Mole Barrier Grid with Transverse Prongs for Lawn Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for deterring moles, such as scent repellents and mole nets, are inefficient and can be easily penetrated, requiring significant effort and potentially damaging lawns, while existing barrier devices may obstruct lawn mowers and are not species-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A mole-repelling barrier device featuring a grid system with transverse mandrels and thorns that can be installed on the surface without excavation, allowing plants to overgrow and blend in, while preventing moles from digging through due to grid openings less than 20mm and stable grid structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mole nets are used to prevent moles from burrowing, then mole penetration is prevented, but installation effort increases and nets can be chewed through

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemole penetration preventionVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible grid structure made of thin bars that can be easily laid and adapted to ground contours. The grid maintains its protective function while being significantly easier to install than traditional mole nets, as it requires minimal preparation and can be simply placed on the ground surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The grid combines multiple thin bars into a composite structure that provides both flexibility for easy installation and sufficient strength to resist mole penetration. The interconnected bar structure creates a rigid yet adaptable framework that outperforms single-material net solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If barrier devices are installed to prevent mole damage, then lawn protection is achieved, but lawn mower accessibility is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelawn protectionVSAvoidlawn mower accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thin bar grid structure allows lawn mowers to pass over it without obstruction. The grid's flexible and minimal-profile design enables mowers to traverse the protected area freely while the grid remains in place to prevent mole damage, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If grids are used instead of nets, then mole gnawing resistance increases, but structural stability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemole gnawing resistanceVSAvoidgrid structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The grid structure combines multiple thin bars into a composite framework that provides both gnawing resistance and structural stability. The interconnected geometry of the grid creates a stable configuration that maintains its integrity while remaining flexible enough for easy installation and adaptation to ground conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3039965B1Blocking device, in particular for repelling moles, and use of and method for laying it
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 LEY UWE
  • EP3039965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3039965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3039965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a barrier device (1), in particular for keeping moles out, which can therefore also be called a mole barrier. To provide a barrier device that aims in particular to at least partially or completely avoid the limitations of conventional mole barriers, it is proposed that the barrier device (1) comprise at least one grid (2) which has grid bars (4) bordering grid openings (3), wherein prongs (5) are attached to the grid (2), in particular to grid bars (4), each prong (5) extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the grid (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a use or a method for installing the barrier device.To simplify the installation of the locking device according to the invention, it is proposed that the one or more grids (2) with downward-pointing spikes (5) be placed on a surface (18), in particular on soil or on a lawn, and pressed into it.