Rodent Trap Pivotable Hammer Bar Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rodent traps are prone to accidental activation and are cumbersome to arm, often catching unintended animals like birds due to complex arming mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A rodent trap design featuring a pivotable hammer bar pre-tensioned by a spring, with a lever element and latch system that allows for one-handed arming and reduced likelihood of accidental triggering, incorporating a rodent positioning member to guide the animal into the correct activation position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex arming mechanism with multiple steps is used, then the trap can be secured reliably, but the arming process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the arming and securing functions into a single integrated movement. The pivotable bar simultaneously performs the arming action and engages the latch mechanism in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate arming steps while maintaining reliable security through the self-latching design.
2Productivity
If a trigger mechanism accessible to various animals is used, then the trap can be activated by target rodents, but it may also be accidentally activated by non-target animals like birds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the trigger mechanism with specific geometric characteristics that match rodent morphology. The V-shaped configuration and positioning of the trigger require a rodent to insert its head in a specific orientation and depth, creating a localized interaction zone that excludes birds and other animals with different body structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism employs asymmetric geometry in the V-shape configuration and the positioning of the pivotable bar. This asymmetric design creates a unique activation pattern that rodents can follow with their heads, while other animals cannot replicate the required motion pattern, thereby preventing accidental activation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple arming mechanism is used, then the trap is easy to set, but it may not reliably prevent accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-servicing during the arming process. As the user positions the pivotable bar, the latch automatically engages with the trigger mechanism at the appropriate position, providing reliable activation control without requiring additional manual securing actions. The system serves itself by converting the arming motion into both positioning and locking functions.
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 is easy to use, arm, and set, with a low risk of accidental activation by non-target animals, ensuring efficient and humane rodent capture.
Implementation Method 1
The trap for rodents also comprises a spring element for a pre-tensioning the hammer bar
Data Source
AI summary
A trap for rodents including a base having a plane, a pivotable hammer bar having at least one latch connecting element, a lever element including a rodent positioning member and at least one latch member, wherein the lever element has a longitudinal axis and the rodent position member and the latch member are arranged opposing ends of the lever element with respect to the longitudinal axis, a spring element for pretensioning the hammer bar and at least one latch hook. The pivotable hammer bar and the lever element have a striking position and an arming position. In the arming position the hammer bar is pretensioned by the spring element and the at least one latch member retains the hammer bar in its position. In the arming position the hammer bar is latched under the latch hook at the latch connecting element. The rodent position member is liftable from the arming position into the striking position.