Solar Insect Trap with Self-Closing Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect traps face challenges in effectively capturing and retaining insects without using pesticides or harmful chemicals, particularly in ensuring insects do not escape when the suction mechanism is turned off, and in being environmentally friendly and easy to use.
Innovation Solution
An insect trap utilizing a solar-panel roof for power, multiple non-chemical attractants, and an air-actuated two-piece damper that self-closes when the fan is off to prevent insect escape, combined with a lightweight and easy-to-install design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction mechanism is used to capture insects, then insects can be effectively captured, but insects may escape when the suction mechanism is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is designed to automatically close and seal the housing opening when the fan stops operating, preventing insects from escaping. This preliminary anti-action mechanism ensures that the trap maintains its insect-retaining capability regardless of the suction mechanism's operational state, eliminating the need for manual intervention to prevent escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly operates autonomously based on air flow conditions. When the fan is running, air flow automatically opens the damper to allow insect entry. When the fan stops, the damper self-closes without requiring external control, making the trap easy to operate and maintain reliable insect retention automatically.
2Quantity of substance
If pressurized tanks or dry ice are used for carbon dioxide dispersion, then insects can be attracted to the trap, but the device becomes heavy and occupies a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a carbon dioxide generating substance that automatically produces carbon dioxide gas through a chemical reaction when exposed to moisture. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for heavy pressurized tanks or large quantities of dry ice, significantly reducing the trap's weight and space requirements while maintaining effective insect attraction capability.
3Reliability
If multiple attractants are used to lure insects, then the trap becomes more effective, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attractant functions into a single integrated housing structure. The carbon dioxide generating substance, light source, and suction mechanism are merged within one compact housing, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high insect attraction effectiveness through multiple simultaneous attractants.
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 provides an environmentally friendly, odor-free, and effective method for capturing and retaining insects, ensuring they cannot escape when the trap is unpowered, while being easy to use and install, and capable of operating without utility power.
Implementation Method 1
an insect trap utilizing a solar-panel roof for power
Implementation Method 2
Suction-type insect traps utilize a suction mechanism, such as a fan disposed in a chamber, to draw or blow air into the trap
Implementation Method 3
Carbon dioxide gas used as an attractant is typically provided by pressurized tanks or by the sublimation of dry ice
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for trapping insects that includes a roof or cover and a trap or cage that are disposed at opposite ends of a housing. One or more solar cell(s) that convert UV rays into solar energy for powering one or more trap components is/are attached to the cover. The cover preferably has two panels that adjustably cooperate with the housing to improve capture of UV rays by the solar cell(s). A fan is disposed in the housing and oriented to direct an airstream through the housing and toward the trap. A damper is disposed in the airstream proximate the trap and includes two independently operable doors. Each door is biased toward a closed position and opens during operation of the fan. The trap removably cooperates with the housing to facilitate disposal of insects captured therein.