Vacuum Insect Viewer With Rotating Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect capture devices primarily focus on killing or disposing of insects, lacking a safe and non-invasive method for children and enthusiasts to study or observe insects without harming them.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-operated insect collection and viewing device with a tubular viewing chamber and rotatable lens allows for safe capture and examination of insects, using a motor-driven fan to create negative air pressure and a screen to contain the insects, enabling observation without touching or harming them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insect capture devices are used, then insects can be captured and disposed of, but insects are killed or harmed in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the capture system into separate functional zones: a capture zone with the nozzle for suction, a transport zone through the tube, and a viewing zone with the chamber and screen. This segmentation allows the insect to be captured without direct contact, transported safely, and observed without harm, resolving the contradiction between effective capture and insect safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces several intermediary elements: the tube acts as an intermediary transport medium, the screen serves as an intermediary barrier that contains the insect without direct contact, and the viewing chamber provides an intermediary observation space. These intermediaries enable capture and observation while preventing harm to the insect.
2Loss of information
If direct contact with insects is made for study purposes, then detailed observation is possible, but risk of bites or stings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen and viewing chamber serve as intermediaries between the observer and the insect. The screen allows visual observation and study of insect details without direct contact, eliminating the risk of bites or stings while maintaining observation quality. The chamber provides a controlled viewing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen acts as a thin film barrier that is transparent or translucent, allowing light and visual information to pass through for observation while physically separating the observer from the insect. This enables detailed study without contact, resolving the contradiction between observation quality and safety.
3Productivity
If vacuum suction is applied to capture insects, then insects can be collected, but insects may be damaged by strong suction
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows dynamic control of the suction process. The vacuum is applied only during the brief capture phase through the nozzle, then the insect is gently deposited into the viewing chamber where the suction is discontinued. This dynamic application of force enables efficient capture while preserving insect integrity during the observation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture and observation functions are segmented into separate phases and locations. The vacuum suction is confined to the capture zone (nozzle), while the viewing chamber provides a separate safe zone where the insect is contained without suction. This segmentation allows high capture efficiency without compromising insect integrity during observation.
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
Facilitates safe and easy capture and study of insects, providing a safe and educational tool for children and insect enthusiasts, allowing for detailed observation without fear of bites or harm to the insects.
Implementation Method 1
a negative air pressure generating assembly including a motor and a fan driven by the motor
Implementation Method 2
Insects such as flies, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders have long been considered pests and marked for destruction. Flying insects are considered a particular nuisance
Implementation Method 3
The viewing chamber is tubular in shape and has an air permeable, insect impermeable screen at the downstream opening thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an insect collection and viewing device comprising a negative air pressure generating assembly including a motor and a fan driven by the motor and a suitably shaped collection nozzle. A viewing chamber is coupled intermediate the collection nozzle and the negative air pressure assembly. The viewing chamber is tubular in shape and has an air permeable-insect impermeable screen at the downstream opening thereof and a movable valve/lens at the upstream opening thereof. When the valve/lens is open an air flow is established through the device. The air flow path is from the nozzle through the viewing chamber into and out of the assembly. In operation insects of interest are captured by sucking the insect into the device through the nozzle, then through the open valve/lens into the viewing chamber where it is captured between the screen and the closed valve. By making the valve in the shape of a transparent lens the trapped insect may be inspected through the magnifying lens.