Trellis Wire Sprinkler Clip for Stable Above-Ground Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler mounting systems fail to provide stable above-ground support for spinning and reactionary drive sprinklers, leading to swaying due to horizontal forces and interference with farming operations when mounted on stakes or tubes.
Innovation Solution
A trellis wire mounting system with a clip that secures sprinklers via a first living hinge, actuator, and gripping channel, allowing horizontal sliding and vertical alignment, while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, and featuring a locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sprinklers are mounted on individual stakes or ground-level tubing, then they are supported above ground, but they interfere with farming operations such as mowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions sprinkler mounting from ground-level (2D horizontal plane) to elevated vertical positioning on trellis wires. By moving sprinklers to a higher dimension (above the crop canopy), the system eliminates interference with farming operations while maintaining stable support through the vertical structure of trellis posts and wires.
2Ease of manufacture
If sprinklers are hung from lateral wire or tube without bottom support, then installation is simple, but they sway due to horizontal forces from spinning and reactionary drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into three distinct support points: two upper attachment points on the trellis wire and one lower attachment point on the lateral line. This segmentation creates a triangular support structure that provides both elevation and stability, preventing sway while maintaining relatively simple installation through modular clip components.
Solution Approach 2:
The trellis wire is pre-installed and secured to posts before sprinkler attachment. This preliminary action creates a stable, fixed framework that eliminates the sway problem inherent in simple wire-hanging methods, while the clip mechanism maintains ease of installation by allowing straightforward attachment to the pre-positioned wire.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure mounting system is used to prevent swaying, then sprinkler stability improves, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clip mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded or cam-actuated components that automatically lock when installed. This self-service feature provides robust, sway-preventing attachment without requiring complex fastening procedures or multiple components, thereby achieving high stability with minimal added complexity.
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 system provides stable, above-ground mounting that prevents swaying and interference with farming operations, ensuring secure attachment and accommodating thermal changes, thus enhancing sprinkler stability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first living hinge, an actuator on one side of the first living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system and clip for mounting a sprinkler on a trellis wire. The clip includes a first living hinge, an actuator on one side of the first living hinge, and a gripping channel on an opposite side of the first living hinge. A locking tab is attached to the gripping channel via a second living hinge.