Elastic Compensation Device for Viticulture Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elastic compensation devices for viticulture wires are complex to install, require significant physical effort, are costly to maintain, and are not adaptable to various pole shapes and sizes, with limited capacity for different tensioning elements and interference with vegetation.

Innovation Solution

An elastic compensation device with a first fastening element featuring a slotted body and hooks, and a second fastening element that can slide transversely, using a spiral spring for elasticity, allowing easy installation on any pole shape and size, and accommodating various tensioning means without altering overall dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal chains with hooks or clamps are used to fasten movable wires to head poles, then the wires can be securely fastened, but the installation becomes complex and requires considerable physical effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfastening complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a fastening element with hooks for securing to the pole, and a separate tensioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process by enabling modular assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex locking mechanisms to secure the wire, the invention uses simple hooks that engage with the pole structure, inverting the traditional approach. The security is achieved through the geometric configuration of hooks and engagement surfaces rather than complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If traction helical springs are used to provide elasticity, then wire tensioning is simplified, but the spring capacity is insufficient for high random loads such as wind forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning easeVSAvoidload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines a helical spring for continuous tensioning with additional elastic elements that provide supplemental support during high random loads. This merging of multiple elastic mechanisms ensures both ease of operation for routine tensioning and sufficient reliability for extreme conditions like wind forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is designed with pre-configured elastic elements that are already in place to absorb and cushion high random loads before they can cause damage to the primary spring or the wire system. This beforehand cushioning protects the system during extreme events such as wind storms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If the elastic compensation device is arranged between the head pole and the wire coupling region, then wire tensioning is achieved, but the device interferes with vegetation produced by adjacent plants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning powerVSAvoidvegetation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is designed to engage with the pole in a manner that positions the elastic components in a different spatial dimension, away from the vegetation zone. By changing the dimensional arrangement of the components, the device maintains its tensioning function while eliminating interference with plant growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic compensation function is extracted from the main body of the device and positioned separately, allowing the tensioning mechanism to operate independently without occupying space that would interfere with vegetation. This extraction separates the functional requirements from the spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a slotted body with projecting portion is used for fastening, then the device can be installed on any pole shape and size, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole adaptabilityVSAvoidfastening structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element with the slotted body and projecting portion is designed as a universal component that can engage with various pole shapes and sizes through a single standardized interface. This universal design allows the same fastening element to be used across different pole configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The slotted body allows for dynamic adjustment of the fastening element's position and orientation to accommodate different pole geometries. The slot provides a range of motion that enables the projecting portion to engage with various pole shapes, making the fastening structure adaptable rather than rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Device complexity

If the second fastening element is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate various tensioning means without altering dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidtensioning element compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second fastening element is designed to slide transversely along the pole, providing dynamic adjustability. This sliding capability allows the fastening element to accommodate various tensioning means and wire configurations without requiring changes to the overall device dimensions, maintaining both simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding mechanism of the second fastening element is nested within the overall device structure, allowing it to move independently without increasing the external dimensions of the device. This nested arrangement enables versatility in accommodating different tensioning elements while maintaining a compact overall form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 is simple and quick to install, reduces physical effort, is cost-effective, adaptable to different poles, and maintains constant dimensions, preventing interference with vegetation while supporting various tensioning elements.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element (13) comprising a spiral spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic element (13) comprising a spiral spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2324700B1Elastic compensation device particularly for plant row wires
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 BORTOLUSSI CLAUDIO
  • EP2324700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2324700B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2324700B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

The present invention regards an elastic compensation device (1) capable of being used in the field of viticulture, and particularly, for compensating the movement of the wires (F) provided in a row of plants. The elastic compensation device (1) according to the invention comprises a first fastening element (2, 102) provided with fastening means (4, 104) suitable for fastening said device (1) to a pole (PE) of a row of plants, a second fastening element (8, 108) suitable to receive at least one pair of said movable wires (F), and an elastic element (13) comprising a first and a second end region (15, 16). The elastic compensation device (1) is characterised in that said fastening means (4, 104) and said second fastening element (8, 108) are arranged in proximity of the same end region (15) of said elastic element (13) so as urge the latter only in compressive direction.