Spot-Application Aqueous Gel for Targeted Arthropod Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling arthropods, such as insects and arachnids, are not effective in providing targeted and efficient insecticide application, often resulting in excessive use of resources and impact on non-target organisms.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of an aqueous gel containing an insecticide, attractant, and thickener, applied in the form of spots on plants or solid articles, which is prepared by diluting a concentrated gel with water to achieve optimal viscosity and adhesiveness, allowing for localized and targeted treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If aqueous gel is applied in the form of spots on plants, then targeted insecticide application is improved and environmental impact is reduced, but coverage area and application speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidapplication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies insecticide in the form of discrete spots rather than uniform coverage, concentrating the active ingredient only where arthropod activity is detected or expected. This localized application reduces environmental impact while maintaining effectiveness by avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure in non-infested areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If concentrated gel is diluted with water to achieve optimal viscosity, then sprayability and adhesiveness are improved, but the stability of the gel structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesprayabilityVSAvoidgel structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the water content and viscosity parameters of the aqueous gel to achieve a balance between sprayability and gel structure stability. By carefully controlling the dilution ratio and selecting appropriate thickeners, the formulation maintains adequate viscosity for adhesion while being sprayable under field conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable thickeners are used in the aqueous gel, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the durability and consistency of the gel formulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidformulation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite thickening systems combining biodegradable polymers with complementary additives to achieve both environmental friendliness and formulation reliability. The composite approach allows the biodegradable thickeners to provide the necessary gel structure while additional components enhance stability and consistency under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach reduces residue, water evaporation, and exposure to beneficial organisms, while increasing the residual activity of the insecticide and minimizing environmental impact through targeted application and biodegradable thickeners.

Implementation Method 1

an aqueous gel which contains an insecticide, an attractant and a thickener

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThickening:

Implementation Method 2

a aqueous gel comprising an insecticide, an attractant, a thickener, a humectant and a feeding stimulant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumectancy:

Data Source

PatentEP2525655B1A method for controlling arthropods
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 BASF SE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling arthropods comprising the application of an aqueous gel which contains an insecticide, an attractant and a thickener, wherein the aqueous gel is applied in the form of spots on fruit trees. The invention further relates to an aqueous gel comprising an insecticide, an attractant, a thickener, a humectant and a feeding stimulant. The invention also relates to a concentrated gel for preparing the aqueous gel.