Snap Trap Actuator Catch Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard spring-loaded animal traps often fail to activate when a rodent merely eats the bait without applying sufficient direct pressure, leading to the trap remaining set with the bait removed.
Innovation Solution
A catch release mechanism featuring a sliding member and a prop that destabilizes under external force, causing the platform to drop and push the sliding member into the catch, releasing the holding arm bar and activating the trap, even if the bait is consumed without direct pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trap uses a direct pressure-activated catch mechanism, then the trap structure remains simple, but the trap fails to activate when a rodent merely eats the bait without applying sufficient direct pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The catch release mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a prop element, a platform, a catch, and a holding arm bar. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to detect various types of disturbances (direct pressure, bait removal, platform movement) and translate them into trap activation through the coordinated action of these segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The prop element acts as an intermediary between the platform and the support surface. It mediates the transmission of forces and movements from the platform to the catch release mechanism. When the prop is destabilized by any external force (direct pressure, bait removal, platform movement), it permits the platform to fall, which then pushes the catch to release the holding arm bar and activate the trap.
2Reliability
If the trap requires direct pressure on the catch to activate, then the mechanism remains simple, but the bait can be consumed without triggering the trap
Solution Approach 1:
The catch release mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to detect various types of rodent interactions with the trap. The prop-platform-catch system can respond to direct pressure on the catch, removal of bait (which destabilizes the prop), or any other movement applied to the trap. This universal detection capability ensures that any significant interaction with the trap triggers activation, eliminating the problem of bait consumption without detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The prop element is positioned and configured to preemptively respond to various destabilizing forces before the rodent can completely consume the bait or escape detection. By creating an unstable equilibrium that responds to minimal disturbances, the mechanism prevents the scenario where bait is removed without triggering the trap, as any significant bait removal will destabilize the prop and activate the catch.
3Reliability
If the platform is held directly on the support surface, then the structure remains stable, but the trap cannot detect movements or forces applied to the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's support condition is made dynamic rather than static. The prop element creates an unstable equilibrium that allows the platform to be stable when undisturbed but responsive to any external force or movement. This dynamic configuration enables the platform to transition from a supported state to a falling state, which triggers the catch release mechanism and activates the trap.
Solution Approach 2:
The prop element is pre-positioned to create a predetermined unstable equilibrium. This preliminary configuration ensures that any external force or movement applied to the platform will naturally destabilize the prop and trigger the platform's fall, without requiring additional sensors or complex detection mechanisms. The system is pre-configured to convert any significant disturbance into trap activation.
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 mechanism enhances the trap's sensitivity, allowing activation by any movement or force applied to the trap, ensuring the trap is triggered even if the rodent only investigates the bait, thereby preventing the trap from being cleaned of bait without being set.
Implementation Method 1
the prop supporting the platform in a tilted orientation above the support surface; where, when the prop is destabilized, the platform drops downwards to push the sliding member upwards
Data Source
AI summary
The present improved animal trap and unique catch release mechanism eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating and provides a dual means to activate the trap. This is accomplished by the present catch release mechanism having a sliding member which slides within a hole through the platform of the trap under the influence of gravity and a prop which holds at least a portion of the trap platform above a support surface. When the prop is destabilized by an external force, the prop's support of the platform is disturbed, permitting the platform to fall toward the support surface. The platform falls relative to the sliding member; and the sliding member is forced toward the catch by contact with the support surface, thus pushing the catch so that the catch releases the holding arm bar to activate the trap.