Powered Trigger Support Mechanism for Cage Animal Traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cage trap trigger mechanisms are ineffective under substantial door pressure, requiring excessive force to actuate the trigger, which diminishes their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A powered support mechanism for cage-type animal traps that can be mounted on various surfaces, allowing for single or multiple door operation, enhancing design versatility and maintaining trigger sensitivity regardless of door pressure, and can be used in conjunction with traditional trigger systems like the CONIBEAR mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional trigger mechanisms are used in cage traps, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the trigger requires excessive force to actuate when substantial door pressure is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trigger rod as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits and amplifies the force from the trigger pan to the door latch. This leveraged connection allows the trigger mechanism to overcome substantial door pressure by converting small pan movements into sufficient actuation force through mechanical advantage, resolving the contradiction between requiring low actuation force and maintaining reliability under pressure.
2Reliability
If powered support mechanism is added to improve trigger effectiveness, then trigger sensitivity is maintained under door pressure, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex powered mechanisms (motors, actuators) with a purely mechanical leveraged connection system. The trigger rod and latch mechanism use mechanical advantage principles to amplify force, achieving reliable trigger actuation under door pressure without requiring electrical power or complex control systems, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
3Productivity
If traditional trigger systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of trap operation is reduced due to excessive force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic trigger rod mechanism that can pivot and move along a defined path, allowing the system to adapt to varying door pressures and positions. This dynamic mechanical advantage system automatically adjusts the force transmission based on the latch position and door pressure, improving trap operation efficiency without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
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 powered support mechanism ensures efficient and reliable trap operation, allowing for advanced trap designs and unassisted door closure in cage traps and other applications, maintaining trigger sensitivity even under substantial door pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-powered rod between the catch member and the latch that is powered to move the latch away from the door
Data Source
AI summary
An animal trap includes a frame with a support mechanism for the trigger. The support mechanism has an elongate slot on each side that supports a pivot component that is attached to the frame. One or more rods are activated from the support mechanism to release a latch or door of the trap. A rod pushes or pulls from their attachment to the support mechanism when a trigger attached to the pivot component moves causing a cam on the pivot component to release the dog from engagement with the support mechanism.