V-Shaped Trellis Structure for Vertical Plant Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trellis structures often become crowded, making it difficult to groom and harvest plants due to inefficient use of growing space.
Innovation Solution
A trellis system comprising four vertical support posts, horizontal trellis components forming a "V" shape with a string-type plant support, allowing for efficient use of space and improved accessibility for grooming and harvesting, with optional underground stabilization for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional trellis structures are used, then plants can be supported, but the growing space becomes crowded and difficult to access for grooming and harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional ground-level plant arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical structure. Multiple tiers of horizontal shelves are stacked vertically, allowing plants to grow in multiple levels. This dimensional change maximizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility to each tier for grooming and harvesting operations.
2Quantity of substance
If more plants are placed in limited space, then space utilization improves, but air circulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure divides the growing space into multiple separate tiers or levels, with each tier providing its own air circulation zone. This segmentation allows plants to be densely packed within each tier while maintaining adequate air flow between and around tiers, preventing the air circulation problems that would occur with dense single-level planting.
3Device complexity
If traditional trellis structures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The design implements a nested configuration where horizontal shelves are stacked vertically within a compact framework. Each tier is nested within the overall structure, allowing maximum space utilization while maintaining a relatively simple external form. The nested arrangement enables multiple levels of plant growth without requiring proportionally larger footprint or complex structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a first, a second, a third, and a fourth support post, each configured to be positioned vertically, and corresponding to the four vertices of a rectangle when viewed from above, first and a second trellis component configured to be positioned horizontally at an upper position, and a third trellis component configured to be positioned horizontally at a lower position. The apparatus also includes a plant support comprising a string-type component configured to be connected to the third trellis component and the first and second trellis components, giving the plant support a “V” shaped appearance is disclosed herein. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.