Modular Ground Cover System with Pivoting Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing vegetation growth under fences are either ineffective due to thin walls and elasticity or require complex and expensive mowing processes, and they do not offer practical and stress-free assembly options.
Innovation Solution
A ground covering system with rectangular holders and strip-shaped panels that use indentations with guides and hooks for easy assembly, allowing for adjustable lengths and widths, and can be connected to cuffs with pivoting brackets to accommodate different terrain and fence configurations, ensuring a vegetation-free zone without chemical agents or extensive mowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thin-walled elastic ground cover strips are used, then the assembly is simple and flexible, but the effectiveness in preventing vegetation growth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ground cover system is divided into modular components: individual ground cover panels (2x1m) connected by brackets (30cm spacing), allowing each segment to function independently while collectively forming a complete barrier. This segmentation enables both ease of assembly and effective vegetation prevention through distributed structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different materials with complementary properties: flexible ground cover panels for vegetation blocking, rigid brackets for structural support and connection, and metal fasteners for secure assembly. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the flexibility needed for simple assembly with the rigidity required for effective vegetation prevention.
2Reliability
If rigid fence seals are used to effectively prevent vegetation growth, then the vegetation prevention effectiveness is high, but the assembly becomes complex and requires precise fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid fence seal is divided into manageable panels (2x1m) connected by standardized brackets, transforming a complex continuous installation into simple modular assembly. Each panel-bracket unit can be independently positioned and secured, maintaining effective vegetation prevention while dramatically simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates adjustment capabilities and flexible connection points, allowing the rigid structure to adapt to varying fence configurations and terrain conditions. This dynamic element enables precise fitting for effective vegetation blocking without requiring complex custom fabrication for each installation scenario.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ground cover panels are tightly fixed to cuffs, then the structural stability is high, but the ability to accommodate terrain variations and fence layout changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket connection system incorporates movable joints and adjustment mechanisms that maintain secure attachment while allowing the ground cover panels to adapt to terrain gradients and fence layout variations. The brackets can be positioned at different angles and heights, providing structural stability for vegetation prevention while accommodating environmental variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of key parameters including bracket spacing (30cm standard), panel orientation, and connection tension. These parameter variations enable the same structural system to maintain stability across different terrain conditions and fence configurations, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adaptive versatility.
4Productivity
If ground cover panels are made long to reduce the number of connections, then the assembly speed increases, but the stress concentration at connection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground cover is divided into panels of optimal length (2m) connected by standardized brackets every 30cm. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple connection points rather than concentrating them, while the modular design maintains efficient assembly speed through repetitive, simple connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary element between ground cover panels, providing a robust connection mechanism that distributes loads and stresses. This intermediary component strengthens the connection points while allowing for quick assembly through standardized attachment procedures, resolving the contradiction between panel length, assembly speed, and connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A ground cover for preventing growth along fences (1) having posts (2, 3) has two-part sleeves (4, 17) at the ground-side end of the posts (2, 3). The sleeves (4, 17) of directly adjacent posts (2, 3) are force-locked or form-locked with cover strips, for example plastic grass mats, or with strip-shaped ground covering boards (9, 9'). Holders (7, 8; 10, 11; 19, 20) are provided on the sleeves (4, 17) as the form-locking connections. The cover strips or ground covering boards (9, 9') can be pushed onto, slid onto or inserted into the holders (7, 8; 10, 11; 19, 20). In the latter case, closure plates (13) are provided which are inserted in guides (12) of the holders (7, 8; 10, 11; 19, 20) on the inserted free ends of the ground covering boards (9, 9').