Segmented Weed Prevention Device for Vineyard Stem Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Weeds around plant growths in vine cultivation can hinder plant growth, spread diseases, and lead to water loss, affecting overall plant health.

Innovation Solution

A weed prevention facility comprising a recording section for the plant base and an ambient section that surrounds the recording section, applying contact pressure to suppress weed growth and improve plant growth conditions by bundling light and water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a weed prevention device is placed around the plant stem, then weed growth is suppressed and plant growth is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweed suppression effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surrounding portion is divided into multiple discrete elements arranged in a circular pattern around the receiving portion. Each element can be independently positioned and secured to the ground, simplifying installation and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective weed suppression coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weed prevention device extends in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the plant stem, creating a circular barrier around the receiving portion. This dimensional approach allows the device to suppress weeds over a wider area without increasing vertical height or complicating the vertical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the surrounding portion extends far from the receiving section, then weed suppression area increases, but the device weight and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweed suppression areaVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The surrounding portion is segmented into multiple lighter elements distributed around the circle, rather than one large continuous structure. This reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining the total suppressed area through proper spacing and arrangement of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 facility effectively suppresses weed growth around the plant, enhances plant growth by optimizing light and water distribution, and prevents water loss, thereby improving overall plant health.

Implementation Method 1

the surrounding section on the underside applies a force of at least 100 N/m2, preferably 200 N/m2, and even more preferably 500 N/m2, relative to a contact area with the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the surrounding section surrounds the receiving section in a circumferential direction by at least 90°, further preferably at least 180°, particularly preferably completely... the surrounding section can have a UV transmittance of a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 20%, more preferably 10%... UV light can be prevented from reaching the soil surrounding the plant stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV light blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

This allows light and water to be concentrated in the receiving section, thus enhancing plant growth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight concentration: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4544903A1Weed preventing device, sub-element for weed preventing device, and method for manufacturing weed preventing device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 BURGUNDY WINE GROUP AG
  • EP4544903A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4544903A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4544903A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A weed prevention device (4) is provided for preventing weeds in the vicinity of a plant stem (3) growing from a soil (2), comprising: a receiving section (5) which extends substantially along a receiving direction (A) perpendicular to the soil (2) and is configured to receive the plant stem (3); and a surrounding section (6) which surrounds the receiving section (5) at least in part and is configured to have an underside (6b) facing the soil.