Spring-Loaded Rodent Trap Cover for Fast Sealing and Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rat traps face issues such as high risk of blockage and functional failure due to linear actuators, high energy consumption, alignment precision requirements for rotary actuators, inability to catch multiple animals over time, unpleasant odors, contamination risks, and inefficient data sharing.
Innovation Solution
A trap design incorporating a motor and spring system with a rotatable cover, sensor, and elastic element, allowing quick and efficient sealing of animals, with features like a seal, fluid for neutralization, and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear actuators are used to hold the cover in a springloaded trap, then the trap can be held in a closed position, but there is a high risk of blockage and functional failure due to deformation under transverse load
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a linear actuator to push the cover closed against spring force, the patent inverts the approach by using a rotary actuator to rotate a crank arm that converts rotational motion into linear motion of a connecting rod. This indirect mechanism allows the actuator to operate in its optimal rotational mode while the connecting rod translates this motion to move the cover, eliminating the transverse load problem on the actuator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connecting rod as an intermediary element between the rotary actuator and the cover. The connecting rod acts as a mediator that converts the rotary motion of the actuator into linear motion to move the cover, while also serving as a structural element that can handle the transverse forces without compromising actuator reliability.
2Speed
If rotary actuators are used to ensure fast closure of the trap, then the trap can close quickly, but high energy consumption is required to achieve the necessary speed and force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring element that is pre-compressed and stored in the trap mechanism. When the actuator triggers the release, this pre-stored elastic energy is rapidly converted into kinetic energy to drive the cover closed at high speed. The actuator only needs to provide a small initial impulse to overcome the unstable equilibrium, after which the spring does the majority of the work, dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to using the actuator alone for the entire closure motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses periodic action by leveraging the oscillatory nature of the spring-mass system. The spring is compressed during the open state and then releases its energy in a periodic motion to quickly close the trap. This allows the system to achieve fast closure using stored energy rather than continuous high-power actuation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the trap is designed to catch multiple animals over months, then the operational duration is extended, but accumulation of dirt and wear increases friction and risk of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-friction elements (the rotary actuator and connecting rod mechanism) from the direct path of animal interaction. The actuator only needs to provide small impulses to trigger the spring mechanism, rather than continuously pushing against high friction. This separation allows the critical actuation components to operate in a lower-wear regime while still achieving the desired trap closure function over extended periods.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the receptacle is sealed quickly and completely, then odor and contamination risks are reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the existing cover mechanism. The same cover that closes the trap opening also provides the seal when positioned in the closed state. The spring force that drives the cover closed naturally presses it against the receptacle rim, creating a seal without requiring separate sealing components. This integration achieves effective sealing while minimizing additional mechanism complexity.
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 trap effectively catches and neutralizes vermin with low power consumption, reduces odors, minimizes contamination, and provides efficient data sharing, while being animal-friendly and capable of prolonged operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, in the open position, the elastic element is relaxed, and the trap is in a stable equilibrium, and in the closed position, the elastic element is strained, and the trap is in an unstable equilibrium
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a trap and related method for catching vermin, especially rats. The trap allows mechanical energy to be stored in an elastic element. This energy can be released momentarily in order to quickly actuate a trapdoor, a cover, from a closed position to an open position, in order to catch a rat thereby.