Motorized Fence Wire Tensioning Unit with Adjustable Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing wire fences are time-consuming and prone to inconsistency in wire tension, with existing devices often requiring impractical and imprecise tensioning mechanisms, especially in challenging terrain, and can result in wire tangling if not properly secured.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for dispensing and tensioning fence wire that includes a support frame with a rotational reel support and an adjustable tensioning unit, featuring a drive unit and motorized winch to apply tension uniformly, allowing for precise control and horizontal and vertical adjustments of the wire position relative to fence posts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manual tensioning methods are used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but wire tension consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire tension consistencyVSAvoidtensioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning unit is designed to be manually adjustable by the operator without requiring complex automated systems. The adjustable arm and winch mechanism allow the operator to directly control and maintain consistent wire tension through simple manual operations, eliminating the need for sophisticated automated tensioning systems while achieving uniform tension results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If multiple wires are dispensed simultaneously from a vertical spindle, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but wire tangling occurs when wires are not properly secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidwire security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus secures each wire to the dispensing mechanism before the dispensing process begins. The horizontal arm positioning system and clamping mechanism ensure wires are firmly attached to the horizontal arm before simultaneous dispensing starts, preventing any tangling or loosening during the high-speed multi-wire dispensing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If a towing vehicle is used to provide tensioning force, then tensioning capability is achieved, but operational precision deteriorates due to vehicle movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning forceVSAvoidtension adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning function is extracted from the towing vehicle and integrated into a dedicated tensioning unit mounted on the dispensing apparatus. This separate, specialized tensioning unit provides precise control over wire tension through its winch mechanism and adjustable arm, eliminating the imprecision caused by vehicle movement while maintaining adequate tensioning force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If wires are tensioned at an offset distance from fence posts, then dispensing mechanism simplicity is maintained, but installation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing mechanism simplicityVSAvoidwire positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning arm is designed to be adjustable in position and angle, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different wire positions and fence post locations. This adjustability enables the simple dispensing mechanism to achieve precise wire positioning by moving the tensioning point closer to or farther from the fence posts as needed, rather than being fixed at a single offset position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables efficient and consistent wire tensioning along fence lines, reducing installation time and minimizing wire tangling, while allowing for precise adjustments to ensure proper wire alignment and tension across varied terrain.

Implementation Method 1

The tensioning winch may be driven by the motor. The tensioning winch may support a cable having a first end attached to the tensioning winch and a second end attached to a fastener. The fastener may be adapted to selectively secure the fence wire thereto. The motor may rotate the tensioning winch to apply tension to the fence wire secured to the fastener.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10837196B2Apparatus and method for dispensing and tensioning fence wire
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 COWAN WILLIAM QUENTIN
  • US10837196B2 patent drawing
  • US10837196B2 patent drawing
  • US10837196B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for dispensing and tensioning fence wire, the apparatus comprising a support frame extending along a longitudinal length between a front and a rear, the frame adapted to be moved along a path proximate to the fence to be formed and a rotational support adapted to rotatably support at least one reel of fence wire thereon, an adjustable tensioning unit adapted to be selectively secured to a fence wire and a drive unit wherein the drive unit is adapted to selectively control the tensioning unit to apply tension to the fence wire. The method comprising rotatably supporting at least one reel of fence wire on a rotational support, securing a first end of the fence wire to one of a plurality of fence posts and moving the frame along a path proximate to the fence to be formed, dispensing the fence wire along the path. Securing an adjustable tensioning unit to a second end of the fence wire, selectively controlling the tensioning unit to apply tension to the fence wire and securing a second end of the fence wire to one of the plurality of fence posts.