Trellis Connector Arms for Accurate Post Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing long trellis posts at the correct angle in the ground is challenging, especially in orchards, as they can be difficult to position accurately and may be obstructed by underground obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A trellis design featuring shafts embedded in the ground with connector arms extending at an acute angle, allowing posts to be sleeve-fitted and positioned upright, with optional cross supports and ground retention flanges for stability, supporting elevated lines for fruit-bearing plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long trellis posts are installed directly in the ground, then the trellis structure can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to position at the correct angle and may be obstructed by underground obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The trellis structure is divided into separate components: an underground shaft and above-ground posts connected by connector arms. This segmentation allows the shaft to be installed independently in the ground while the posts are attached at the correct angle via connector arms, eliminating positioning difficulties and underground obstacle issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Connector arms serve as intermediary elements between the underground shaft and the vertical posts. These connector arms are fixed at the correct angle to the shaft, allowing posts to be easily attached in a vertical position without requiring precise angle installation in the ground.
2Stability of the object's composition
If trellis posts are installed at the correct angle, then structural stability is achieved, but installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arms are pre-fixed to the underground shaft at the correct angle during manufacturing or pre-assembly. This preliminary action ensures the correct angle is achieved without requiring time-consuming field adjustments during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the angle-critical connector arm assembly from the vertical post installation, the system allows quick post attachment without compromising structural stability. The shaft and connector arms form a stable base that enables rapid post installation.
3Ease of operation
If posts are sleeve-fitted to connector arms with lower ends held out of the ground, then ease of installation is improved, but additional components and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arms serve multiple functions: they provide the correct angle orientation, act as connection points for posts, and eliminate the need for precise ground installation angle control. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component while simplifying the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Trellis arrangements are used for supporting fruit-bearing plants as they grow. A problem in some orchards or the like is that it can be difficult to install trellis posts in the ground, in particular when the posts are relatively long and difficult to place at the correct angle. The invention discloses a trellis comprising a plurality of supports, each support comprising a shaft embedded in a ground, and at least one connector arm extending upwards at an acute angle with respect to the ground. The trellis is such that for each support, a post is sleeve-fitted to the connector arm so that the post extends upwards at an acute angle but does not touch the ground; the upwardly extending posts collectively support elevated lines running between the posts; and the lines support branches of a fruit bearing plant growing along the lines.