Triangular Prism Trap for Fruit Flies with Phosphorescent Attraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fruit fly traps are labor-intensive, limited in capacity, and require frequent maintenance, with chemical resistance issues in pests, necessitating frequent trap and bait modifications without ensuring effective and efficient eradication.

Innovation Solution

A triangular prism-shaped trap made of thermoplastic with a waxed cardboard insert covered in sticky material and a plastic basket holding polymer tablets with bait, designed for easy assembly, handling, and durability, incorporating a phosphorescent plate for enhanced nighttime capture and a card-recorder system for data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional chemical traps are used for fruit fly detection and control, then initial detection effectiveness is achieved, but pest resistance develops over time requiring frequent modification of trap forms and chemical products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection effectivenessVSAvoidpest resistance adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the trap by transitioning from chemical-based attraction to physical light-based attraction. The trap uses ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths (365-450 nm) to attract fruit flies, replacing chemical baits that pests develop resistance to. This parameter change in attraction mechanism eliminates the resistance adaptation problem while maintaining detection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical system with a photonic system. Instead of using chemical products to attract and kill fruit flies, the invention uses light emission at specific wavelengths combined with a reflective prism structure to guide and trap flies physically. This substitution eliminates chemical resistance issues while maintaining control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional McPhail traps are used for fruit fly capture, then detection capability is achieved, but labor-intensive servicing and frequent topping up are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidservicing frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous operation. The trap uses a battery-powered UV/visible light source that automatically attracts flies without requiring manual bait preparation or topping up. The reflective prism structure passively guides flies into the collection chamber without requiring manual intervention, eliminating frequent servicing while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-assembling the reflective prism structure and pre-charging the battery before deployment. The trap is prepared in advance with all components in place, eliminating the need for frequent field servicing and topping up that characterizes traditional McPhail traps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If disposable cartons and bottles are used as traps, then ease of deployment is achieved, but durability and long-term effectiveness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidtrap durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to achieve both ease of deployment and long durability. The trap combines a rigid reflective prism structure (likely acrylic or glass) for longevity with a battery-powered UV/visible light source for sustained operation. This composite construction replaces disposable cartons and bottles with durable materials that maintain effectiveness over extended periods while remaining deployable in various field conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 trap allows for increased trap deployment, reduced maintenance, improved durability, and enhanced capture efficiency with phosphorescent attraction and easy data logging, addressing the limitations of traditional traps by being more versatile, cost-effective, and long-lasting.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a phosphorescent plate for enhanced nighttime capture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Implementation Method 2

a waxed cardboard insert covered in sticky material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8240081B2Prism traps for fruit and vegetable insects-pests

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 CUELLAR BERNAL RICARDO OSVALDO

AI summary

A trap for collecting insects and pests is formed in a triangular prism shape. The triangular prism shaped trap is formed from a rectangular plate that is divided into three sections, the rectangular plate being bent into the triangular prism shape. A rectangular cavity that protrudes inward into the trap may be formed on one wall. Also, a control card may be mounted on one wall.