Creeper Plant Growth Limiting System Using Electrical Current Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for limiting the growth of creeper plants on surfaces, such as those described in WO2006040326, are inefficient at high elevations, noisy in rainy conditions, and consume excessive power, and are not effective on non-conductive surfaces, leading to damage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a voltage generator with a ground terminal and a voltage terminal, a conductive stopping element isolated from the surface, and a grounding element positioned within 100 centimeters to create a direct electrical current path through the creeper plants, effectively limiting growth by drying and destroying young shoots without continuous power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conductive elements are positioned high above ground to limit creeper plant growth at elevated positions, then the growth limitation coverage is improved, but the electrical current received by shoots decreases making the system inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grounding element as an intermediary component positioned between the conductive element and the ground. This mediator creates a localized electrical circuit that amplifies the current density at the plant-conductive element contact point, enabling effective growth limitation at high elevations without requiring continuous high power input to the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters by creating a potential difference between the conductive element and the grounding element through periodic voltage pulses. This parameter change generates sufficient current flow through the creeper plant to destroy young shoots and limit growth, even at elevated positions where direct ground connection would provide insufficient current.
2Reliability
If voltage pulses are generated continuously to maintain effective growth limitation, then the reliability of growth limitation is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage generator operates periodically rather than continuously, delivering voltage pulses at intervals sufficient to maintain the potential difference between the conductive element and grounding element. This periodic action ensures reliable growth limitation while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive elements are isolated from non-conductive surfaces to prevent electrical discharge, then safety is improved, but the system becomes ineffective on such surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding element serves as a mediator that provides a controlled electrical connection path. By positioning it close to the conductive element and connecting to ground, it creates a localized circuit that works effectively regardless of the surface material's conductivity, enabling the system to function on non-conductive surfaces like textile, mortar, or masonry.
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 system efficiently limits creeper plant growth at high elevations, reduces maintenance needs, minimizes power consumption, and operates silently, even on non-conductive surfaces, thereby preventing damage and enhancing safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage pulses delivered by the generator will cause an electrical current to flow through the contacting creeper plant. As a result of this current, young shoots in contact with the conductive element are destroyed.
Implementation Method 2
a conductive stopping element positioned on the upright surface and electrically isolated from the upright surface... adapted to be connected to the voltage terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for limiting the growth of creeper plants on an upright surface, including a voltage generator comprising a ground terminal and a voltage terminal, a conductive stopping element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the voltage terminal thereby obtaining a growth limiting boundary for the creeper plants, and a grounding element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the ground terminal, thereby providing a grounding of the upright surface. The grounding element is positioned such that the grounding element grounds the creeper plants by contact with the creeper plants within a distance of a hundred centimeters from the conductive stopping element.