Knitted Mesh Crop Netting with Segmented Yarn Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop protection netting technologies are either non-stretchable or excessively knotted, leading to weight issues that can damage delicate plant foliage and restrict growth, while also being inefficient in insect exclusion, particularly for fruit trees.

Innovation Solution

A knitted mesh construction with yarns that follow an approximate zig-zag path, forming intersections with connecting yarn portions that extend linearly and are free of knots, allowing for stretchability and reduced weight, and optionally incorporating reflective or radiation-absorbing materials for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing crop protection netting uses continuous knitting or knotting at all sides of mesh apertures, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and stretchability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidnetting weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The netting is divided into discrete mesh apertures with specific aperture portions that are not continuously knitted or knotted. By segmenting the continuous structure into discrete, spaced-apart connection points at mesh corners, the netting achieves structural integrity while reducing overall weight and enabling stretchability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If existing crop protection netting uses continuous knitting or knotting at all sides of mesh apertures, then structural strength is improved, but stretchability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstretchability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The netting structure incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing mesh apertures to deform and expand under stress. The non-continuously knitted aperture portions enable the mesh to stretch and adapt to growing plants, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing crop protection netting uses dense knotting construction, then insect exclusion efficiency is improved, but weight increases and plant damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect exclusion efficiencyVSAvoidplant foliage damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the netting have different properties: the connecting portions at mesh corners provide structural strength and insect exclusion, while the aperture portions between corners are left open and flexible to reduce weight and allow plant growth. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between protection and plant safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The netting parameters are optimized by controlling mesh aperture size to be small enough for insect exclusion but large enough to allow light and air penetration. The connection density and yarn thickness are adjusted to achieve the right balance between strength, weight, and flexibility to prevent plant damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a lightweight, stretchable crop protection netting that effectively excludes insects and accommodates plant growth, reducing the risk of damage to foliage and enhancing fruit production by preventing pollination, as demonstrated by trials showing a higher proportion of seedless fruit.

Implementation Method 1

knitted such that at yarn intersections in the netting multiple yarns of which the netting is formed are knitted around each other to define the netting mesh apertures so that the netting is stretchable in multiple directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

optionally incorporating reflective or radiation-absorbing materials for enhanced protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

optionally incorporating reflective or radiation-absorbing materials for enhanced protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10750679B2Crop protection netting

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 NINE IP

AI summary

Crop protection netting for covering trees or other plants for insect and bird exclusion is of a knitted mesh construction, comprising knit intersections in the netting and connecting yarn portions between the yarn intersections which extend substantially linearly between intersections. The netting is lightweight and stretchable in multiple directions.