Garden Sensor Device Edging Wire Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden sensor devices face challenges in securely fixing edging wires to substrates and ensuring reliable power supply while minimizing additional fixing elements, and they lack efficient mechanisms for environmental parameter detection and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The garden sensor device incorporates a receiving unit for secure edging wire fixation, a power supply interface for wireless or wired energy transmission, and multiple sensor elements for detecting various garden-specific parameters, along with an evaluation unit for data processing and communication with autonomous gardening devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fixing elements are used to securely attach edging wires to substrates, then the reliability of wire fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of edging wire fixationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the edging wire receiving function and the power supply function into a single integrated unit. The receiving unit has a U-shaped cross-section that forms a receiving recess for the edging wire, while also incorporating a power supply interface that establishes electrical connection when the edging wire is inserted. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixing elements and power connection components, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically receives and secures the edging wire through its U-shaped structure, provides electrical power through the integrated power supply interface, and establishes electrical connection between the edging wire and the sensor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and device complexity.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for power supply and wire fixation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidquantity of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply interface and edging wire receiving structure into a single integrated receiving unit with a U-shaped cross-section. This integration reduces the total quantity of components while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the unified structure can be produced as a single piece or pre-assembled module, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the reduction in component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the power supply interface is integrated with the receiving unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply interface is integrated into the receiving unit, which has a U-shaped cross-section forming a receiving recess. The electrical contacts are positioned within this recess such that proper electrical connection is automatically established when the edging wire is inserted into the recess. This integration reduces device complexity while the self-aligning nature of the recess structure minimizes the impact of manufacturing precision variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving recess is designed with tolerances that accommodate normal manufacturing variations. The U-shaped structure provides a forgiving geometry that ensures reliable electrical connection and mechanical retention even when manufacturing precision varies within acceptable ranges, thereby cushioning against the effects of manufacturing tolerances.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3165075B1Garden sensor device
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3165075B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3165075B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3165075B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a garden sensor device comprising at least one sensor unit (12a; 12b) for detecting at least one garden-specific parameter, at least one base body (14a; 14b) on which the sensor unit (12a; 12b) is arranged, at least one fixing unit (16a; 16b) for fixing the base body (14a; 14b) to a substrate (18a), and at least one power supply interface (20a; 20b) for connecting to a edging wire (22a) for powering the sensor unit (12a; 12b). It is proposed that the garden sensor device comprise at least one receiving unit (24a; 24b) by means of which the edging wire (22a) can be attached to the base body (14a; 14b) and/or to the fixing unit (16a; 16b).