Simulated-Flame Insect Eliminator with Vacuum Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric insect eliminating devices lack aesthetic appeal and effective insect attraction mechanisms, relying on unpredictable insect contact with electrified grids for elimination.

Innovation Solution

An insect eliminating device incorporating a simulated flame effect using flickering LEDs and a UV light source, combined with a suction element to draw insects into a central conduit and a grid to prevent escape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electric insect eliminating devices use electrified grids for pest control, then insect elimination effectiveness is improved, but aesthetic appeal and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect elimination effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a simulated flame element as an intermediary between the UV light source and the electrified grid. The simulated flame (using flickering LEDs or incandescent bulbs) serves as a visual mediator that attracts insects toward the device while masking the harsh appearance of the electrified grid, thus maintaining both aesthetic appeal and elimination effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of a natural flame using LED arrays or incandescent bulbs arranged to simulate flickering candlelight or fire. This copied flame effect provides the aesthetic appeal of a decorative light source while serving the functional purpose of attracting insects, replacing the need for visible electrified grids

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If conventional devices emit UV light to attract insects, then insect attraction is improved, but sufficient visible light for human vision is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect attraction capabilityVSAvoidvisible light for human vision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two lighting functions into a single device: UV light emission for insect attraction and visible light emission (through simulated flame elements) for human illumination. The simulated flame provides both aesthetic value and practical lighting, while the UV source remains hidden or integrated, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without compromising either insect attraction or human visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The simulated flame element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visible illumination for human users, creates an aesthetically pleasing decorative effect, and guides insects toward the elimination mechanism. This multi-functional element replaces the single-function UV light, making the device versatile for both pest control and ambient lighting purposes

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

3Device complexity

If conventional devices rely on unpredictable insect contact with electrified grids, then device complexity is reduced, but insect elimination reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of mechanismVSAvoidinsect elimination reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by using the simulated flame and UV light to pre-attract and guide insects toward the electrified grid before contact occurs. The lighting elements create a visual pathway that directs insects into the elimination zone, ensuring they will inevitably contact the grid, thus transforming random contact into a directed, reliable elimination process without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively attracts and captures insects while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design, enhancing user experience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a UV light element mounted in an open space provided in the top portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV light attraction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a fan, mounted in the bottom portion to direct air from the open space in the top portion, through the central conduit and into the lower portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a flickering light portion mounted in the bottom portion... the flickering light portion includes a first group of light emitting elements configured to emit light in a first pattern and a second group of light emitting elements configured to emit light in a second pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LEDs: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12402618B2Insect eliminating device with simulated flame and vacuum suction element
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 PIC CORP
  • US12402618B2 patent drawing
  • US12402618B2 patent drawing
  • US12402618B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An insect eliminating device includes a body including a top portion and a bottom portion provided below the top portion; a light portion mounted in the body and including: a UV light element mounted in an open space provided in the top portion; a flickering light portion mounted in the bottom portion; a central conduit providing fluid communication between the open space in the top portion and the bottom portion of the body; a fan, mounted in the bottom portion to direct air from the open space in the top portion, through the central conduit and into the lower portion; and a grid mounted at a bottom end of the central conduit including a plurality of openings sized to allow air and insects to pass downward into the bottom portion of the base and prevent insects from passing upwards into the central conduit.