Multi-Hold Irrigation Ground Spike for Faster Micro Tube Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro irrigation systems are difficult to set up and install due to the need for multiple components and time-consuming operations, making them cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional ground spike with various holding portions for different diameters of tubes and hoses, including a micro tube grip, irrigation connector attachment, and outlet component mounting, designed to simplify setup and reduce component complexity, along with a needle-driven irrigation connector for fluid communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to hold different tubes and hoses, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground spike is designed with multiple holding portions that can accommodate different types of irrigation components (micro tubes, supply hoses, connectors, outlet components) with different diameters. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

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

2Reliability

If traditional irrigation system components are used, then system functionality is achieved, but setup and installation become time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple holding functions into a single ground spike structure with different holding portions for various components. By merging these functions into one integrated component rather than requiring separate components for each function, the installation process is simplified and time is reduced while maintaining all necessary system functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single ground spike design is used for all components, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to hold different diameter tubes and hoses effectively is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ground spike incorporates holding portions with different geometries and dimensions tailored to specific component types. Each holding portion has local characteristics (size, shape, grip mechanism) optimized for its intended component, allowing the single spike to effectively hold different diameter tubes and hoses while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through an integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3277075B1Irrigation system ground spike
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 EXEL INDUSTRIES SA
  • EP3277075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277075B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An irrigation system ground spike (5) for securing at least one component of an irrigation system. The ground spike (5) comprises a spike portion (52) for penetrating soil to hold the ground spike (5) in position and at least two holding portions (53, 54, 55, 56, 57). Each holding portion (53, 54, 55, 56, 57) for holding a respective component of an irrigation system wherein a first of two holding portions differs from a second of two portions as such facilitating the use of the spike (5) for selectively securing respective different components.