Rodent Barrier System with Elevated Platform and Electrified Ladder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-lethal rodent deterrents, such as electrified mats, are ineffective when vehicles are elevated, as they create obstacles for rodents and require lethal electric charges, leading to unpleasant disposal of rodent bodies.

Innovation Solution

A rodent barrier system comprising a vehicle elevation platform with adjustable cross members, ramps, and a perimeter ladder with alternating polarity rungs that deliver a non-lethal electric charge to rodents, preventing them from accessing vehicles without the need for lethal shocks or maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrified mats are used to deter rodents, then rodents receive an electric shock deterrent, but the vehicle must remain on ground level which provides easy access for rodents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent deterrent effectivenessVSAvoidrodent access to vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention elevates the vehicle from ground level to an elevated platform, adding a vertical dimension to the barrier system. This elevation creates physical distance between rodents on the ground and the vehicle, making access difficult without climbing the perimeter ladder structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If lethal electric charges are used to kill rodents, then rodent population is controlled, but disposal of rodent bodies becomes unpleasant and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent population controlVSAvoiddisposal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of electric charge intensity from lethal to non-lethal levels. The electrified perimeter ladder delivers enough electricity to deter and repel rodents through painful shock, but not enough to kill them, eliminating the need for body disposal while maintaining population control through effective deterrence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the vehicle is elevated on a platform, then rodent access is reduced, but the structure complexity increases with ramps and support members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent access to vehicleVSAvoidelevation platform structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perimeter ladder structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for elevating the vehicle platform, creates a physical barrier that rodents must climb, and incorporates electrified rungs that deliver deterrent shocks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a perimeter ladder with electrified rungs is used, then non-lethal electric charge deters rodents effectively, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent deterrent effectivenessVSAvoidelectrified barrier structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the structural support function with the deterrent function by making the perimeter ladder itself electrified. The rungs that provide structural support and climbing surface are also the elements that deliver electric shocks, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively deters rodents from accessing vehicles by elevating the platform and using non-lethal electric charges, eliminating the need for lethal shocks and reducing maintenance, while ensuring safe and efficient rodent exclusion.

Implementation Method 1

The rungs may be configured to impart a nonlethal electric charge to the rodent when at least two rungs are contacted by the rodent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10420334B2Rodent barrier system and method
Publication Date: 2019.09.24 OLIVEIRA STEVEN V
  • US10420334B2 patent drawing
  • US10420334B2 patent drawing
  • US10420334B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rodent barrier system is disclosed herein. The rodent barrier system includes a vehicle elevation platform, a perimeter ladder having a plurality of rungs, a right ramp, and a left ramp. The rodent barrier system is useful for deterring rodents from accessing a vehicle.