Hive protective flap – hinge with Uhelon

Improvements to flaps that do not have a hinge made of steel

Author of the solution (idea): Ondřej Hercog
Tested in practice: YES since the 2018 season
Testing results: verified, safe when following the production recommendations and usage methodology
Group of breeders for whom the tool is suitable : without restrictions
Justification: Solving occasional problems with classic protective flaps
Note: the solution was taken over by one of the protective flap manufacturers with the consent of the author and Čmeláci PLUS = it is commercially available

Problems of classic safety valves and possible solutions

We wrote about the flap as an important part of the hive HERE
 
Most types of commercially produced flaps have flap hinges (the moving parts of the flap) made up of wire eyes/hooks . It is not to say that these flaps are not suitable, but…
 
This solution is seemingly simple , but at the same time very prone to defects . All it takes is inaccuracy in the design, deformation of the eyes/hook, or wear of the flap and there is a problem - the flap gets stuck or does not fit.
Making these curtains is not entirely easy either.
 
This solution has another disadvantage . When a bumblebee lifts the flap, it often lifts the upper part as well . This is where flies often wait and can easily enter the hive .

This solution of ours was published in March 2019 on the FB page Čmeláci PLUS HERE on a modified commercially available flap. These flaps are now available in a version with a UHELON hinge from an established hive manufacturer.

Any other interested parties in production – if you are interested in this solution from the Čmeláci PLUS workshop, contact us at info@cmelaciplus.cz, see our Rules for Cooperation with Manufacturers and Sellers

Bumblebees PLUS - Protective flap with hinge from UHELON

Protective flap with hinge from UHELON
Source FB Čmeláci PLUS

Simple and elegant solution 

The above disadvantages can be easily eliminated by changing the design of the hinge.

Just replace the curtain with a hook/hooks with a curtain from UHELON .

The hinge is glued to the flap side with superglue (preferably from the bottom of the flap)

The other side of the hinge is mechanically attached to the damper body , preferably with a piece of material such as a wooden/plastic part and this is attached to the damper body with screws/bolts.

The length of the hinge is important . It must allow the flap to move 180° . At the same time, the hinge must not be too long - the flap could tilt .

The following section presents a protective flap with a UHELON hinge, which was created by modifying a commercially available flap

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Protective beehive flap with a UHELON hinge
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020

Canopy made according to the instructions Bumblebees PLUS

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge,
open flap
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge,
open flap
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Protective beehive flap with a UHELON curtain
Flap on the wall
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

 

Bumblebees PLUS - Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge

Hive protective flap with UHELON hinge
Detail
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

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How to adjust a flap at home

The protective flap is a very important protective element of the hive. Therefore, we recommend that beginners buy a functional solution supplied by the manufacturer.

The adjustment is not that complicated, but do it carefully and always have a spare flap in case of failure.

<PŘIPRAVUJEME>

Material:

Procedure:

Control:

 

Demonstration of the smooth operation of a protective flap with a UHELON hinge

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