Pole-Cover Cap Rotating Locking Element for Ridge Wire Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop cover systems require complex and time-consuming locking mechanisms for securing wires and ropes to pole-cover caps, which complicates installation and maintenance, and lacks adjustable pressure for proper tensioning of the ridge wire.
Innovation Solution
A pole-cover cap with a hollow body and a fixing assembly featuring a rotating locking element that compresses the ridge wire, allowing partial fixing during installation and adjustable pressure, simplifying the assembly and enabling easy reversibility for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw elements, washers, and nuts are used to secure the ridge wire to the pole-cover cap, then the wire can be firmly fixed, but the number of components increases and the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing components (screw element, washer, and locking mechanism) into an integrated rotating locking element. This single component performs the functions of traditional separate parts, reducing the total number of elements required while maintaining secure fixation of the ridge wire to the pole-cover cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a screw element for threading into the pole-cover cap, provides a washer-like bearing surface for the ridge wire, and incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent loosening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If the ridge wire is completely locked to the pole-cover cap during installation, then the wire is securely fixed, but loosening locking elements later for tensioning is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating locking element transitions from a locked state during installation to an unlocked state during maintenance. The dynamic design allows the element to be rotated into a locked position to secure the wire initially, then rotated back to an unlocked position to release the wire for tensioning, enabling quick adjustment without complex loosening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the ridge wire in its initial position after installation. This preliminary locking action secures the wire during the installation process, and the same mechanism can be easily reversed later to release the wire for tensioning, eliminating the need for time-consuming loosening operations.
3Reliability
If a snap plug is used to lock the ridge wire during installation, then the wire can be held in place, but the plug becomes difficult to remove and replacement of cover elements is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating locking element provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged through rotation, unlike a static snap plug. This allows the ridge wire to be securely locked during installation and easily released when replacement or maintenance is needed, significantly improving ease of repair.
4Reliability
If a snap plug is used to fix the ridge wire, then the wire can be locked, but adjustable pressure on the wire cannot be exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating locking element allows for dynamic adjustment of pressure on the ridge wire. By rotating the element to different positions, the operator can control the degree of compression applied to the wire, enabling both initial locking and subsequent tensioning to achieve optimal pressure levels.
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 simplifies the fixing process, allows for proper tensioning of the ridge wire without structural issues, and facilitates easy disassembly and replacement of cover elements, reducing operational complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
a first locking element (7) capable of fixing a ridge wire to the cap... compresses the ridge wire on the recess
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pole-cover cap, which can be associated with the head of support poles for crop covers, comprising a shaped hollow body (3) and a fixing assembly (4) of a cover. Such fixing assembly (4) comprising a plurality of locking elements (6) coupled to each other and each dedicated to the fixing of corresponding components of the cover, among which there is a first locking element (7) capable of fixing a ridge wire to the pole-cover cap (1). Such shaped body (3) instead comprises a groove (9) for the passage of the ridge wire and a recess (12) shaped to accommodate the first locking element (7) therein. Furthermore, the side surface (14) of the first locking element (7) has a first shaping (15) and the corresponding inner surface (17) of the recess (12) has a second shaping (18) such as to allow the mutual coupling thereof by rotation.