Elastic Wire Hook Structure for Low-Profile Vineyard Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire support devices for plants, particularly in vineyards, are cumbersome, costly, and pose hazards during agricultural operations due to protruding components, and lack versatility and reliability in adjusting to different pole shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, elastically deformable wire support device with a hook-like structure that securely attaches to agricultural poles, allowing easy installation and adjustment at various heights, minimizing protrusion and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tabs are cut on the opposite side walls of intermediate poles to support wires, then wire support function is achieved, but protruding tabs create hazards during agricultural operations and can be entangled by harvesting machines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wire support function from protruding tabs and relocates it to recessed grooves cut into the pole surface. The grooves are carved inward rather than outward, removing the harmful protruding element while preserving the wire support capability. Wires are inserted into these recessed grooves and secured without creating external protrusions that could entangle harvesting machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cutting tabs that protrude outward from the pole surface to support wires, the invention inverts the approach by cutting grooves that recess inward into the pole surface. This inversion eliminates the protruding hazard while maintaining wire support functionality, as wires are contained within the recessed grooves rather than supported by external tabs.
2Reliability
If poles are shaped with vertical ribs and complex openings to receive wires, then wire engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the wire support function into discrete recessed grooves positioned at specific heights on the pole, rather than creating complex integrated rib structures with patterned openings. Each groove is a simple, independent feature that can be easily manufactured and positioned, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining reliable wire engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the entire pole surface with complex rib patterns and multiple opening types, the invention applies local quality changes by creating simple recessed grooves only at the specific locations where wire support is needed. This localized approach maintains pole simplicity elsewhere while providing adequate wire support functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple horizontal cuts and vertical grooves are provided on poles for wire insertion, then manufacturing is simplified, but wires may easily exit due to vegetation displacement from wind
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by providing not just the insertion path but also pre-configured retention features within the recessed grooves. The grooves are designed with specific geometries that naturally prevent wire exit, and may include preliminary securing mechanisms such as notches, ledges, or expansion features that lock the wire in place before vegetation displacement forces can act upon it.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed groove design provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protected recessed space that absorbs and mitigates the forces transmitted to the wire from vegetation movement. The recessed structure acts as a buffer, preventing direct transmission of wind-induced vegetation displacement forces that would otherwise cause simple surface wires to easily exit.
4Reliability
If wire carrier devices are applied on the outer surface of poles with arms and clamping elements, then wire support is achieved, but overall dimensions increase and protrude from the pole creating hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the wire carrier function directly into the pole structure itself through recessed grooves that are an integral part of the pole. This eliminates the need for separate wire carrier devices with arms and clamping elements that would protrude from the pole surface, thereby removing the hazard to agricultural operations while maintaining wire support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire support structure is nested within the pole surface through recessed grooves, rather than extending outward as separate components. The wire carrier function is embedded into the pole's own structure, with wires nested within the recessed grooves, eliminating external protrusions that could interfere with harvesting operations.
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 stable, cost-effective, and reliable wire support with minimal interference during agricultural operations, ensuring easy installation and adjustment to different pole shapes and sizes, while reducing production costs and malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
A single-piece, elastically deformable wire support device with a hook-like structure that securely attaches to agricultural poles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved device for supporting wires for supporting vegetation of plants, preferably orchards and especially vineyards. In particular, the invention relates to a hook to be applied to an agricultural pole, that is particularly versatile, easy to use and cost-effective to produce. The invention also relates to an agricultural pole comprising such hook and to a method and a plant for supporting plants in rows comprising the implementation of said pole with hook.