Automated rat trap for sewage systems : Design and development of a striking mechanism

Abstract: This project is a master’s thesis in collaboration with Nomor, a company that offers pest control services. They had the need for the development of an automated mechanical rat trap for sewage systems. Brown rats populate the sewage systems in many cities, as it offers shelter and abundant food resources. Rats have been observed carrying various zoonotic diseases which are a health risk to people and animals, as rats may enter households via the sewage system. This report details the design and development process for a prototype for a striking mechanism, which will act as the foundation for a future trap. The process follows the theory described by Ulrich and Eppinger. The project resulted in the generation of 8 different concepts, which were screened down to a final pneumatic concept. The selected concept was then developed into a physical prototype, able to detect heat sources. A Simulink model was developed to support the detail design. The model calculates resulting impact energy from various input parameters, such as working pressure and moving mass. The prototype functions up to 3 bar with an impact energy of approximately 6 Joules.