Super Absorbent Polymer Burrow Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fossorial animals, such as trapping, fumigation, and poisoning, are ineffective in addressing the burrow hazards and damage caused by these animals, as they do not prevent repopulation or collapse of burrows, and are becoming less desirable due to toxicity concerns.
Innovation Solution
A non-toxic, biodegradable super absorbent polymer, typically starch-based and cross-linked with alkali metals, is used to create a gelatinous plug within the burrow entrances, which expands to block re-entry and provides nutrients through biodegradation, discouraging animals from reclaiming the burrow and aiding flora recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trapping, fumigation or poisoning methods are used to control fossorial animals, then the animals can be removed from burrows, but the burrows remain vacant and subject to repopulation and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing the superabsorbent polymer composition in the burrow before the animal can repopulate. The composition is positioned in advance to expand and block the burrow entrance, preventing the animal from re-establishing itself in the vacant burrow structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the superabsorbent polymer from a dry granular state to a hydrated gel state upon contact with moisture. This parameter change causes volumetric expansion that physically blocks the burrow, addressing the durability issue of vacant burrows by creating a persistent physical barrier.
2Reliability
If toxic methods are used for animal control, then animal displacement is achieved, but environmental safety and societal acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful practice of using toxic substances into a beneficial non-toxic solution. The superabsorbent polymer composition provides effective animal displacement through physical means rather than chemical toxicity, eliminating harm to the environment and non-target organisms while maintaining control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical toxicological mechanisms with physical mechanical mechanisms. Instead of using poisonous substances to kill or repel animals, the invention uses the physical expansion and blocking action of the hydrated polymer gel to achieve animal displacement without toxic effects.
3Ease of operation
If burrow entrances are left open after animal removal, then animal access is maintained, but trip hazards and collapse risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively blocking the burrow entrance with the expanded polymer gel before the ground can collapse or create trip hazards. This preventive measure stabilizes the ground surface by filling the void left by the removed animal, eliminating the hazard before it can affect users.
4Reliability
If super absorbent polymer expands to block burrow, then repopulation is prevented, but the complexity of the control method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural properties of the superabsorbent polymer to automatically expand and block the burrow upon contact with moisture present in the burrow environment. The composition performs the blocking function autonomously without requiring additional mechanical devices, complex installation procedures, or ongoing maintenance interventions.
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 effectively prevents burrow repopulation and collapse, while releasing nutrients to aid in flora recovery, reducing trip hazards and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Upon absorption of water, the super absorbent polymer expands 300-700 times from its original size forming a viscous gelatinous plug within the burrow
Implementation Method 2
the super absorbent polymer expands 300-700 times from its original size forming a viscous gelatinous plug
Implementation Method 3
Nutrients and water released due to biodegradation of the super absorbent polymer assists flora in recovery from damage produced by fossorial animal activity
Data Source
AI summary
A fossorial animal control product and related methods are disclosed herein. The fossorial animal control product is a non-toxic and biodegradable super absorbent polymer combined with a compost agent. The fossorial animal control product is disposed in a fossorial animal burrow. When hydrated and allowed a sufficient amount time to expand, the fossorial animal control product obstructs the entrance to the burrow, a portion of the burrow or substantially fully obstructs burrow. The fossorial animal control product releases water and nutrients over time within the burrow. This assists flora proximate to the burrow that were damaged by fossorial animal activity to recover. Use of the fossorial animal control product also fills ground surface voids created by fossorial animals thus reducing trip hazards commonly encountered in playgrounds or sporting facilities.