Biodegradable Grapevine Wire Attachment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for maintaining tensioned wires along posts, such as those used in vine trellising, are prone to failure under wind and vegetation forces, lead to soil pollution, and require frequent replacement, with existing solutions being either non-biodegradable or limited to specific post types and not allowing easy wire lifting.
Innovation Solution
A hooking device with a rigid sole, an elastically flexible tongue, and a U-shaped recess for wire retention, combined with a clamping collar for secure attachment to posts, made from biodegradable materials to prevent pollution and allow easy wire lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nails or screws are driven into posts to retain wires, then the device is economical and easy to implement, but the wires can easily come free under wind forces and the nails/screws degrade, break, or pollute the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a retention member with hook-shaped portion for wire retention, and a separate clamping collar for attachment to the post. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is designed to be a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed, while avoiding the use of durable metallic nails or screws that pollute the soil. The biodegradable material allows for environmental-friendly disposal after its service life.
2Reliability
If metal posts with stamped L-shaped legs are used to receive and hold wires, then wire retention is improved, but the sharp edges cut the wires and the legs cannot be adjusted vertically as the vine grows
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping collar provides a dynamic attachment mechanism that can be positioned at different vertical locations along the post as the vine grows. This allows the wire retention system to adapt vertically over time, unlike fixed stamped legs that cannot be repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member features a specifically designed hook-shaped portion with rounded geometry at the wire-contacting surfaces. This localized design feature prevents wire cutting while maintaining secure retention, addressing the sharp edge problem without compromising the overall structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for the device, then soil pollution is prevented, but the device may have reduced strength compared to metallic solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes composite construction combining a retention member made from biodegradable material for environmental friendliness, with a separate clamping collar that provides the necessary mechanical strength for secure post attachment. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped portion of the retention member features curved, rounded geometry rather than sharp angles. This curvature distributes stress more evenly throughout the biodegradable material structure, preventing stress concentration points that would lead to premature failure and compensating for the lower inherent strength of biodegradable materials.
4Device complexity
If wires are retained only by the head of nails or screws, then the device is simple, but the wires deviate from posts under wind forces and broken nails/screws must be replaced every year
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented into a dedicated retention member with hook-shaped geometry specifically designed for wire retention, separate from the attachment function performed by the clamping collar. This segmentation provides reliable wire retention while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped portion of the retention member is designed to automatically secure the wire through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional fastening elements or complex installation procedures. The wire simply engages with the hook shape, providing self-securing functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a durable, adaptable, and ecological solution for maintaining wires along various post types, preventing wire deviation and pollution, while allowing easy and quick wire adjustments as the vine grows.
Implementation Method 1
un elément de retenue de fil comportant un talon rigide et une langue élastique s'étendant en avant du talon et déterminant avec un membre de retenue en forme de crochet une première encoche destinée à recevoir le fil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an attachment device (1) for maintaining a wire (3) taut along a post (2), characterised in that it comprises: a wire holder (10) including - a rigid base (12) having at least a front face (121) and a substantially flat rear face (122) intended to bear on the post (2), - a rigid attachment member (13) essentially in the form of a hook, - and an elastically flexible tongue (15) extending in an inclined manner from the upper end of the front face (121) of the base (12) towards the front of the wire holder (10) and towards the attachment member (13), said attachment member (13) and tongue (15) defining a first opening (16) that receives the wire (3) and has a cross-section essentially in the form of a closed U; and a clamping collar (11) arranged to connect the wire holder (10) solidly around the post (2).