Shape-Memory Protective Case for Beneficial Organism Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods for auxiliary insects and mites used in biological control are ineffective in protecting these organisms from heat, weather, and predators, leading to high mortality rates and reduced efficacy in pest control.
Innovation Solution
A protective assembly comprising a case with a movable, shape-memory protective wall that surrounds the packaging, providing insulation against heat and water while allowing auxiliaries to exit, and featuring a device to prevent predators from entering, which is designed to be easily deployed and stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packaging is placed directly on the ground in crops, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature control deteriorates causing high mortality of auxiliaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling element (ice pack or gel pack) placed between the packaging and the ground to mediate heat transfer. This intermediary absorbs excess heat from the ground and packaging, preventing temperature from reaching lethal levels for the auxiliaries, while still allowing the packaging to be placed directly on the ground for ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If packaging is placed directly on the ground, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against water deteriorates leading to mold development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the packaging from direct ground contact to a raised position using a support structure with legs or feet. This dimensional change lifts the packaging above the ground surface, creating space for air circulation and preventing water from reaching the packaging, thereby preventing mold development while maintaining ease of operation through simple placement.
3Ease of operation
If packaging is placed directly on the ground, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against predators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent raises the packaging off the ground using support legs, creating a physical barrier that prevents ground-dwelling predatory arthropods from reaching the packaging. This dimensional elevation maintains ease of operation while effectively blocking predator access to the auxiliaries inside the packaging.
4Reliability
If openings are made very small to prevent predator entry, then protection against predators is improved, but obstruction by mud worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mesh screen or grid as an intermediary element covering the openings in the packaging. This mesh has openings small enough to prevent predator entry but large enough to resist obstruction by mud particles. The mesh acts as a mediator that simultaneously addresses both the predator protection requirement and the mud obstruction problem.
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 assembly significantly reduces mortality rates by maintaining a stable temperature, preventing waterlogged conditions, and protecting against predators, thereby enhancing the emergence and effectiveness of auxiliary insects in biological control.
Implementation Method 1
the protective wall comprising an opening adapted to allow the auxiliaries to exit from the case... adapted to surround the packaging so as to protect the packaging against heat
Implementation Method 2
protect the packaging against heat, water and mud... Ground packaging is much more vulnerable to water from rain and/or irrigation
Implementation Method 3
the protective wall is movable between a folded position and an extended position... the protective wall has shape memory
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (E) comprising a packaging (2) for beneficial organisms used to protect cultures and a case (1) for protecting said packaging (2), the assembly (E) being characterised in that the case (1) comprises a protective wall (11) suitable for surrounding the packaging (2) in such a way as to protect the packaging (2) from heat, water and mud, the protective wall (11) comprising an opening (12) suitable for allowing the beneficial organisms to leave the case (1).