Treillis Mover Dispensing Rack for Multi-Layer Greenhouse Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trellis dispensing methods in large greenhouses require significant labor to dispense multiple layers of trellis netting at different heights, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A trellis mover system comprising a dispensing rack with a movable base and stands that can hold and simultaneously dispense multiple rolls of trellis, featuring net guides for adjustable dispensing heights and wheels for mobility, allowing for efficient and labor-saving deployment of trellis netting across various heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional trellis dispensing methods are used, then labor intensity is high, but the process is simple and requires basic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing rack is divided into multiple stands (first stand, second stand, etc.), each capable of holding and dispensing separate rolls of trellis. This segmentation allows simultaneous dispensing of multiple layers at different heights, directly addressing the productivity issue while maintaining modular simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing rack is designed as a multi-functional device that can hold multiple rolls of trellis, dispense them at different heights, and be moved to different locations using wheels. This universal design consolidates multiple dispensing operations into a single device, improving efficiency without requiring multiple specialized tools

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

2Loss of time

If multiple layers of trellis are dispensed at different heights simultaneously, then labor requirements decrease, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveman-hours requiredVSAvoidrack structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack structure is segmented into multiple independent stands, each with its own roll-holding and dispensing capability. This allows simultaneous operation at different heights without requiring a single complex mechanism, reducing the time loss while keeping each segment relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates in multiple vertical dimensions by positioning stands at different heights. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous dispensing at various levels, dramatically reducing the man-hours required (from approximately 12 to 2.5) while the modular stand design prevents excessive complexity

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

3Ease of operation

If the dispensing rack is made mobile with wheels, then ease of operation improves, but the weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidrack weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rack transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, mobile system by incorporating wheels. This allows the heavy rack to be easily moved to different locations in the greenhouse, significantly improving ease of operation. The wheels are integrated into the base of each stand, distributing the weight and making movement practical despite the overall weight of the multi-stand structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240190642A1Trellis mover and methods of providing and using the same
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 GROWERS HOUSE OPERATIONS LLC
  • US20240190642A1 patent drawing
  • US20240190642A1 patent drawing
  • US20240190642A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dispensing rack includes a first stand, a second stand, and a movable base. The first and second stands are configured to hold multiple rolls and dispense multiple layers simultaneously from the multiple rolls. Other embodiments are described.