Battery-Powered Drip Tape Winder for Field Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hobby farmers and small commercial farms face challenges in efficiently rolling and storing drip tape due to the impracticality of large, expensive, and heavy machines, leading to time-consuming manual handling and frequent replacement of tape.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable drip tape winder device comprising a framework and rotating mandrel powered by a battery-powered drill, allowing for easy winding and removal of excess water from the tape, enabling efficient storage of rolled tape for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dedicated gas-powered machines are used to roll up drip tape, then the tape winding efficiency is improved, but the device becomes large, heavy, and expensive making it impractical for hobby farmers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas-powered motor system with a handheld power drill (electric or battery-operated) to drive the mandrel. This substitution maintains the winding function while dramatically reducing device weight and complexity, making it suitable for hobby farmers and small commercial farms.
2Productivity
If dedicated gas-powered machines are used to roll up drip tape, then the tape winding efficiency is improved, but the device becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex gas-powered motor system with a simple handheld power drill interface. The drill's existing motor and transmission mechanisms are utilized, eliminating the need for dedicated engine, fuel system, and associated controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining winding productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a universal handheld power drill that can be used for multiple purposes (drilling, driving, and now winding tape). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated single-purpose machine, reducing overall device complexity and cost for the user.
3Device complexity
If hobby farmers pull up tape by hand, then device cost is reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical assistance system using a handheld power drill to automate the winding process. This partially mechanical approach (rather than fully manual or fully automated) reduces the time-consuming nature of hand-pulling while keeping the device simple and affordable for hobby farmers.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and time-saving method for rolling and storing drip tape, making it practical for hobby farmers and small commercial farms to reuse tape, reducing waste and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilize a battery powered drill to provide the power necessary to operate the device and neatly wind lengths of drip tape onto the mandrel
Implementation Method 2
rotating mandrel... neatly wind lengths of drip tape onto the mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
A drip tape winder for easily and cost-effectively rolling lengths of drip tape in the field is described. The winder comprises a frame and a mandrel rotatably received in the frame and utilizes a battery powered drill to provide the power necessary to turn the mandrel and neatly wind lengths of drip tape thereon.