Variable Polarized Light Animal Deterrence System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for deterring birds, such as physical barriers and noise-based systems, are costly, unsightly, and ineffective in all environments, particularly in horticultural and aviation settings, and do not address damage caused by insects like bees and wasps.

Innovation Solution

A system that projects polarized light in a wavelength range detectable by birds and other animals, using a rotating plane polarizing filter to vary the polarization over time, creating a confusing and uncomfortable environment for the animals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complete enclosure with bird netting is used, then bird damage is effectively prevented, but costs and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebird damage preventionVSAvoidcost and labor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical barrier system (bird netting) with an optical system (polarized light projection). This substitution eliminates the need for extensive physical infrastructure while maintaining bird deterrence effectiveness, thereby reducing both material costs and labor requirements for installation and maintenance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of light polarization state over time to create a dynamic deterrence effect. By varying the polarization angle, the system prevents birds from adapting to a static light pattern, maintaining effectiveness without requiring physical barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If physical barriers such as netting are used, then bird control is achieved, but the barriers are unsightly and obtrusive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebird control effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes invisible optical fields for visible physical barriers. The polarized light projection system achieves bird control without introducing unsightly structures into the environment, preserving the aesthetic appearance of the treated area while maintaining effectiveness.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If static light sources are used to deter birds, then momentary discomfort is provided, but birds quickly acclimatize and the deterrent becomes ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebird discomfortVSAvoiddeterrent effectiveness over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic variation to the light polarization parameter. By continuously or periodically changing the polarization angle, the system prevents birds from adapting to a fixed pattern, thereby extending the duration of deterrent effectiveness without requiring increased light intensity or additional infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs periodic variation in the polarization state of the projected light. This rhythmic change in optical parameters creates ongoing discomfort for birds while allowing the system to operate continuously without exhaustion, maintaining long-term effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 system effectively reduces bird damage and associated costs, is unobtrusive, and minimizes labor expenses by using a variable polarized light deterrent that is less likely to be acclimatized to, providing a significant cost advantage and environmental impact reduction.

Implementation Method 1

a light source providing light in a wavelength range detectable by a target animal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the polariser is a variable element configured to vary the polarisation of the projected light over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP2592926B1Method and system for deterring animals
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 INVISI SHIELD
  • EP2592926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2592926B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2592926B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An animal deterrence system projects polarised light in order to deter animals. The light may be plane polarised light and the polarisation may be varied over time. The system is particularly suited to deterrence of birds, but may also find application in deterrence of other animals sensitive to polarisation of light, such as bees and wasps. The system may be used on vineyards or orchards, or around airports, or in any other place where birds are problematic.