Rotating Arm Plant Protection Device with Solar Net Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant protection systems are cumbersome, costly, and labor-intensive to operate, often obstructing agricultural vehicle passage and being unsuitable for uneven terrain, with complex unwinding/winding mechanisms and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular protective device with rotating arms and a tubular crossbar system that allows easy deployment and reconfiguration, featuring a motorized net unwinding mechanism and rainwater collection, enabling remote operation and energy independence through solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed supporting structures with vertical poles and cables are used to support protection nets, then the nets can remain spread out above plants, but the structures hamper or prevent the passage of agricultural vehicles and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed supporting structures with movable supporting poles that can be positioned at different locations. The poles are no longer fixed in place but can be moved along the rows of plants, allowing agricultural vehicles to pass freely while maintaining net support functionality. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction between stable net support and vehicle accessibility.
2Reliability
If complex unwinding/winding systems are used to deploy and retrieve protection nets, then the nets can be positioned correctly, but the systems are bulky, impractical to operate, and costly to produce and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex unwinding/winding systems entirely from the net deployment mechanism. Instead of using mechanical reels or winches, the nets are simply held in position by the movable supporting poles and crossbars. This simplification eliminates the bulky and costly equipment while maintaining adequate net positioning capability for protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a system where the nets are automatically positioned and supported by the movable poles and crossbars without requiring separate unwinding or winding mechanisms. The structure itself provides the necessary support and positioning functions, eliminating the need for additional complex deployment equipment.
3Reliability
If manual equipment is used to unwind or wind the nets, then the nets can be positioned correctly, but considerable time and skilled labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a system where the movable supporting poles and crossbars automatically position and support the nets without requiring manual unwinding or winding operations. The simplified structure allows for rapid deployment and retrieval by simply moving the poles, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining reliable net positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated systems are produced for each installation, then the device can be optimized for specific conditions, but the production and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the protection system into modular components: individual supporting poles, crossbars, and nets that can be independently positioned and configured. This modular approach allows the system to be adapted to different field sizes and plant configurations using standardized components, eliminating the need for custom-designed dedicated systems for each installation while maintaining optimization capabilities.
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 device simplifies operation and installation, allows passage of agricultural vehicles, adapts to varying terrain, and provides effective protection against hail, rain, and insects while storing and distributing rainwater, reducing labor and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
energy independence through solar panels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting plants (P), crop fields or other fields, from natural events of a destructive nature, comprising supporting poles (10), a crossbar (20) supported by said supporting poles (10), first arms (40) rotatable between a closed position, in which they are substantially parallel to the poles (10) or perpendicular to the ground, and an open position in which they project from the poles (10) on one side of the device (1) and at least a first net (30) that can be moved away from said crossbar (20) and/or downward, said net (30) being available in a gathered position, in which it is at least partially wound or gathered in proximity of the crossbar (20), or in a spread out position, in which it is at least partially spread out on top of the first arms (40) to cover the goods to be protected, said first arms (40) being able to engage the net (30) to be shifted between the closed position and the open position when the net (30) is unwound or wound between the gathered condition and the spread out condition.