Hive entrance flap - hinge with Uhelon

Improvements to flaps that do not have a carbon fibre hinge

Author of solution (idea):  Ondřej Hercog                      
Tested in practice:  FROM season 2018 
Test results:  verified, safe when following manufacturing recommendations and usage methodology
The group of breeders for whom the aid is suitableunrestricted
Justification Troubleshooting intermittent issues with classic protective covers 
Note: the solution, with the consent of the author and Čmeláci PLUS, was adopted by one of the protective flap manufacturers = it is commercially available

Problems with conventional protective flaps and possible solutions

We wrote about the flap as an important part of the ulcer HERE
 
Most types of commercially produced valves have hinges for the flap (movable parts of the flap) formed wire loops/hooks. it cannot be said that these flaps are not suitable, but...
 
This solution is Seemingly simple, but at the same time very prone to faults. A slight inaccuracy in manufacturing, deformation of the loops/hooks, or wear on the clasp is all it takes for there to be a problem – the clasp jams or doesn't close properly.
Even the production of these curtains is not entirely easy.
 
This solution still has another disadvantage. When the bumblebee lifts the flap, often lifts its upper part too. It is here that flies often wait, which then easily penetrate the ulcer.

This our solution was published in March 2019 on the Čmeláci PLUS Facebook page HERE on a modified commercially available valve. These valves are now available with a UHELON hinge from an established valve manufacturer.

Possible further parties interested in manufacturing  – if you are interested in this solution from Čmeláci PLUS, contact us at info@cmelaciplus.cz, see our Rules for Cooperation with Manufacturers and Sellers

Bumblebees PLUS - Protective flap with VELCRO fastening

Protection flap with hinge made of UHELON
Source FB Bumblebees PLUS

A simple and elegant solution 

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

That's enough replace the hook/hooks with a teflon hinge. 

The hinge is on the side of the flap. stuck with superglue (preferably from the underside of the flap)

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

What's important is curtain length. He must allow it valve movement in the range of 180°. Simultaneously, however, the rear It must not be too long - the flap could during movement tilt.

The following section presents a protective flap with a POM hinge, which is a modification of a commercially available flap.

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020

Roof made according to the Čmeláci PLUS instructions

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Open latch
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Open latch
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Hand on the wall
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

 

Bumblebees PLUS – Nest entrance guard flap with TEFLON suspension

Hive entrance flap with HELIUM hinge
Detail
Photo O. Hercog 8/2020

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How At home, adjust the flap

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

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

Material

Procedure

Control

 

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

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