Tick Trap Using CO2 and Plant Scent Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tick traps are inefficient and environmentally harmful, as they rely on poisonous chemicals and require batteries, failing to effectively reduce tick populations in outdoor areas where humans and pets frequent.

Innovation Solution

A tick trap using a plant-based attractant, such as cedar or basil, combined with a glue trap, which is powered by a carbon dioxide canister that provides continuous attraction and trapping without batteries, creating a safe outdoor area by directing tick attraction and capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If poisonous chemicals are sprayed to kill ticks, then tick population is reduced, but environmental harm increases and danger to humans and beneficial insects occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetick population reductionVSAvoidenvironmental harm and danger to humans

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of poison spraying into a beneficial trap system that uses attraction rather than repulsion. Instead of using toxic chemicals that harm the environment, the invention uses a combination of CO2 attraction and sticky surfaces to capture ticks harmlessly, transforming a harmful control method into a safe one while maintaining effectiveness in reducing tick populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the trap system with CO2 attraction and sticky surface) between the goal of tick control and the harmful method of poison spraying. This intermediary system achieves tick population reduction through non-toxic means, using physical attraction and capture rather than chemical poisoning, thereby eliminating environmental harm while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If battery-powered CO2 canisters are used to attract ticks, then tick attraction is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetick attraction effectivenessVSAvoidbattery and activation system requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a trap system that does not require external power sources or complex activation mechanisms. The CO2 canister is designed to operate automatically or through simple passive mechanisms, eliminating the need for batteries and electronic controls. This reduces device complexity while maintaining continuous tick attraction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable CO2 canisters that are simple, inexpensive, and do not require complex recovery or maintenance. These canisters are designed for single-use or limited-use cycles, replacing complicated battery-powered systems with simple, replaceable components that reduce overall device complexity and maintenance requirements while sustaining tick attraction productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If existing tick trap designs are used, then some tick capture is achieved, but efficiency and continuous operation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetick capture efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous operation by designing a trap system with sustained CO2 emission and persistent sticky surfaces. The CO2 canister provides continuous attraction over extended periods, and the sticky capture surfaces remain effective throughout the operational cycle. This ensures uninterrupted tick capture efficiency without requiring frequent intervention or replacement, thereby improving both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 reduces tick populations in outdoor areas, providing a safe environment for humans and pets by using non-toxic, biodegradable materials and plant-based attractants that are environmentally friendly, while maintaining continuous operation without battery reliance.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon dioxide canister which is periodically activated by batteries to emit carbon dioxide from the portholes about the box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide emission:

Implementation Method 2

a glue within the housing, the glue is constructed to trap ticks touching the glue trap by sticking to the ticks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20190327952A1Tick trap and method of trapping ticks

Publication Date: 2019.10.31 TICK STICKER LLC

AI summary

Provided is a tick trap having a glue constructed to trap ticks touching the glue by sticking to the ticks, and a plant based scent that attracts ticks to the glue, and a method of trapping ticks using the tick trap. The tick trap can be used to trap ticks within a dwelling or in the environment.