Overhead Grape Trellis Grid for Multi-Axial Canopy Harvesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trellis systems for grape cultivation lack an overhead grid of training wires, restricting vine growth, sunlight exposure, and air circulation, which limits canopy management and fruit quality, and are not conducive to efficient mechanical harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A trellis system featuring an overhead grid of parallel, cross, and oblique wires, supported by vertical posts and endposts, allowing multi-axial vine training with enhanced support and space utilization, facilitating efficient harvesting of dry-on-the-vine grapes using specialized mechanical shakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional trellis systems without overhead grid are used, then installation is straightforward and machine harvesting is facilitated, but vine growth is restricted, sunlight exposure is limited, and air circulation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional vertical plane trellis system to a three-dimensional overhead grid system. Parallel wires run horizontally above the vines, cross wires run perpendicular to them, creating a spatial framework that allows vines to grow in multiple directions while maximizing sunlight exposure from above and improved air circulation through the canopy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead grid is segmented into distinct functional components: parallel wires for primary vine support and horizontal training, cross wires for vertical support and cordon positioning, and oblique wires for additional structural stability. This segmentation allows each wire type to perform its specific function while collectively solving the sunlight exposure and air circulation problems.
2Reliability
If overhead grid of training wires is incorporated, then vine support is improved, sunlight exposure is enhanced, and air circulation is improved, but structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the overhead grid dimension, the system provides vine support in three-dimensional space rather than just a vertical plane. The parallel, cross, and oblique wires work together to distribute mechanical loads, improving vine support stability while the open grid structure maintains simplicity in individual wire functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wire configurations provide localized support qualities: parallel wires offer continuous horizontal support for vine training, cross wires provide discrete vertical support points for cordons, and oblique wires add localized diagonal bracing where needed. This localized quality approach improves overall reliability without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire structure.
3Productivity
If multi-axial arrangement of cordons is used, then canopy management is improved and fruit quality is enhanced, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axial cordon arrangement utilizes the three-dimensional overhead grid space, allowing cordons to extend in multiple directions (parallel, cross, and oblique axes) rather than being confined to a single vertical plane. This enables better canopy management by distributing foliage and fruit loads across different spatial dimensions, improving light penetration and air flow while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead grid structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the multi-axial cordon arrangement for improved canopy management, facilitates machine harvesting by creating clear passage ways, and provides structural stability. This multi-functionality addresses productivity improvements while mitigating operation complexity through design integration.
4Device complexity
If vines are restricted to vertical growth, then trellis structure is simple, but exposure to sunlight and air circulation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead grid introduces horizontal and diagonal dimensions to vine growth patterns, allowing canes to extend laterally along parallel wires and be positioned at various heights using cross and oblique wires. This three-dimensional growth arrangement creates gaps in the canopy for improved air circulation, reducing disease risk while maintaining structural simplicity through modular wire installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A trellis and DOV grape growing system utilized for grape vines, featuring an overhead training wire system that allows for the positioning of canes in a multi-quadrant arrangement. The canes are supported by posts positioned along adjacent rows of vines. The system includes a network of training wires which allow the canes to be directed in multi-axial directions from each vine. The trellis system allows the grapes to desiccate under solar warmth while on the vine, thus forming raisins. The DOV grapes may then be efficiently harvested by a vehicle having a canopy-shaking apparatus passing under the trellis canopy.