Slidable Pole Connector for Reconfigurable Trellis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trellis systems lack the ability to be quickly assembled, easily adjusted, and reconfigured to meet changing user needs, as existing adjustable mechanisms are often difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable trellis system featuring slidable pole connectors and strand connectors that allow for adjustable and modular assembly, including cylindrical sleeves, tubular bosses, and tightening mechanisms for secure positioning, enabling easy adjustment and expansion of the trellis framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional trellis systems use fixed adjustment mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (difficult to adjust)
Solution Approach 1:
The trellis system is divided into modular components (vertical poles, horizontal poles, strand connectors) that can be independently assembled and adjusted. Each connector is a discrete unit with specific functions, allowing the system to be reconfigured by simply connecting or disconnecting these segments rather than adjusting complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed, static connections to dynamic, adjustable connections. The slidable pole connectors allow horizontal poles to be moved along vertical poles to different positions, and strand connectors allow strands to be repositioned along horizontal poles, enabling the trellis to adapt dynamically to changing plant growth requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trellis systems use simple connection methods, then ease of assembly is improved, but adaptability deteriorates (cannot be reconfigured)
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular components that can be quickly connected and disconnected. Each connector type (slidable pole connector, strand connector) is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, allowing users to assemble or reconfigure the trellis by simply connecting these segments without complex procedures or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple connection types and positions. The slidable pole connectors can accommodate different horizontal pole positions along vertical poles, and strand connectors can be positioned at various locations along horizontal poles, providing versatility while maintaining simple connection mechanics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trellis frames are made with vertically extensible elements, then adaptability is improved (height adjustment), but device complexity worsens (adjustment mechanisms)
Solution Approach 1:
Vertical extensibility is achieved by stacking multiple identical vertical pole segments rather than using a single complex telescoping mechanism. Each vertical pole section can be independently connected to others through simple slidable pole connectors, allowing height adjustment by adding or removing segments without complex locking or telescoping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical poles transition from fixed-length elements to dynamically adjustable components through the slidable pole connectors. These connectors allow vertical poles to be extended or repositioned by sliding them along the pole, providing height adjustability through simple sliding motion rather than complex mechanical extensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for building a reconfigurable trellis includes at least one slidable pole connector configured to slide along a pole having either a circular or rectangular cross-section. The slidable pole connector includes a first portion configured to slide along a first pole and a second portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion and configured to receive an end of a second pole. The first portion may be in the form of a sleeve, which may be unitary or may include two detachably connected parts. A tightening mechanism may be provided to secure the first portion against the first pole and to prevent further sliding of the first portion when the connector is in a desired position. Several slidable pole connectors may be used with one another and with strand or rope connectors to secure a plurality of vertical poles, horizontal poles, and ropes, cables, strings, or or wires to one another in a variety of adjustable configurations.