Remote Trap Structures for Wild Horse Detection and Gate Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trapping systems for over-populated wild horse herds are not easily transportable, reliable, and efficient in remote locations, and do not effectively monitor and actuate traps to minimize economic and humane relocation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A remote trap monitoring and actuation system with a power source, motion sensors, processor, and communication device that determines animal presence and direction of travel, actuating trap closures and transmitting notifications, using electromechanical latches and an erectable tower for easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional trapping systems are used in remote locations, then trapping functionality is provided, but transportability and ease of deployment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trapping system is divided into modular components including portable trap structures, separate power sources (solar panels, batteries), and independently deployable monitoring equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be easily transported and assembled in remote locations while maintaining system reliability through modular redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical trap actuation systems are replaced with automated electromechanical systems controlled by processors. Motion sensors and cameras detect animal presence and trigger automated gate closure, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving reliability in remote locations where human intervention is limited.
2Productivity
If remote monitoring and actuation systems are added to traps, then trapping efficiency and humane relocation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: motion sensors detect animal presence, cameras verify target species, processors analyze data and control actuation, and communication modules enable remote monitoring. This multi-functionality improves trapping efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous operation where the processor automatically analyzes sensor data, determines animal presence and direction of travel, and triggers trap actuation without human intervention. Solar panels provide self-sufficient power, and the system self-monitors its own status, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If automated motion sensors and processors are used, then animal presence detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors and cameras operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system activates sensors only when motion is detected or at scheduled intervals, allowing the processor to analyze data in batches. This periodic operation maintains high detection accuracy for animal presence while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor types are deployed in specific locations optimized for their function: motion sensors positioned to detect approach direction, cameras angled for species verification. This localized sensor placement ensures high detection accuracy where needed while minimizing unnecessary sensor activation and energy consumption in other areas.
4Adaptability or versatility
If trap structures are made portable for frequent relocation, then adaptability to different sites is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trap structure employs dynamic design elements including collapsible panels, removable gates, and adjustable support legs that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. Electromechanical latches provide secure locking when assembled, maintaining structural strength during operation while enabling rapid deployment and relocation. The system transitions between portable and stable states as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system may include a processor, a power source, optionally an antenna, optionally a communication device, optionally one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, and optionally one or more electromechanical latches. The one or more motion sensors are configured to create signals indicative of one or both of: a presence of a target animal, or a direction of travel of an animal, wherein the processor is configured to process the signals indicative of one or both of: a presence of the target animal, or the direction of travel of an animal, and wherein the system is configured to output an actuation signal to actuate closure of one or more containments of a remote trap structure based on one or both of: the determined presence of the animal, or the determined direction of travel of the animal.