Treated Backer Rod with Embedded Insecticide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backer rods require a multi-step installation process involving professionals and additional insecticide application, which is costly and inefficient in preventing insect ingress into structures.

Innovation Solution

A treated backer rod comprising a polymeric foam with an insecticide, distributed throughout, acts as a physical and chemical barrier to impede insect ingress, providing a single, effective solution for sealing gaps and repelling insects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional backer rod installation process is used, then physical barrier is provided, but additional insecticide application and professional labor are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect control effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backer rod and insecticide into a single integrated product. The insecticide is embedded within the backer rod material itself, eliminating the need for separate insecticide application steps while maintaining both physical barrier and chemical protection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backer rod is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing physical barrier, chemical insect control, and sealing capabilities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate professional insecticide application services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional multi-step process with separate insecticide application is used, then insect control is achieved, but cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect control effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insecticide is pre-integrated into the backer rod during manufacturing, so that insect control capability is already in place before installation. This eliminates the need for subsequent insecticide application steps, saving time and reducing the need for professional labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional backer rod with separate insecticide application is used, then insect barrier is provided, but professional labor cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect control effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The backer rod with embedded insecticide is designed to be self-sufficient, providing both physical and chemical protection without requiring licensed pest controllers. This enables DIY installation and eliminates professional labor costs while maintaining effective insect control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230039720A1Treated backer rod

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 GREENZONE PEST INNOVATIONS PTY LTD

AI summary

The present application relates to a backer rod for sealing a void. The backer rod comprises an extruded polymer foam composed of crosslinked linear low density polyethylene and poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) and contains an insecticide. Exemplar insecticides include termiticides such as bifenthrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and cyfluthrin. The backer rod may be used as physical and chemical barrier to prevent the ingress of insects into a structure.