Pivoting Fence Panel Support Structures for Space-Efficient Planting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plant containers occupy valuable space when not in use, as they are often left empty after seasonal plants have finished flowering or vegetables have been harvested, and there is a need for a space-efficient solution that allows for multi-tiered planting.
Innovation Solution
A fence panel with pivotally connected support structures that can rotate between a closed and open position, allowing for plant support in an open position and integrating as a screen in a closed position, utilizing a flexible retaining member to maintain the open position and support plants in a multi-tiered arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional containers are used for planting, then planting functionality is provided, but valuable garden space is occupied when containers are left empty after seasonal plants have finished flowering or vegetables have been harvested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fence structure with integrated support structures that can function as plant supports when needed and fold away when not needed. The support structures are attached to the fence panel, merging the fencing function with the plant support function into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate containers that occupy space when empty
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are designed to be movable between an extended position for supporting plants and a retracted position for saving space. The pivotal connection allows the support structures to rotate between these positions, enabling dynamic adaptation to different usage requirements and eliminating the waste of garden space when plants are not in use
2Adaptability or versatility
If support structures are added to fence panels for plant support, then multi-tiered planting capability is provided, but structural complexity of the fence panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fence panel is divided into functional modules: the main fence panel structure and separate attachable support structures. Each support structure can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing multi-tiered planting capability while maintaining the simplicity of the base fence structure. The segmented design enables adding functionality without complicating the entire fence system
3Area of stationary object
If support structures are made movable between closed and open positions, then space efficiency is improved, but reliability of plant support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means are pre-configured to automatically engage when the support structures are extended to their working position. This preliminary action ensures that once the support structures are deployed for plant support, they are automatically secured in place, providing reliable support without requiring continuous active retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means act as an intermediary mechanism between the movable support structures and the fence panel. This intermediary component provides the necessary connection and retention force to ensure the support structures remain stable and reliable in their extended position while still allowing easy movement between positions
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a fence panel and in particular to a fence panel that includes one or more support structures for supporting plants. A fence panel comprises a frame including a pair of upright frame members and a pair of rails, the rails extending between the upright frame members, and the frame defining a plane of the fence panel; a screen attached to the frame; and one or more support structures pivotally connected to the frame, an axis of rotation of said pivotal connection being substantially horizontal and said pivotal connection being proximate an edge of the support structure, wherein the or each support structure is rotatable about said pivotal connection between a closed position and an open position, an angle between the support structure and the plane of the fence panel being greater in the open position than in the closed position.