A Mobile Divider for a standard Dadant Blatt beehive is a precision component typically measuring 440 mm in width, 350 mm in height, and 2 mm in thickness. Its design mimics the general silhouette of a standard frame but is engineered with slightly larger dimensions to create a functional partition within the hive body.
The Mobile Divider functions as a movable internal wall; its slightly oversized width ensures a light-tight seal against the hive walls, while its ultra-thin 2 mm profile allows for compartmentalization without altering standard frame spacing.
The Geometry of a Functional Divider
Precise Dimensions
The primary reference specification establishes the divider's dimensions at 440 x 350 x 2 mm.
These dimensions are critical for compatibility with the Dadant Blatt standard, ensuring the divider can be inserted into the brood box while effectively segmenting the space.
Width for Sealing
The width of 440 mm is intentionally slightly wider than the active area of a standard frame.
This additional width ensures the edges of the divider sit flush against the internal side walls of the hive. This "tight fit" is necessary to prevent bee passage around the sides and to maintain the integrity of the separated compartments.
The Thin Profile Advantage
The thickness is restricted to a mere 2 mm.
This ultra-thin profile is a significant design feature, allowing beekeepers to insert the divider between existing frames without consuming valuable space or requiring the removal of frames to accommodate it.
Functional Design Requirements
Opacity and Enclosure
The material and fit must provide complete opacity.
The divider is not just a physical barrier but a sensory one; it must block light and visual contact between colonies or groups of bees on either side to minimize aggression and stress.
Retrofit Compatibility
The design is intended to work without structural modifications to the hive.
Because the profile is so thin, it does not disrupt the "bee space" or the standard spacing intervals of the frames, making it a "drop-in" solution for standard equipment.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Impact of Hive Variance
While the divider is manufactured to a standard 440 mm width, wooden hive bodies can warp or vary slightly in size due to age and humidity.
If a hive body has expanded beyond standard tolerances, the 440 mm width may not create a perfect seal, potentially allowing bees to bypass the divider. Conversely, in a shrunken or propolized hive, the fit may be too tight, making insertion difficult.
Rigidity vs. Thickness
A 2 mm profile offers excellent space economy, but it presents a challenge regarding material rigidity.
The material selected must be stiff enough to span the 440 mm width without bowing or warping, which would break the seal, yet thin enough to meet the specification.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When selecting or fabricating a Mobile Divider, consider the current state of your equipment and your specific management goals.
- If your primary focus is compartmentalization (e.g., nucs): Ensure the 440 mm width provides a true "friction fit" against your specific hive walls to prevent fighting between colonies.
- If your primary focus is non-intrusive management: Prioritize the 2 mm thickness specification to ensure you do not have to alter your frame spacing or remove frames to use the divider.
The ideal Mobile Divider acts as an invisible wall—thin enough to be ignored by the hive geometry, but precise enough to create a distinct, isolated environment.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 440 mm | Ensures a light-tight seal against hive walls to prevent bee passage. |
| Height | 350 mm | Matches the vertical profile of the brood box for full segmentation. |
| Thickness | 2 mm | Minimizes space consumption; fits between frames without moving them. |
| Material Property | Opaque & Rigid | Blocks visual contact to reduce stress and maintains flat shape. |
| Compatibility | Dadant Blatt Standard | Seamlessly integrates with standard equipment as a drop-in solution. |
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References
- Camilla Di Ruggiero, Giovanni Formato. Updates on the Mobile Divider and Its Use in Calabria Region to Monitor and Control Aethina tumida Infestation. DOI: 10.3390/app112210637
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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