Resilient Grid Collection Container with Adjustable Mesh

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collection containers for picking up fruits and similar objects from the ground are cumbersome to adapt to different objects due to the time-consuming process of mounting or dismounting wires or adjusting resilient bristles, which affects their operability and applicability.

Innovation Solution

A collection container with a resilient grid that can be adjusted by local deformation to change the mesh-width or opening angle, allowing for easy adaptation to various object sizes by repositioning interlaced grid structures supported by hub components, enabling efficient collection through rolling over the objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wires are mounted or dismounted to/from the basket to adapt to different objects, then the collection container can be adapted to different object sizes, but the process is cumbersome and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different object sizesVSAvoidtime for mounting or dismounting wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the grid structure adjustable and reconfigurable during operation. The grid elements can be dynamically repositioned to change mesh width and opening angle, allowing the collection container to adapt to different object sizes without requiring complete disassembly or mounting of components. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the grid's physical parameters (mesh width, opening angle) through repositioning of grid elements. These parameter changes enable the collection container to accommodate various object sizes by adjusting the grid configuration, thereby achieving adaptability without the time-consuming process of mounting or dismounting entire wire structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of resilient bristles is altered to change the resilient force, then the property of the container's opening can be adjusted, but this requires accessible modification of individual bristles which is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of container opening propertiesVSAvoidease of modifying bristle configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grid into multiple independent or semi-independent elements that can be repositioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment of the grid configuration by moving individual elements rather than modifying the entire bristle structure, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability of the container opening properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a grid structure where the same elements can serve multiple functions: maintaining structural integrity, providing resilient force, and enabling adjustable opening properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate modification processes, making the adjustment of container opening properties easier while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a fixed mesh structure is used, then the container structure is simple, but it cannot be easily adapted to different object sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of container structureVSAvoidadaptability to different object sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing dynamic adjustability to the mesh structure. The grid elements can be repositioned to change mesh width and opening angle, providing adaptability to different object sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure. The dynamic capability is achieved through straightforward repositioning mechanisms rather than complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the principle of flexible structures by using a resilient grid that can deform and be repositioned. This flexible grid structure allows for easy adjustment of mesh parameters while maintaining structural integrity, achieving adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity. The flexibility enables the same simple structure to serve multiple object size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 adjustable mesh-width and opening angle enhance the collection container's operability and applicability, allowing for efficient collection of objects by easily adapting to different sizes and shapes, improving the overall functionality and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the resilient grid is operable to be forced against the object to be collected to thereby, locally change a pre-set mesh-width or opening angle of the resilient grid by local resilient grid deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3294051B1Collection container and collecting device
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3294051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3294051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3294051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Collection container (3) for collecting an object from the ground by passing the object through a resilient grid (10, 11) operable to be forced against the object to thereby, locally change a pre-set mesh-width (W) of the grid (10, 11) by resilient grid deformation generating a passage for penetrating therethrough the object the grid (10, 11) comprising a first grid structure (10) and a second grid structure (11), configured and attached to be repositionable relative to each other such that the mesh-width (W) can be set to at least a maximal (2W) and minimal mesh-width (W) by repositioning at least one of the first (10) and second grid structure (11).