Greenhouse Table Profile Clamping Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cultivation and transport tables in greenhouses face issues with screw connections loosening under heavy forces, leading to instability and potential damage, and require significant storage space when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A method of constructing cultivation and transport tables using separate profiles with a clamping connection and a secondary connecting element, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, providing a stable connection under heavy forces and reducing storage volume by up to 95%.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If screw connections are used to connect frame parts, then assembly is easy, but the connections come loose under heavy forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent parts: a clamping connection for initial assembly and a secondary connecting element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the clamping connection provides easy assembly while the secondary element ensures reliability under heavy forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping connection performs the preliminary action of bringing the frame parts into close proximity and maintaining assembly alignment. This preliminary clamping enables the subsequent insertion and securing of the secondary connecting element, ensuring proper positioning before final fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If welded connections are used to prevent loosening, then connection stability is improved, but assembly becomes complex and storage space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single welded connection, the system segments the connection into a clamping mechanism and a secondary securing element. This segmentation provides welded-level stability while maintaining disassemblability, reducing assembly complexity compared to traditional welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic, multi-stage connection process. The clamping connection allows for adjustment and positioning, while the secondary element provides final securing, enabling both stability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tables are stored without load, then they are ready for reuse, but they occupy significant storage space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for reuseVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table is segmented into separable frame parts that can be disconnected and stored in a compact configuration. This segmentation reduces storage volume by up to 95% while maintaining the ability to quickly reassemble the table for reuse, enhancing adaptability between storage and operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2278871B1Method of constructing a cultivation and/or transport table, and cultivation and/or transport table
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 TOTAAL TECHNIEK FRANS VAN ZAAL
  • EP2278871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2278871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2278871B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method for constructing a cultivation and/or transport table, wherein a first and a second profile are interconnected at an angle, preferably an approximately straight angle, for forming a cultivation and/or transport table frame, wherein the first profile and the second profile are interconnected with the aid of a connecting element, and a profile part of the first profile engages behind a profile part of the second profile.