U-Shaped End Post With Inverted Hooks For Vineyard Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end posts for viticulture and orchards pose a risk of injury and machinery damage due to hooks protruding perpendicularly beyond the metal profile, and have instability issues with wire tensioning and attachment.
Innovation Solution
The hooks are arranged on the open side of the metal profile, bent towards it, and formed at 80-100° to reduce the risk of injury and machinery damage, while being welded for increased stability and secure attachment of wires without additional brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hooks protrude perpendicularly beyond the metal profile width, then wire hanging capability is improved, but risk of injury and machinery damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional hook orientation by bending hooks toward the open side of the U-shaped profile rather than the closed side, and positioning them within the profile width boundaries. This reversal of the traditional design resolves the contradiction by maintaining wire hanging functionality while eliminating the protruding hazard that caused injuries and machinery damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional requirements of different parts of the end post. The hooks are positioned within the profile width at the open side where they can effectively hang wires, while the closed side maintains its structural integrity without protruding elements. This localized differentiation allows the hooks to perform their function without creating safety hazards.
2Ease of manufacture
If hooks are bent at 45°, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but wire tensioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of hook bending angle from the conventional 45° to a range of 80-100° (preferably 90°). This parameter change fundamentally improves wire tensioning stability by creating a perpendicular or near-perpendicular attachment point that better distributes mechanical loads, while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If hooks are arranged at maximum width extension, then wire attachment area is improved, but stability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning hooks on the open side of the U-shaped profile rather than symmetrically at the maximum width extension. This asymmetric placement within the profile boundaries creates a more stable structural configuration that better resists lateral loads from wire tension, while still providing adequate attachment area for wire installation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
End stake (1) comprises a U-shaped metal profile (2) and several rods (6) that extend through the metal profile and are provided on their free ends with hooks (7) that do not extend over the width of the metal profile perpendicular to the direction of pull. Preferred Features: The rods are round rods and their free ends are bent by 80-100, preferably 90[deg] to form hooks. The rods are welded to the metal profile.