WO2024174001A1

WO2024174001A1 - Insect trap entrance

Info

Publication number: WO2024174001A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/050145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brendan TREWIN; Xiaobei WANG
Original assignee: Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation
Priority date: 2023-02-24
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2024-08-29

Abstract

An insect trap entrance configured to draw flying insects into a collection chamber of an insect trap with the movement of air, the insect trap entrance comprising an outer body comprising a first opening at a first end through which the insects are drawn into the entrance and a second opening at a second end through which the insects exit the entrance, an air flow generator located downstream from the first opening, the air flow generator configured to generate movement of air from the first opening to the second opening, and an inner body located substantially within the outer body and positioned substantially upstream from the air flow generator, the inner body configured to prevent insects from passing through inner body and coming into contact with the air flow generator.

Description

INSECT TRAP ENTRANCE

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900490 titled INSECT TRAP ENTRANCE and filed on 24 February 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an insect trap entrance. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to an insect trap entrance configmed to minimise harm done to insects passing into a corresponding insect trap.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vector borne diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity throughout tropical regions. For example, the Aedes aegypti and . l t/ .s- albopictus mosquito species are both vectors for the dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever viruses. Many Anopheles species of mosquito are vectors for malaria. Other insect species such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (( 'eralilis capitata), moths, and beetles represent threats to agriculture. There is thus great interest in monitoring populations of many insect species.

[0004] Vector-borne pathogens cause millions of animal and human disease cases annually, whilst also impacting animal welfare and livestock production costs. The permeability of Australia’s borders to the vectors that host these pathogens also means there is continuous risk of exotic species or strains being introduced. In Australia, the delay in detecting the first widespread mainland outbreak of Japanese encephalitis resulted in infection occurring in more than 70 piggeries across 4 states, with 42 known human cases and 7 deaths.

[0005] To effectively respond to both endemic and exotic vector-borne pathogens more effective surveillance systems are required. Traditional vector-borne pathogen surveillance is costly, labour- intensive, often generating low returns, and therefore limiting the implementation of surveillance in environments where it is most needed. Technological advancements in rapid point of care testing for pathogen detection and in autonomous data capture technology will enable the development of ‘smart traps’ with in-situ pathogen detection capabilities which will transform surveillance. Such devices would increase the cost-effectiveness of surveillance and epidemiology leading to more widespread and effective pathogen monitoring. [0006] A problem with existing insect trapping systems is that they are primarily designed to kill the trapped insects, and thus the insects are often harmed or destroyed during the trapping process. This is clearly undesirable in the context of pathogen surveillance systems where the aim is to minimise any harm to the insects during the trapping process in order to maximise the probability of detecting invasive species and pathogens within the trapped insects.

[0007] There is thus a need to provide improved methods and systems for trapping insects, or to at least provide a useful alternative to existing trapping methods and systems.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an insect trap entrance configured to draw flying insects into a collection chamber of an insect trap with the movement of air, the insect trap entrance comprising an outer body comprising a first opening at a first end through which the insects are drawn into the entrance and a second opening at a second end through which the insects exit the entrance, an air flow generator located downstream from the first opening, the air flow generator configured to generate movement of air from the first opening to the second opening, and an inner body located substantially within the outer body and positioned substantially upstream from the air flow generator, the inner body configured to prevent insects from passing through the inner body and coming into contact with the air flow generator.

[0009] In one form, the inner body comprises a plurality of apertures sized so as to allow the flow of air through the inner body, but to prevent an insect passing through the inner body.

[0010] In one form, the inner body is made of a mesh.

[0011] In one form, the inner body is in the form of a cone, whose first end, in the form of a vertex is positioned upstream from its second end.

[0012] In one form, the length of the inner body is approximately 1.8 to 2.6 times the diameter of the second end.

[0013] In one form, the cone has an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface is configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to said surface.

[0014] In one form, the outer surface comprises an electrically charged repelling surface.

[0015] In one form, the outer surface is formed from or coated with a low friction material. [0016] In one form, the outer body is in the form of a frustum shaped funnel, where the first opening is smaller than the second opening.

[0017] In one form, the outer body is in the form of a frustum of a cone.

[0018] In one form, the diameter of the first opening is approximately 0.6 to 0.9 times the diameter of the second opening.

[0019] In one form, the outer body has an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface is configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to said surface.

[0020] In one form, the inner surface comprises an electrically charged repelling surface.

[0021] In one form, the inner surface is formed from or coated with a low friction material.

[0022] In one form, a gap is formed between the outer surface of the inner body and the inner surface of the outer body.

[0023] In one form, the air flow generator is located downstream from the second end of the inner body, such that air flow generated by the air flow generator causes air to be drawn through and around the inner body, and wherein insects pulled through the entrance are diverted past the air flow generator through the gap formed between the outer surface of the inner body and the inner surface of the outer body.

[0024] In one form, the second end of the outer body is configured to connect to a corresponding insect trap.

[0025] In one form, the air flow generator comprises a fan.

[0026] According to a second aspect, there is provided an insect trap configured to collect flying insects, the insect trap comprising a collection chamber, and an insect trap entrance as described above, wherein the insects are drawn into the entrance via the first opening and then exit the entrance via the second opening where they enter the collection chamber, within which the insects are collected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an insect trap entrance according to an embodiment; [0029] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an insect trap entrance according to a further embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 8 is a sectional view of the insect trap entrance of Figure 7.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown an insect trap entrance 1, according to an embodiment. The insect trap entrance 1 is configured to draw or pull flying insects into a corresponding collection chamber (not shown) with the movement of air. The insect trap entrance comprises an outer body 10 comprising a first opening 13 at a first end through which the insects are drawn into the entrance 1 and a second opening 14 at a second end through which the insects exit the entrance 1. The insect trap entrance 1 comprises an air flow generator in the form of an axial fan 30 located downstream from the first opening 13 in the outer body 10, where the fan 30 is configmed to generate the movement of air from the first opening 13 to the second opening 14 required to draw the flying insects into the entrance 1. The insect trap entrance 1 further comprises an inner body 20 located substantially within the outer body and positioned substantially upstream from the fan 30. The inner body 20 is configured to prevent insects from passing through the inner body and coming into contact with the fan 30.

[0037] The inner body 20 is also configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to its outer surface 23. In the embodiment shown, the inner body 20 is in the form of a cone, whose first end 21, forms a vertex, apex or tip, which may be rounded, and is positioned upstream from its second end 22 which is positioned adjacent to the fan 30. It will be appreciated that the inner body 20 is dimensioned such that the diameter of the second end 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the blades 31 of the fan 30. It will be further appreciated that the length of the inner body (from its first end to its second end) may vary, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0038] The inner body 20 comprises a plurality of apertures sized so as to allow air to pass through the inner body 20, but to prevent insects from passing through the inner body. In one form, the inner body 20 will be made from a mesh with appropriately sized apertures. The apertures may all be of the same size, or they may have a range or distribution of sizes. The mesh may be manufactured from a number of suitable materials, such as fibreglass, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminium or stainless steel, including combinations of materials. The mesh may be constructed by knitting filaments or threads of suitable materials (including composites) or by using mould or casting methods. The mesh may be manufactured from a non-stick or soft material or the outer surface of the mesh may be coated with a nonstick or soft material to minimise damage to passing insects. It will be appreciated that depending on the material properties of the mesh, that an internal supporting structure (such as a frame 24) may be used to maintain the shape of the inner body 20 (i.e. to support a non-rigid mesh). In some embodiments the inner body may be a rigid structure with a plurality of apertures designed to have a size that allows air to pass through the apertures but is small enough to prevent the target insect from passing through the apertures. The apertures may be of the same size or have a range of sizes. While in the embodiment shown, the frame comprises a number of struts arranged to meet at a vertex, it will be appreciated that alternate frame arrangements are also intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] It will be appreciated that a proportion of air entering the first opening will flow through the inner body 20, and a proportion of the air will flow along and then past the outer surface 23 of the inner body 20. It will be appreciated that the conical shape of the inner body 20, i.e. rotationally symmetric about a central axis with a linear cross-sectional profile, provides aerodynamic benefits in the form of reduced drag and turbulence and delayed boundary separation when compared to alternate shapes. The conical shape also provides an outer surface 23 which is at an oblique angle to the direction of air movement. It will be appreciated that as insects are drawn toward and come into contact with the inner body 20, they will continue to be drawn downstream by the flow of air and exit the entrance 1 via the second opening 14, rather than accumulating on the inner body 20. It will be appreciated that if the inner body 20 was shaped such that it provided a surface that was substantially perpendicular to the direction of air movement, that insects would be drawn toward and accumulate on this surface without being drawn further downstream.

[0040] With reference to Figure 5, air flow lines are shown demonstrating how air may be drawn into the outer body 10 and flow through the inner body 20, and additional flow lines are shown demonstrating how insects are drawn into the outer body 10 and pass through the gap between the outer body 10 and inner body 20.

[0041] It will be appreciated that by providing the inner body 20 upstream from and adjacent to the fan 30, that insects are able to be drawn into the entrance and through to the collection chamber, without being damaged through collisions with fan blades 31. It will be appreciated that by avoiding collisions with the fan blades 31 that the fitness of the insects is improved as a result. [0042] While in the embodiment shown, the inner body 20 is in the form of a cone, it will be appreciated that alternate shapes that achieve a similar result are also intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the inner body 20 may be in the form of a pyramid or any other suitably shaped polyhedron. In other embodiments the inner body may be rotationally symmetric about a central axis with a curved or non-linear cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments the inner body is not rotationally symmetric with the cross-sectional profile varying as a function of a rotational angle about the central axis. In these embodiments the cross-sectional profile may smoothly vary with rotational angle or comprise transition zones where the cross-sectional profile smoothly varies from a first profde to a second profile.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 1 , it can be seen that the outer body 10 is in the form of a frustum shaped funnel, in particular a frustum of a cone, comprising a first end 11 comprising the first opening 13 and a second end 12 comprising the second opening 14, where the first opening 13 is smaller than the second opening 14.

[0044] It will be appreciated that by providing a frustum shaped funnel, that the flow speed at the first end 11 of the outer body 10 is greater than the flow speed at the second end 12 of the outer body 10. It will be appreciated that the speed of the fan 30 will be set such that the flow speed at the first end 11 is sufficient that flying insects are drawn into but cannot fly back out of the first opening 13. For example, for mosquitos, flow speeds between 1 and 6 metres per second would be desirable. By providing the frustum shaped funnel, the fan can be run more efficiently, and at lower speeds than if the outer body 10 had a constant cross section (e.g. cylinder with fixed diameter). The fan may be continuously operating, or a controller may be used to operate the fan periodically or on demand, for example in response to an output of a motion sensor. The controller may also be used to control the speed of the fan and control the speed to ensure smooth start-up and shut-down of the fan.

[0045] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5 it can be seen that a gap is formed between the outer surface 23 of the inner body 20 and the inner surface 16 of the outer body 10. It will be appreciated that by locating the fan 30 downstream of the second end 12 of the inner body 10 that air flow generated by the fan 30 causes air to be drawn through and around the inner body 10, wherein insects being drawn through the entrance 1 are diverted past the fan 30 through the gap formed between the outer surface 15 of the inner body 10 and the inner surface 24 of the outer body 20, without coming into contact with the blades 31 of the fan 30. In this embodiment the dimensions of the gap, i.e. the length of a segment along a radial line between the outer surface 23 of the inner body 20 and the inner surface 16 of the outer body 10, smoothly decreases as a function of the length along the central axis from the first opening 13 to the second opening 14. The shape of the outer body 10 or inner body 20 can thus be selected to control the size of the gap as a function of length along the central axis, and thus influence the speed of the airflow as a function of the length along the central axis, e.g. to gradually increase the speed of the airflow along the entrance from the first end 11 to the second end 12.

[0046] In an example embodiment, the inner body may have a length (from its first end to its second end) of approximately 26cm with an outer diameter of approximately 12cm, where the outer surface forms an angle of approximately 13 degrees with the central axis. The length of the inner body may also be expressed as a function of the outer diameter, where the length is equal to approximately 2.17 times the diameter. It will of course be appreciated that variations of these dimensions are still intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure, for example the length of the inner body may be anywhere from 1.8 to 2.6 times the diameter of the second end.

[0047] The outer body may then have a first opening diameter of approximately 11cm and a second opening diameter of approximately 15cm, with a length of approximately 25cm. Again, the diameter of the first opening may be expressed as a function of the second opening diameter, where the first opening diameter is equal to approximately 0.73 times the second diameter. It will be appreciated that in order for the first opening of the outer body to have a minimum flow speed of 1 metre per second, the flow speed at the second end will need to be approximately 0.54 metres per second. Again, it will of course be appreciated that variations of these dimensions are still intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure, for example, the diameter of the first opening is approximately 0.6 to 0.9 times the diameter of the second opening.

[0048] With reference to Figures 7 and 8 where an alternate insect trap entrance 101 is shown, it can be seen that the outer body 110 of this alternate embodiment comprises a first end 111 with a first opening 113 having a cylindrical shaped opening, providing a length of constant cross-sectional area, and therefore a substantially constant flow speed along this length. It also features a second end 112 with a second cylindrical shaped opening 114, also providing a length of constant cross-sectional area, and therefore a substantially constant flow speed along this length. It will also be appreciated that by providing the outer body 110 with a cylindrical section that it may allow the outer body to interface with one or more additional components, such as a bracket for holding the insect trap, or a cosmetic outer sleeve for improving the appearance of the trap.

[0049] The outer and inner bodies 10, 20, may be further configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to their respective inner and outer surfaces 16, 23. For example, the inner and outer surfaces 16, 23 may be formed (manufactured) from or coated with a low friction material. For example, the inner and outer surfaces 16, 23 may feature a surface treatment or coating that reduces their coefficient of friction, such as Teflon coating or a paint or coating. In a further form, the inner and outer surfaces 16, 23 may comprise electrically charged repelling surfaces, achieved through the use of a surface treatment or coating which holds a static charge in order to repel the insects. In some embodiments the inner and outer surfaces 16, 23, may be formed of, or coated with a soft material to minimise damage in the case that an insect impacts one of the surfaces.

[0050] The length of the outer body 10 (from first end to second end) may be the same, greater or less than the length of the inner body 20. It can also be seen that the first end 21 of the inner body 20 is substantially adjacent to the first end 11 of the outer body 10 and that the second end 22 of the inner body 20 and the fan 30 is substantially adjacent to the second end 12 of the outer body 10. It will of course be appreciated that variances in the relative dimensions of the inner and outer bodies are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As noted above the shape of the outer surface 23 of the inner body 20 and the inner surface 16 of the outer body 10 may be selected to control the dimensions of the gap and thus gradually increase the speed of the airflow along the trap from the first end 11 to the second end 12.

[0051] It can be seen that the second end 12 of the outer body 10 is optionally configured to connect with respect to a tubular extension 40, located downstream from the inner body 20 and fan 30, which is in turn configured to connect with respect to a corresponding collection chamber, where it will be appreciated that the tubular extension enhances airflow in the direction past the fan, and prevents backflow into the fan area. In an alternate form, the second end 12 of the outer body 10 may instead be configured to connect with respect to the collection chamber. In yet a further embodiment, the outer body 10 and tubular extension 40 may take the form of a unitary body.

[0052] While in the embodiment shown and described, the fan 30 is located at or toward the second end 12 of the outer body, it will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments it may be positioned further upstream or downstream, depending on desired operational / packaging parameters. In one form, the fan body 32 may be secured to the outer body 10 or tubular extension 40 via fasteners, such as screws, whereas in an alternate arrangement it may be seemed by other means, such as wires threaded between the outer body 10 or tubular extension 40 and the fan 30.

[0053] It is also contemplated that a cover (not shown) could be placed above the first end 11 of the outer body 10 to prevent water entering the first opening 13 when the insect trap entrance 1 is placed in an exposed environment. The insect trap entrance 1 may also be equipped with attractants configured to enhance mosquito catchability. For example, the entrance 1 could feature an ultraviolet light, and the underside of the cover could feature a diffuse reflecting surface. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the entrance 1 may also be configured to emit carbon dioxide and scent based attractants, which are known to attract various species of insect, in particular, mosquitos. [0054] The insect trap entrance 1 may also feature a sensor arrangement configured to detect movement around the insect trap entrance. The sensor arrangement could also be used to trigger operation of the fan to draw in insects. In some embodiments the sensor arrangement could be used to count the number of insects entering the trap entrance. The sensor arrangement could be a computer vision based system comprising an image sensor such as a camera configmed to capture images and a computer system configured to identify and count insects in captured images. In other embodiments the sensor arrangement may be an electromagnetic based system such as a RADAR or LIDAR system, or using an acoustic based sensor for example using ultrasonic transducers.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the above described insect trap entrance is intended to form part of an insect trap configured to collect flying insects, the insect trap comprising a collection chamber and an insect trap entrance as described above, wherein the insects are drawn into the entrance via the first opening and then exit the entrance via the second opening where they enter the collection chamber, within which the insects are collected.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the above described disclosure provides an insect trap entrance which does not harm the insects passing through the entrance, ensuring that they are as fit as possible when collected. Embodiments may minimise harm to the captured insects by using an inner body comprised of a mesh, and controlling the profile and surface properties of the inner body and inner surface of the outer body to control the speed of the airflow through the trap, and reduce likelihood of harm if an insect contacts the inner body or inner surface of the outer body.

[0057] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0058] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0059] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0060] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An insect trap entrance configured to draw flying insects into a collection chamber of an insect trap with the movement of air, the insect trap entrance comprising: an outer body comprising a first opening at a first end through which the insects are drawn into the entrance and a second opening at a second end through which the insects exit the entrance; an air flow generator located downstream from the first opening, the air flow generator configured to generate movement of air from the first opening to the second opening; and an inner body located substantially within the outer body and positioned substantially upstream from the air flow generator, the inner body configured to prevent insects from passing through the inner body and coming into contact with the air flow generator.

2. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner body comprises a plurality of apertures sized so as to allow the flow of air through the inner body, but to prevent insects from passing through the inner body.

3. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inner body is made of a mesh.

4. The insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner body is in the form of a cone, whose first end, in the form of a vertex is positioned upstream from its second end.

5. The insect trap entrance as claimed in 4, wherein the length of the inner body is approximately 1.8 to 2.6 times the diameter of the second end.

6. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the cone has an outer surface, and wherein the outer surface is configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to said surface.

7. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer surface comprises an electrically charged repelling surface.

8. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the outer surface is formed from or coated with a low friction material.

9. The insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer body is in the form of a frustum shaped funnel, wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening.

10. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outer body is in the form of a frustum of a cone.

11. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 10, wherein the diameter of the first opening is approximately 0.6 to 0.9 times the diameter of the second opening.

12. The insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the outer body has an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface is configured to prevent or reduce instances of an insect alighting or clinging to said surface.

13. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner surface comprises an electrically charged repelling surface.

14. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner surface is formed from or coated with a low friction material.

15. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 12, wherein a gap is formed between the outer surface of the inner body and the inner surface of the outer body.

16. The insect trap entrance as claimed in claim 15, wherein the air flow generator is located downstream from the second end of the inner body, such that air flow generated by the air flow generator causes air to be drawn through and around the inner body, and wherein insects drawn through the entrance are diverted past the air flow generator through the gap formed between the outer surface of the inner body and the inner surface of the outer body.

17. The insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end of the outer body is configured to connect to a corresponding collection chamber.

18. The insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow generator comprises a fan.

19. An insect trap configured to collect flying insects, the insect trap comprising a collection chamber, and an insect trap entrance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insects are drawn into the entrance via the first opening and then exit the entrance via the second opening where they enter the collection chamber, within which the insects are collected.