Vertical Snap Trap with Dual Chamber and Trip Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rodent traps often lack multiple desirable features such as ease of setting, cleanliness, low escape probability, reduced rebaiting needs, and aesthetic appeal, while also being durable and efficient in trapping vermin.
Innovation Solution
A vertically actuated snap trap with a dual-chamber design featuring a vertical trip plate, detachable housing, and rear baiting access, which positions vermin in a disadvantaged state for increased trapping efficiency and shields the view of the trapped animal, while maintaining cleanliness and reducing inadvertent actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional horizontal snap trap is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the vermin can easily escape after being trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal snap trap to a vertical snap trap, changing the orientation of the trapping mechanism from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change prevents vermin escape by positioning the snap arm to strike downward, making it difficult for vermin to jump or move away after being trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The trap is divided into distinct functional components: a base platform, a vertical trip plate, a detachable housing, and a snap mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity of the device.
2Ease of operation
If the bait is placed in the same chamber as the snap mechanism, then the device is simple in structure, but the vermin can contaminate the bait making it unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The trap chamber is segmented into two separate compartments: a bait chamber and a trapping chamber. The vertical trip plate forms a partition between these chambers, allowing the vermin to trigger the trap from one chamber while the bait remains protected in the other chamber, preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical trip plate serves as an intermediary structure that separates the bait chamber from the trapping chamber while still allowing the vermin to interact with the trip mechanism. This intermediary partition maintains sanitary conditions by preventing direct contact between vermin and bait.
3Reliability
If the trap is horizontally oriented, then the device is easy to set, but the vermin can reach the bait before the trap actuates
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is reoriented from horizontal to vertical configuration. The snap arm is positioned to strike downward in a vertical motion, and the trip plate is oriented vertically, allowing the vermin to trigger the trap by pushing against it from below. This vertical orientation ensures the vermin cannot reach the bait before being trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap mechanism is pre-loaded and positioned in a ready state, with the snap arm held in position by the trip plate. When the vermin pushes against the trip plate, the trap actuates immediately, preventing the vermin from reaching the bait.
4Ease of manufacture
If the trap lacks a housing enclosure, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the trapped vermin are visible which is aesthetically unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a detachable enclosure that can be separated from the base trap. This segmentation allows the housing to provide aesthetic coverage and concealment of the trapped vermin, while the base trap remains simple in structure and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable housing serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage to conceal trapped vermin, protects the internal mechanisms, and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element.
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 solution provides a more efficient, sanitary, and aesthetically pleasing trap with high trapping success rates and low escape probabilities, while being durable and easy to set and maintain, addressing the shortcomings of prior traps.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded snap arm positioned to strike the vermin before it can reach the bait
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded snap arm positioned to strike the vermin before it can reach the bait
Data Source
AI summary
A snap style vermin trap disposed on a planar platform having an enclosed bait chamber and a partially enclosed actuation chamber. The bait chamber and the actuation chamber are separated by a perforated vertical trip plate. A detachable housing resides about the platform. The snap trap mechanical components are housed in the bait chamber. The design prevents the vermin from ever reaching the bait or contaminating the bait chamber. The vertical trip plate disadvantages the vermin physically and the housing further prevents escape.