Plant Tunnel Connecting Element With Rotatable Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant tunnel systems lack effective and stable ventilation solutions, leading to inadequate air circulation and complexity in covering larger areas.
Innovation Solution
A plant tunnel element with adjustable connecting elements that allow secure and stable connection and height adjustment of tunnel elements, creating ventilation openings for improved air circulation by inclining the tunnel elements and using rotatable latching mechanisms for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plant tunnel elements are simply plugged together, then the structure is simple and easy to assemble, but ventilation is insufficient and air circulation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates a rotatable end area that can be adjusted between a horizontal transport position and an inclined ventilation position. This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to serve both assembly simplicity and ventilation effectiveness, with the rotation enabling controlled opening of ventilation apertures when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between tunnel elements, enables height adjustment, creates ventilation openings, and allows positional stabilization. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating ventilation capability into the connection mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate ventilation components.
2Reliability
If ventilation openings are created by lifting tunnel elements, then air circulation improves, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable end area provides controlled movement between stable positions (horizontal for transport, inclined for ventilation). The rotation mechanism allows the structure to transition between states while maintaining stability in each position, preventing the structural deterioration that would result from continuous lifting or unstable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the tunnel element body and the ground/support structure. It mediates the transition from stable horizontal positioning to stable inclined positioning, allowing ventilation without compromising overall structural integrity through its rotational bearing and positioning mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple plant tunnel elements are lined up to cover larger areas, then coverage area increases, but ventilation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel system is divided into modular elements with standardized connecting elements at each end. Each connecting element independently provides ventilation capability, so that ventilation is distributed across multiple simple units rather than requiring a complex centralized system. This segmentation allows scalable coverage while maintaining simple ventilation at each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element design is universal and can be applied to all tunnel elements in the lineup. Each connecting element independently provides both connection and ventilation functions, eliminating the need for additional ventilation components as the system scales. This universality ensures that ventilation complexity does not increase with coverage area.
4Reliability
If the connecting element allows height adjustment, then ventilation opening size improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable end area provides height adjustment through rotation rather than through multiple discrete height settings or complex mechanisms. A single rotational degree of freedom enables continuous adjustment of the ventilation opening size while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as it requires only a bearing and positioning features rather than multiple connecting components.
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
Ensures simple, cost-effective, and stable ventilation across multiple connected plant tunnel elements, enhancing air circulation by allowing adjustable ventilation openings and maintaining structural stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
the first connecting element is rotatably mounted about an axis that extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis L of the plant tunnel element
Implementation Method 2
the warm air rises upwards in the direction of the opening in the plant tunnel element and can at the same time flow through the openings between the bottom edges of the plant tunnel element and the ground
Implementation Method 3
the first connecting element has a plurality of latching elements arranged one above the other and the second connecting device also has at least one further latching element, wherein when the first connecting element moves, the first latching elements and the at least one second latching element latch into one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plant tunnel element (1a), a plant tunnel system, and a method for covering plants, wherein the plant tunnel element (1a) can be connected to a further plant tunnel element at at least one end region (7a). A first connecting element (2a) is arranged at a first end region (7a) of the plant tunnel element (1a), via which the plant tunnel element (1a) can be connected to a second connecting element (10b) of the further plant tunnel element, and via which the height (h2) of the end region (7a) of the plant tunnel element (1a) can be adjusted relative to the height (h1) of the further plant tunnel element (1b) for ventilation purposes.