Uni-directional Rodent Trap Ramp Hinge and Impact Bump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilt ramp rodent traps fail to effectively trap small rodents due to fatigue of tabs holding the counter weight, leading to free rotation of the ramp and inability to retain captured rodents.
Innovation Solution
A uni-directional entrance tube with a ramp pivotally mounted within a hinge pin system, featuring a counter weight held by tabs and an impact bump on the floor to reduce the throw of the ramp without increasing the trap's height, minimizing frictional resistance and preventing full rotation of the ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ramp is allowed to rotate freely to trap rodents, then the trapping function is improved, but the tabs holding the counter weight fatigue and fail due to repeated impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge pin system with receptacles that act as an intermediary between the ramp and the tube walls. This hinge mechanism provides a controlled pivot point that reduces the rotational throw of the ramp, thereby decreasing the impact force on the tabs while still allowing the ramp to rotate sufficiently to trap rodents. The hinge pin rotates within the receptacles, creating a mediator that softens the mechanical stress transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial rotation of the ramp by limiting the throw distance through the hinge mechanism and impact bump. Instead of allowing full rotation, the ramp rotates only partially to the extent needed to close the entrance and trap the rodent. This partial action reduces the cumulative stress on the tabs while maintaining effective trapping functionality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the throw of the ramp is reduced to minimize tab fatigue, then the tab durability is improved, but the trapping effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin system serves as an intermediary that enables sufficient rotation for trapping while limiting excessive rotation that would cause tab fatigue. The receptacles guide the rotation path and the impact bump provides a mechanical stop, ensuring the ramp rotates just enough to close the entrance effectively without over-rotating and damaging the tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact bump acts as a beforehand cushioning element that prevents the ramp from rotating too far. By providing a mechanical stop before the tabs can accumulate excessive stress, the impact bump cushions the system against over-rotation damage while still allowing adequate rotation for trapping functionality.
3Device complexity
If the hinge pin is fixed without rotation capability, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the frictional resistance increases and prevents smooth ramp tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static hinge pin into a dynamic component by allowing it to rotate within the receptacles. This dynamic capability enables the hinge pin to self-adjust during ramp tilting, reducing frictional resistance through rotational movement while maintaining structural simplicity. The rotating hinge pin adapts to the motion requirements without adding complex mechanisms.
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 design enhances the ability to trap both adult and infant mice by reducing the weight required to tilt the ramp and minimizing friction, ensuring the ramp remains closed to prevent escape, while also reducing tab fatigue through impact bumps.
Implementation Method 1
A counter weight is on an underside of the entrance end of the ramp and held in place by a tab extending downwardly from the entrance end of the ramp
Implementation Method 2
A floor having an impact bump extending upwardly from the ramp is configured to shorten the throw of the ramp without reducing the overall height of the rodent trap
Implementation Method 3
the ramp hinge comprising a ramp hinge pin having a first pin end pivotally mounted within the receptacle of the first boss and having a second pin end pivotally mounted within the receptacle of the second boss, whereby the pivotal movement of the first and second pin ends within the receptacles of the first and second bosses reduces the frictional force resisting tilting movement of the tilt ramp
Data Source
AI summary
A uni-directional entrance tube for a rodent trap having opposite side walls, each of the first and second side walls including a ramp pivot, a ramp having an entrance end and a trap compartment end between the first and second side walls, the ramp pivotable about a hinge pin having first and second ends. The hinge pin is located between the entrance end and the trap compartment end and the first and second ends rotate within the ramp pivots in the first and second side walls. A counter weight is on an underside of the entrance end of the ramp and held in place by a tab extending downwardly from the entrance end of the ramp. A floor having an impact bump extending upwardly from the ramp is configured to shorten the throw of the ramp without reducing the overall height of the rodent trap.