series. Each chamber acts as an independent stage that sequentially releases gas, breaking down the long response time into smaller, faster segments. The first chamber releases gas to open the second chamber, which then releases gas to open the third chamber, creating a cascading effect that maintains high speed while using simple mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism uses a series of periodic gas release events rather than a single continuous action. Each chamber releases gas in a controlled periodic manner, creating a sequence of pressure waves that propagate through the system. This periodic action allows the system to build up sufficient force while maintaining a relatively fast overall response time.
2Device complexity
If a simple trigger mechanism is used, then the trap structure is simpler, but it cannot provide sufficient force for larger pests
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure from compressed gas chambers to amplify the force generated by the simple trigger mechanism. When the trigger releases the first chamber, the expanding gas creates high pressure that forces the cage shut with sufficient force to kill even large pests. This allows a simple mechanical trigger to control a powerful pneumatic kill mechanism.
3Stress or pressure
If the trigger valve space has large volume, then the valve can handle higher pressure, but the response time increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The total gas volume is segmented into three separate chambers instead of using one large chamber. Each chamber has a smaller volume that can respond quickly to pressure changes, yet the combined effect of all three chambers provides sufficient total gas volume to generate the required killing force. The segmented design allows each chamber to vent rapidly while maintaining overall system power.
Solution Approach 2:
The chambers are pre-charged with compressed gas in a ready state before triggering. This preliminary action stores energy in advance, so when the trigger is activated, the gas is already pressurized and ready to expand immediately. This eliminates the delay that would occur if the system needed to build pressure from scratch, achieving both high pressure capability and fast response.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal trap may include a source of compressed gas; a trigger mechanism configured to be actuated by an animal, and a kill mechanism powered by compressed gas. The trap may include two or more trigger valves connected in series. At least one trigger valve may include an opening, a valve seat surrounding the opening, a valve member having a sealing surface, and an O-ring arranged to seal between the sealing surface and the valve seat. One or more flow paths may allow gas to flow along at least part of an internal periphery of the O-ring. The trigger may include a trigger rod extending in a rest position from a mount at or near a first end thereof. The trigger rod may be mounted for pivoting movement about the mount, and may have two rotational degrees of freedom. Pivoting movement of the trigger rod in any direction away from the rest position may result in actuation of the trigger.