Smart Insect Trap With Selective Killing and Beneficial Insect Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect traps and insecticide delivery systems fail to selectively target and kill harmful insects like Asian Hornets while sparing non-targeted, beneficial insects, often leading to unnecessary harm and contamination of non-target species.
Innovation Solution
A smart insect trap equipped with a selective killing mechanism that identifies trapped insects using machine vision and a shredding device, allowing targeted insects to be killed and non-targeted insects to be released unharmed, utilizing a moveable element and shredding device within an enclosure to differentiate and manage insect fate based on identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional insect traps are used to trap insects for killing, then harmful insects can be captured, but non-targeted beneficial insects are also trapped and killed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The trap divides the killing function into segments: only insects that pass through the identification means and trigger the selective killing mechanism are killed, while others are released. This segmentation allows differentiation between target and non-target insects, resolving the contradiction by preventing collateral harm to beneficial species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical trapping (where all trapped insects are killed) with an automated identification and selective killing system using cameras, processors, and controlled shredding mechanisms. This substitution enables precise targeting of harmful insects while sparing beneficial ones, eliminating unnecessary collateral harm.
2Productivity
If insecticide delivery systems are used to control flying insects, then pest populations can be reduced, but the systems cannot target only specific insects and may harm useful insects
Solution Approach 1:
The trap uses self-service mechanisms where the identification means automatically detects and identifies trapped insects, and the selective killing mechanism autonomously decides whether to kill or release based on the identification results. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures precise, non-selective pest control without harming beneficial insects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the identification means continuously monitors trapped insects and provides information to the selective killing mechanism, which adjusts its action accordingly. This feedback ensures that only confirmed harmful insects are killed, while beneficial insects are released, resolving the non-selectivity issue.
3Reliability
If anaesthetic product is injected into hornet nest to anesthetise insects before destruction, then insects can be controlled, but there is risk for the person doing the injection and insects may escape before being anesthetised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a trap as a safe intermediary zone between the operator and the hornets. Instead of directly injecting anaesthetic into the nest (which carries risk), the trap lures hornets inside and provides a controlled environment where they are identified and dealt with safely, eliminating injection risks and escape risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap performs preliminary actions by first luring hornets into the enclosure before any killing or release action is taken. This preliminary trapping phase allows the system to safely contain the insects and then proceed with identification and selective dealing, eliminating the risks associated with direct injection and preventing escape during the process.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
There is described an insect trap (1) for trapping and selectively killing or releasing insects. The insect trap comprising a selective killing mechanism (40). The selective killing mechanism (40) comprising a moveable element (45) moveably placed inside an enclosure (41). The selective killing mechanism (40) further comprising a shredding device (48) positioned at least partly inside the enclosure (41), the shredding device (48) being configured to cooperate with the moveable element (45) to selectively kill an insect located inside the containment space (46) based on the identification by the identification means (30).