The goal was to engineer a contraption that could be either self-propelled – or at least require minimal interaction. Our solution, as can be seen in the above sketches, revolves around a tightly-threaded pole that mounts directly into the ground. The mechanism attaching to the pole is separated into two parts, which glide across each other using a ring of ball bearings. The lower half of the mechanism involves two spring-loaded latches on opposite sides of the pole, which hold the mechanism inside the threads while descending (ascension will be discussed shortly). Fan propellers would be mounted around the mechanism here. The upper half of the mechanism does not rotate. It houses a ring of copper coils and an outer ring of magnets that create an electromagnetic field, propelling the rotation. Above the coils is a UVA LED strip ringing the upper outside of the trap, to lure in mosquitoes. This light would be powered by several coin batteries, which insert into the mechanism and “click” into place under a protective silicone covering. Mounted above this mechanism would be several stabilizing bars that hold the top of the mosquito net. The net hangs down like a basket and creates a seal around the pole.
The key feature of this design is the spring-loaded latches which insert into the threads of the supporting pole. The weight of the contraption would slowly pull the fan along the threads down the poll, forcing the fan blades to rotate. When the fan reaches the bottom – presumably several times a day – strong cords that exit near the bottom of the poll would be pulled to hoist the fan back to the top. The latches are designed to retreat into the mechanism at this point, bypassing the threads for ascension. When the pulling chords are released, the latches hook into the nearest thread, and the fan again begins its fall.
Our final prototype will involve 3D-printed components so that we can see the mosquito trap in action, with working, moving parts.
To see our updated educational component, click here.