Trap Release Apparatus for Safe Non-Targeted Animal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for releasing non-targeted animals from foothold traps are dangerous and inefficient, often requiring multiple people and potentially causing harm to both the animal and the individuals involved, as they necessitate close proximity to the trapped animal.
Innovation Solution
A trap release apparatus comprising a first shaft, a second shaft, and a third shaft hingedly coupled to the first shaft, with a head assembly actuated via the third shaft to open the trap from a safe distance, allowing a single user to release the animal without risking injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a catch/choke pole is used to release the animal, then the trap jaws can be opened, but the user and animal are exposed to dangerous close proximity contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a long shaft with a head assembly as an intermediary tool that allows the user to operate the trap release mechanism from a distance. The shaft acts as a mediator between the user and the trapped animal, enabling the user to depress the spring and open the jaws without direct close contact with the animal, thus eliminating the need for catch poles and reducing injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a long shaft for distance operation, a head assembly for applying force to the spring, and the spring mechanism itself. This segmentation allows the user to operate the trap release from a safe distance while the head assembly does the actual work of depressing the spring and opening the jaws.
2Reliability
If multiple people are used to release the animal, then the animal can be controlled, but the situation becomes more dangerous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The long shaft release apparatus is designed to be operated by a single user without requiring additional helpers. The extended shaft provides sufficient leverage and distance for one person to safely depress the spring and open the trap jaws independently, eliminating the need to wait for or coordinate with other people to arrive and assist.
3Reliability
If a catch pole is placed around the animal's neck, then the animal can be restrained, but damage may be caused to the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The long shaft serves as an intermediary that allows the user to apply force to the trap spring without needing to physically contact or restrain the animal with a catch pole. By depressing the spring through the shaft and head assembly, the trap jaws open and release the animal without the need for neck restraint, thereby avoiding potential injury to the animal's neck or throat.
Data Source
AI summary
A trap apparatus includes a first shaft and a second shaft removably attachable to each other, a third shaft hingedly coupled to the first shaft, and a head assembly coupled to the second shaft. The third shaft may be coupled to and interact with the head assembly via a cable. Accordingly, when the third shaft is actuated, the head assembly moves to a first or a second position in order to open a foothold trap and release a non-targeted animal.