Rodent Repeller Using Distress Call Mimicry and Soil Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rodent deterrent devices face issues with battery life, sound output degradation, and habituation, making them ineffective in repelling rodents from gardens and lawns, as they fail to transmit high frequencies through soil and are ignored by rodents over time.

Innovation Solution

The electronic rodent repeller features a design with a perforated apex for sound resonance, a tympanic resonator for amplification, and solar power integration to extend battery life, along with a chatter-sound mechanism that mimics distressed rodent vocalizations to avoid habituation, using multiple transducers to synthesize realistic alarm calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rodent deterrent stakes emit high frequency sound to repel rodents, then the sound can be detected by rodents, but the sound does not transmit easily through soil or around obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound detection by rodentsVSAvoidsound transmission through soil

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes the frequency parameter of the sound from high frequency to low frequency (below 2000 Hz), which allows the sound to transmit more effectively through soil and around obstructions while still being detectable by rodents through ground vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses vibration transducers to generate mechanical vibrations that propagate through the soil, allowing rodent detection through ground vibration rather than airborne sound transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Power

If rodent deterrent devices use continuous alarm calls to repel rodents, then the sound output is maintained, but rodents become habituated and ignore the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound outputVSAvoideffectiveness over time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses periodic distress calls with variable intervals between calls, mimicking the natural chattering behavior of distressed rodents. This intermittent pattern prevents habituation while maintaining repellent effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adjusts the timing and pattern of sound emissions to match the variable nature of rodent distress calls, making the sound pattern unpredictable and less likely to be ignored by rodents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If rodent deterrent stakes use battery power for sound emission, then the device can operate continuously, but battery life is reduced and sound output decreases as battery power is expended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidsound output

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses intermittent distress calls with variable intervals instead of continuous sound emission, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining operational effectiveness over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on operational needs, using low-power microcontroller-based control to manage the timing and duration of sound emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If traps are used to remove rodents, then rodents can be eliminated from the area, but the traps pose danger to persons or non-pest animals and require complex positioning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverodent removal effectivenessVSAvoiddanger to persons and non-pest animals

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces mechanical trap systems with an acoustic repulsion system that uses distress calls to drive rodents away, eliminating the need for physical traps and associated safety hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses the natural distress calls of rodents themselves as the repellent mechanism, turning the rodents' own communication signals into a harmful factor for them by causing them to flee the area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 device provides extended battery life, improved sound transmission through soil, and reduced habituation, effectively repelling rodents with a realistic and sustained sound output that maintains effectiveness over time.

Implementation Method 1

an insertable end may comprise a tympanic resonator to amplify the sound generated by the audible signal generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the battery life may be extended by coupling the device to solar panels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

an audible signal generator to produce a sound to repel the rodents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS7948386B2Electronic rodent repeller that mimics a chattering sound of a distressed rodent

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 EXHART ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A rodent repeller having an audio signal generator configured to generate a chattering sound that mimics a distressed rodent. The audio signal generator produces a variable sound frequency to generate the chattering sound of distressed rodents.