Wall Outlet Insect Trap with Curved Vent and Hidden Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insect traps that use ultraviolet light and require an electric power source for operation often lack an aesthetically pleasing design and effective means to obscure the trapping mechanism from view, while also risking paint transfer and interference with other outlet uses.
Innovation Solution
A wall outlet connectable insect trap with a curved, vented rear enclosure and a planar front plate that houses ultraviolet light and sticky adhesive paper, allowing insects to enter through hidden vent openings, minimizing visibility of the trapping mechanism and providing additional electrical sockets without interfering with other outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional insect traps use ultraviolet light and electric power sources, then insects are effectively attracted and trapped, but the design becomes aesthetically unpleasing and the trapping mechanism becomes visible
Solution Approach 1:
The insect trap is divided into two distinct parts: a decorative front plate that provides aesthetic appeal and a functional rear enclosure containing the UV light and sticky paper. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while the whole achieves both beauty and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The trapping mechanism (UV light source and sticky paper) is extracted from the visible front and placed into a hidden rear enclosure. This extraction removes the visually unappealing elements from the aesthetic field of view while maintaining their trapping function in the background.
2Ease of operation
If the rear of the trap enclosure contacts the back wall, then installation is simplified, but paint transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rear enclosure is given a specific curved configuration that creates a localized non-contact zone between the trap and the back wall. This local geometric modification prevents paint transfer at the critical contact points while maintaining overall installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear enclosure features a curved back surface that naturally prevents flat contact with the wall, distributing any contact pressure over a larger area and preventing the concentrated contact that causes paint transfer. The curvature acts as a built-in protective feature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical sockets are provided on the trap housing, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the trap, houses the power input connector, and incorporates additional electrical sockets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and justifies the increased complexity by delivering greater overall utility.
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 design effectively attracts and traps insects using ultraviolet light and sticky paper while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, minimizing visibility of captured insects and allowing for easy replacement of adhesive paper, and providing additional electrical functionality.
Implementation Method 1
uses ultraviolet light to attract insects to the trap
Implementation Method 2
provides an adhesive paper for restraining the insects to the adhesive paper
Data Source
AI summary
A wall outlet connectable insect trap for drawing in insects and trapping them within the trap is provided. The insect trap provides an aesthetically pleasing faceplate having a curved back with vented openings hidden from view such that insects may fly into the trap on a back end whereby sticky paper retaining the flies is also hidden from view.