Single Diffuser for Frugivorous Insects Using Hydrophobic Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trapping methods for frugivorous insects, such as fruit flies, are inefficient and costly due to the need for frequent replacement of multiple diffusers during the fruit ripening and harvesting period, and the high hygroscopicity of ammonium acetate diffusers leads to liquid phase issues and reduced trap effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A single diffuser containing a support material impregnated with an aqueous solution of diaminoalkane, ammonium acetate, and trimethylamine, using a non-woven plastic membrane that allows vapor but not liquid permeation, extending the trap's effectiveness and reducing replacement costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate diffusers are used for different attractants, then the attraction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and replacement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate diffusers containing different attractants (ammonium acetate, diaminoalkane, and trimethylamine) into a single integrated diffuser. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be replaced, simplifies the device structure, and lowers operational costs while maintaining the synergistic attraction effectiveness of all three substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The single diffuser is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by containing and releasing three different attractant substances. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized diffusers while achieving the same or better attraction效果 through the combined action of all attractants.
2Reliability
If ammonium acetate diffuser is used, then the attraction capacity is improved, but liquid phase formation occurs due to high hygroscopicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydrophobic membrane as a thin film barrier within the diffuser structure. This membrane allows volatile attractant molecules to pass through while blocking liquid water and aqueous solutions, preventing liquid phase accumulation that would otherwise occur due to the high hygroscopicity of ammonium acetate. The membrane thus enables the use of high-concentration ammonium acetate without the harmful liquid phase effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser utilizes a porous hydrophobic membrane that selectively permits vapor transmission while rejecting liquid phases. The pore structure and hydrophobic properties of the membrane material create a size and polarity-based filter that allows small volatile molecules to escape while blocking larger liquid droplets, thereby maintaining attraction capacity without liquid phase formation.
3Ease of operation
If permeable membrane is used in diffuser, then water and solutions can pass through, but attractant crystals form on membrane surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional permeable membrane with a hydrophobic membrane thin film that has selective permeability. This hydrophobic film prevents attractant crystals from forming on its surface by repelling liquid phases while still allowing vapor transmission, thus maintaining stable attractant emission throughout the diffuser's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of the membrane from hydrophilic/permeable to hydrophobic/selectively permeable. This parameter change fundamentally alters the membrane's interaction with the attractant solution, preventing crystal deposition on the surface while maintaining the necessary vapor transmission for attractant release.
4Reliability
If diffusers are replaced frequently, then the trap effectiveness is maintained, but the material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple attractant substances into a single diffuser unit, the patent extends the replacement interval. The combined formulation maintains effective attraction levels throughout the entire service period without requiring intermediate replacements, thus reducing both material waste and labor time associated with frequent changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single diffuser contains higher concentrations of all three attractants formulated to maintain effective emission levels throughout an extended period. This excessive initial loading ensures that the diffuser remains effective throughout its full service life without needing replacement, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance operations.
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 solution significantly increases the duration of insect capture efficiency, reduces material and labor costs, and maintains humidity within the diffuser, preventing attractant crystal formation and enhancing the trap's service life.
Implementation Method 1
using a non-woven plastic membrane that allows vapor but not liquid permeation
Implementation Method 2
a non-woven plastic membrane that allows vapor but not liquid permeation
Implementation Method 3
said support material is impregnated with a solution comprising diaminoalkane, ammonium acetate and trimethylamine
Implementation Method 4
attractant substance vapour diffusers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Trapping device for frugivorous insects. The device comprises trapping means (1) and a single diffuser (6) of attractant means arranged inside the trapping means. The diffuser is made up of a container (7) containing inside a support material (9) . This support material, which is of the porous type, is impregnated with a solution comprising a diaminoalkane, ammonium acetate and trimethylamine .