Varroa Parasite Separator with Sealed Basket and Lid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating varroa parasites from bees are inefficient due to leaks and splashes of separation substances, leading to loss of parasites and inaccurate infestation monitoring in bee colonies.

Innovation Solution

A separator device with a container and a basket having openings in its bottom and side walls, along with a lid for sealing, which allows for vigorous shaking without leaks, ensuring the separation substance remains enclosed and facilitates parasite collection at the bottom for easy counting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If artisanal separation methods are used with pierced lids and filter bowls, then parasite separation can be achieved, but the separation substance leaks and splashes during shaking, causing loss of parasites and inaccurate monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite retentionVSAvoidseparation substance leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealed container for containing the separation substance, a removable basket with openings for parasite passage, and a lid for sealing. This segmentation allows the separation substance to be contained in the container while parasites pass through the basket openings, preventing both leakage and parasite loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The basket acts as an intermediary element between the separation substance and the parasites. It allows the separation substance to remain in the container while providing a controlled passage for parasites through its openings, preventing direct contact that would cause splashing and loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If vigorous shaking is performed to improve parasite separation, then separation efficiency increases, but leakage and splashing of separation substance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidseparation substance splashing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed container and properly fitted lid provide beforehand cushioning against the harmful effects of vigorous shaking. The sealing prevents splashing and leakage even when the device is shaken vigorously, allowing high separation efficiency without substance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the basket has large openings to facilitate parasite passage, then parasite collection efficiency improves, but the separator substance may escape more easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite passage rateVSAvoidseparation substance containment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the functions of containing the separation substance (container with seal) and filtering parasites (basket with openings). This allows the basket to have large openings for efficient parasite passage while the sealed container maintains reliable containment of the separation substance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device effectively separates parasites from bees by containing the separation substance and enhancing parasite collection, providing a compact and practical solution for monitoring varroa infestation levels in bee colonies with improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a gap lies between the bottom wall of the basket and the bottom vail of the container. This gap is at least 1 centimeter (cm) across. Such a gap allows the separator substance to flow well under the basket and between the basket and the bottom of the container, thereby facilitating the separation of parasites.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a lid that is configured to close the container in sealed manner. By means of such a separator device, it is possible to position the basket in the container, to take insects and put them in the basket, to put a separator substance into place in the container, and then to close the device in sealed manner using the lid.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a basket configured to be held in the container and provided with a plurality of openings at least through its bottom wall and its side wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10959410B2Device for separating parasites

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 VETO PHARMA

AI summary

A separator device for separating parasites from a population of insects, and a method of separation using such a device, the device comprising a container, a basket configured to be held in the container and provided with a plurality of openings at least through its bottom wall and its side wall, and a lid that is configured to close the container in sealed manner.