Rodent Snap Trap with Position Sensor for False Trigger Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snap traps for rodents face challenges in detecting false triggering efficiently, requiring manual inspection and disrupting continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A snap trap equipped with a position sensor, such as a magnetic, optoelectronic, or mechanical sensor, detects the rotational position of the clamping device, allowing automatic detection and correction of false triggers, ensuring continuous operation through an electric drive device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a position sensor is used to detect false triggering, then false triggering detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse triggering detection capabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position sensor serves multiple functions: it detects both the false triggered position and the non-false triggered catch position of the clamping device. By making the sensor multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate detection mechanisms for different positions, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing position sensor to automatically detect and identify false triggering conditions without requiring external intervention or additional specialized sensors. The evaluation device processes the sensor data to determine false trigger status, enabling the system to self-diagnose and maintain operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual inspection is required to check trap readiness, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrap readiness detection accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The position sensor continuously monitors the clamping device position and provides feedback to the evaluation device. This automatic feedback mechanism replaces manual inspection, maintaining high detection accuracy while enabling continuous operation. The system can immediately identify false triggers and restore readiness without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated sensor-based detection system. The position sensor and evaluation device electronically monitor trap status, substituting human judgment with automated measurement, thereby improving both productivity and operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple switches are added to detect different positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection capabilityVSAvoidswitch complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple specialized switches for different position detections, the patent employs a single position sensor that can detect multiple positions (false triggered position, non-false triggered catch position, and clamped initial position). This universal approach reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive position detection capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple potential position detection switches into a single position sensor. By combining these detection functions, the system achieves the same measurement precision with fewer components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different clamping device positions.

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

The snap trap effectively detects and corrects false triggers, maintaining continuous operation without manual intervention, enabling 24-hour pest control and reducing component complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The position sensor is designed as a magnetic sensor, an optoelectronic sensor, or a mechanical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

The position sensor is designed as a magnetic sensor, an optoelectronic sensor, or a mechanical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptoelectronic sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4573900A1Impact trap for rodents
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 DIENSTLEISTUNGEN GROSSJUNG GMBH
  • EP4573900A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4573900A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4573900A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a snap trap for rodents with a trigger element on which a bait can be laid out, a tensioning device containing a striking element and a tensioning element which are arranged to be pivotable about a rotational axis between a tensioned position and a triggered position, a base element on which the trigger element and the tensioning device are mounted, a position sensor for detecting a rotational position of the striking element and/or the tensioning element, an evaluation device for evaluating a signal generated by the position sensor, an electrical drive device for moving the tensioning device from a triggered rotational position into a tensioned rotational position, wherein the position sensor is designed such that the signal generated by the position sensor is dependent on a rotational position of the tensioning device.