Termite Detection Device Using Mechanical Inductive Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing termite detection devices have high false alarm rates and environmental adaptability issues, requiring power and being prone to oxidation, which limits their effectiveness and lifespan, especially in wet or acid environments.

Innovation Solution

A termite detection device with a bait strip and a deep hole containing a supporting body that triggers an inductive switch when bitten through, using non-metallic, corrosion-resistant materials like glass beads or magnet steels, allowing for detection without power and in harsh environments, with a low false alarm rate and extended service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal line is used for termite detection, then the detection function is achieved, but the device has high false alarm rate due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical conductivity-based detection system (metal line) with a mechanical detection system (inductive switch triggered by supporting body movement). When termites eat through the bait strip, the supporting body loses support and moves, mechanically triggering the inductive switch. This mechanical substitution eliminates oxidation issues while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the supporting body and inductive switch system) between the termite damage and the detection signal. Instead of directly detecting metal line breakage, the system uses the supporting body's movement as an intermediary to trigger the inductive switch, providing more reliable detection without oxidation interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the device is powered on continuously for detection, then real-time detection is achieved, but the device has high requirements for environment and cannot be used in wet or acid soil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by using an inductive switch that is triggered only when needed (when the supporting body moves due to termite damage). The device can remain in a low-power or off state between detections, activating only when the mechanical trigger occurs. This periodic activation reduces environmental requirements while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing the continuously powered electrical detection system with a mechanical inductive switch system, the patent eliminates the need for continuous power supply and reduces environmental requirements. The mechanical system can function in wet and acid soil conditions where electrical systems would fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a bait strip with hole is used for termite detection, then non-drug prevention is achieved, but the amount of work is huge due to frequent disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the supporting body within the bait strip structure and pre-configuring the inductive switch detection system. This preliminary setup allows the device to automatically detect termite activity without requiring frequent manual inspection or disposal, significantly reducing labor work while maintaining non-drug prevention benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the deep hole is bitten through by termite, then termite detection is achieved, but the supporting body descends causing detected body to leave detection range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection switch response
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional components: the bait strip, the supporting body, the detected body, and the inductive switch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the supporting body provides structural support until termite damage occurs, at which point its movement precisely triggers the inductive switch without excessive movement that would compromise detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device effectively detects termites with a low false alarm rate and long service life, suitable for severe environments, including wet and acid soils, without environmental pollution, meeting national detection standards.

Implementation Method 1

when the detected body is located in a detection range of the detection switch, the detection switch is in an on state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a supporting body capable of ascending and descending is filled in the deep hole, the supporting body is used to support a detected body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11019813B2Termite detection device, detection system and detection method
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 SHEN JUNFENG
  • US11019813B2 patent drawing
  • US11019813B2 patent drawing
  • US11019813B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A termite detection device, system, and method. The device includes a housing and bait strip. A first circuit board and detection switch are on the bait strip. A deep hole with a non-through bottom is in the bait strip. A supporting body capable of ascending/descending is in the deep hole for supporting a detected body. The first circuit board is electrically connected to the switch, to determine on/off of the switch. The system includes the termite detection device, a detector, and a database. The device sends a signal of the switch to the database via the detector. In the method, the detector triggers the termite detection device or the termite detection device is automatically triggered. The first circuit board determines on/off of the switch, and sends to the database via the detector for processing/storage. The switch is in a power-off state when no detection is performed.