Sensor-Triggered Chemical Deterrent Device for Non-Lethal Pest Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for non-lethal, cost-effective methods to manage pest animals that deter them from specific areas without causing harm, particularly for conservation efforts, as lethal control methods are controversial and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

An animal monitoring and deterrent device with a lure body, sensors, and a deterrent mechanism that uses chemical irritants to repel pests, controlled by a controller that activates the deterrent upon detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If lethal control methods are used to manage pest animals, then the immediate reduction of pest population is achieved, but controversy and opposition from animal rights groups increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest population reduction efficiencyVSAvoidcontroversy and opposition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of chemical irritants (which cause discomfort to animals) into a beneficial outcome by using them for non-lethal deterrence. The irritants create an unpleasant experience for pest animals without causing death, thereby achieving population control while avoiding the ethical controversies associated with lethal methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical lethal control methods (traps, shooting, etc.) with a chemical-based deterrent system. Instead of using force to eliminate pests, the system uses chemical irritants to modify animal behavior, substituting a mechanical approach with a chemical one that achieves the same control goal without lethal consequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-lethal deterrent methods are used, then controversy is reduced, but the effectiveness and labor intensity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroversy and oppositionVSAvoidanimal control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the deterrent device automatically detects pest animals through sensors and activates the chemical irritant release without human intervention. The system monitors its own environment, processes sensor data, and executes deterrent actions autonomously, eliminating the need for continuous human labor while maintaining effective pest control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensor systems that continuously monitor for the presence of pest animals and provide feedback to the control mechanism. When sensors detect pest animals within range, the system receives feedback and automatically activates the deterrent, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts its behavior based on real-time conditions, thereby maintaining effectiveness without requiring constant human supervision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated sensor systems are implemented, then labor intensity is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the housing serves as both structural support and containment for chemicals, the sensors are integrated directly into the housing, and the control system combines sensor processing with deterrent activation logic. This functional integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, offsetting the complexity added by automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the housing to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains chemical irritants, houses sensor systems, and serves as the mounting structure for the entire device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided by automated sensors and control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12458014B1Animal monitoring and deterrent device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC

AI summary

An animal monitoring and deterrent device includes a lure body, one or more sensors, an animal deterrent mechanism, a mounting fixture, and a controller. The lure body is configured to attract the attention of a pest animal. The sensors are configured to detect movement or presence of the pest animal proximal to the device. The animal deterrent mechanism includes a source of animal deterrent and an animal deterrent delivery system. The animal deterrent delivery system is fluidly connected to the source of animal deterrent and is configured to disperse the animal deterrent upon activation of the animal deterrent delivery system. The mounting allows at least one of rotational, pivotal, or translational motion of the lure body. The controller is communicatively connected to the one or more sensors and the animal deterrent mechanism and analyzes data generated by the sensors to initiate release of the animal deterrent.