Elastic Compensation Device for Plant Wires Using Nested Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic compensation devices for plant wires in viticulture are labor-intensive to install and adjust, prone to interference with vegetation, and lack adaptability to different pole shapes and wire tensioning types, with stability and sturdiness issues.
Innovation Solution
An elastic compensation device with a first fastening element and a second fastening element, featuring a helical compression spring and a plate for wire tensioning, allowing easy installation on various pole shapes and sizes, maintaining constant dimensions, and accommodating different tensioning elements, ensuring stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic compensation device is arranged between the head pole and the movable wires coupling region, then the device can compensate for wire movement, but the distance between fastening regions increases causing interference with vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wires coupling region is nested within or adjacent to the first fastening element structure, allowing the elastic element to function without extending the overall device length. The second fastening element is integrated into the first fastening element's structure, enabling compact arrangement that prevents vegetation interference while maintaining compensation functionality.
2Reliability
If metal chains with coupling elements are used to fasten movable wires to head poles, then the wires can be securely fastened, but the installation and adjustment process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex coupling elements and chain mechanisms are extracted and replaced with simple hook-like structures. The fastening system uses direct hook engagement without requiring separate coupling elements, allowing rapid attachment and detachment of movable wires while maintaining secure fastening through the elastic element's tensioning action.
3Reliability
If the device uses a specific annular fastening element shape, then it can be securely attached to poles, but it cannot adapt to poles with different cross-section shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The first fastening element is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate various pole cross-sections. The element includes adjustable or flexible components that can adapt to different pole shapes and sizes while maintaining secure attachment. Multiple fastening configurations are possible with the same basic element design.
4Reliability
If the device dimensions change with wire position, then the elastic element can function properly, but the device interferes with vegetation growing near the head pole
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is nested within the structure formed by the first and second fastening elements, which are arranged adjacent to each other rather than at opposite ends. This nesting arrangement allows the elastic element to expand and contract without increasing the overall device footprint, preventing interference with nearby vegetation.
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 allows quick and easy installation on any pole shape, maintains constant dimensions, and provides sturdy support for various wire tensioning types, reducing labor and interference with vegetation, while enhancing stability and safety from equipment impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element subjected to compression which can be associated with an element appropriate to produce the tautness of the movable wires
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element subjected to compression
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to an improved elastic compensation device (1,10) used in agriculture in rows of plants, principally in the viticultural field, and in particular, to compensate the movement of the wires (F) required in a row of plants to manage and arrange the growing vegetation so as to guarantee the solidity and sturdiness of the device when it is subjected to the stresses exerted by the displacement of the wires (F). The invention is also related to a method for supporting plants arranged in rows.