Rodent Deterrent LED System with Wavelength-Optimized Pulsed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deterring rats and mice, such as trapping and poisoning, are either ineffective or pose environmental risks, and existing LED-based deterrents lack efficiency and long battery life.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered LED light system that emits light at specific wavelengths (UV and green peaks) to deter rats and mice, designed for continuous or pulsed operation, maximizing energy efficiency and independence from external power sources, with wavelengths chosen to match the visual sensitivity spectrum of rodents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trapping or poisoning methods are used to control rats and mice, then immediate pest control is achieved, but environmental risks and harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trapping systems and chemical poisoning systems with an optical system using LEDs emitting at specific wavelengths (365nm UV and 530nm green) that exploit rodent visual sensitivity. This substitution eliminates the harmful environmental effects of traps and poisons while maintaining pest control effectiveness through rodents' natural aversion to these light wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength to specifically target rodent visual sensitivity peaks at 365nm and 530nm. By operating LEDs at these precise wavelengths rather than conventional visible light wavelengths, the system achieves effective pest deterrence while avoiding the harmful effects associated with traditional control methods.
2Reliability
If high-power LEDs are used to increase deterrence effectiveness, then pest deterrence improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed operation of the LEDs instead of continuous operation. The control circuit activates the LEDs at intervals that maintain effective deterrence while significantly reducing average power consumption, allowing the battery-powered system to operate for extended periods without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the LED operating parameters by selecting specific wavelengths (365nm UV and 530nm green) that match rodent visual sensitivity peaks. This parameter optimization maximizes deterrence effectiveness per unit of energy consumed, improving the efficiency ratio between power consumption and pest control effectiveness.
3Reliability
If continuous LED operation is used to maximize deterrence, then pest control reliability improves, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed operation where LEDs are activated in cycles rather than continuously. This approach maintains effective deterrence during active periods while allowing battery conservation during inactive periods, achieving an optimal balance between continuous protection and extended battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action through periodic operation that ensures deterrence is always active when needed, while optimizing battery utilization. The pulsed operation pattern sustains pest control effectiveness over extended periods by efficiently managing battery energy reserves.
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 keeps rats and mice away from enclosed spaces and engine compartments for extended periods without the need for external energy or connections, providing a safer and more sustainable solution compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs have been improved to emit at the two peak wavelengths, and circuitry has been improved to operate these LEDs from batteries for extremely long periods of time.
Implementation Method 2
The wavelengths of the LEDs are chosen to correspond to the known wavelength sensitivity of the eyes of rats.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for keeping rats and similar pests away without trapping or killing them. It provides a long-life battery powered LED light system for deterring rats, mice and other nocturnal animals. Embodiments of the present invention are designed to operate continuously for at least one year between battery changes. Embodiments have been proven to deter rats from invading engine compartments of parked motor vehicles, vegetable gardens, attics, garages and outdoor patios. In preferred embodiments the wavelengths of the LEDs are chosen to correspond to the known wavelength sensitivity peaks of the eyes of rats, mice, and other rodents. This new technology transcends traps.