Rodent Trapping Branch Pipe for Vacuum Waste Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum operated waste collection systems face challenges in controlling rodent infestation around waste handling facilities, particularly at outdoor litter bins and basement insertion chutes, where spillage and odor issues attract rodents, and conventional methods are laborious and unsanitary.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement involving a branch pipe with a controllable discharge valve connecting to the vacuum waste collection system, incorporating rodent traps with sensors to attract and incapacitate rodents, allowing them to be conveyed into the system without manual contact, and enabling sanitary removal and sorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bait stations or cages are used to control rodents, then rodent presence is reduced, but the method becomes laborious and unsanitary due to manual baiting and emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent control effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation through automated rodent attraction using odor sensors and vacuum activation. The rodent trap automatically detects rodent presence via odor sensors, activates the vacuum pump to suction the rodent through the pipe, and collects it in the container without requiring manual baiting or emptying, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical operations (baiting, trapping, and emptying cages) with an automated vacuum-based system. The vacuum pump and control unit substitute for human hands in the entire process, from attracting rodents through odor detection to collecting them in sealed containers, eliminating the laborious and unsanitary aspects while maintaining control effectiveness

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

2Reliability

If bait is used to attract rodents, then rodents are lured into traps, but it takes time for the bait to take effect and the location where rodents die cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent control effectivenessVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces chemical bait attraction with physical odor detection using sensors. The odor sensor immediately detects rodent presence and triggers the vacuum pump, eliminating the delayed effect of bait. The controlled environment of the pipe system ensures rodents are quickly suctioned to a known collection point, reducing both response time and uncertainty about rodent disposal location

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic principles through the vacuum pump to create negative pressure in the pipe system. When the odor sensor detects a rodent, the vacuum immediately draws the rodent through the pipe to the collection container, providing rapid response without the time delay associated with bait effectiveness. The pneumatic system ensures quick and predictable rodent transport to a known location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If conventional traps are used, then rodents are captured, but the baiting and emptying process is laborious and unsanitary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverodent control effectivenessVSAvoidsystem simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by combining rodent attraction, detection, trapping, and disposal into a single integrated vacuum system. The same vacuum pump and pipe infrastructure used for waste collection also serves rodent control, eliminating the need for separate trap mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the automated functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the rodent control function with the existing vacuum waste collection system. The odor sensor, vacuum pump, pipe network, and collection container are combined into one system that simultaneously handles both waste removal and rodent control, simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective rodent capture and disposal

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

This solution effectively and quickly controls rodent presence by guiding them into traps within the waste collection system, ensuring sanitary disposal and easy integration into existing installations, with the option to sort and transport rodent waste, enhancing the efficiency and hygiene of rodent control.

Implementation Method 1

vacuum operated waste transport systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3407712B1Rodent trapping and removal method and arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 EHNVAK AB
  • EP3407712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3407712B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3407712B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling the presence of rodents in the vicinity of, at and within vacuum waste collection system (1) installations (10) involves forming an entrance for rodents into the vacuum waste collection system, forming said rodent entrance as a branch pipe (20), leaving a first free end (20A) of the branch pipe at least partly open, communicating a second end (20B) of the branch pipe with a vacuum waste collection system transport pipe (11) through a controllable branch pipe discharge valve (23) and providing at least one rodent trap (21, 22) in the branch pipe, between the two ends. An arrangement for controlling the presence of rodents at vacuum waste collection system installations is also provided.