Vertical Growth Guide Reel Escapement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for training climbing plants like tomatoes and cucumbers vertically are complex, difficult to control, and lack flexibility in adjusting plant height and horizontal movement, especially when plants grow at different rates.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable holder element and a brake assembly featuring an escapement mechanism that allows precise, step-by-step adjustment of the climbing medium's length and horizontal movement, preventing unintended unwinding and enabling controlled vertical and horizontal plant training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an automated system with multiple reels connected to a single wire is used, then automation is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cultivation area into multiple independent zones, each with its own reel device that operates autonomously. Each reel is controlled separately rather than being connected to a single wire, allowing independent adjustment of plant training in different areas without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel devices incorporate dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed motors and adjustable braking systems that allow real-time modification of operation parameters. This enables the system to adapt to different plant growth rates and training requirements while maintaining automated operation.
2Extent of automation
If a single wire controls multiple reels, then automation is achieved, but precise control of individual plant height becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each reel device is equipped with independent sensors and control systems that monitor and adjust the climbing medium length individually. This segmentation allows precise measurement and control of plant height for each plant or small group of plants, rather than controlling all plants uniformly through a single wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect plant position and growth status, which continuously adjust the reel operation to maintain precise height control. The feedback loop ensures that each plant receives the exact amount of climbing medium needed based on its individual growth rate.
3Extent of automation
If the electric motor moves all reels simultaneously, then automation is achieved, but flexibility in individual plant adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system treats each reel as an independent unit with its own motor control, allowing different movement patterns and speeds for different plants. This enables fast-growing plants to receive more climbing medium while slower-growing plants receive less, accommodating individual plant needs within an automated framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Each reel device incorporates dynamic control capabilities including variable speed adjustment and programmable movement patterns. This allows the automated system to adapt to different plant requirements by modifying operation parameters in real-time, providing flexibility comparable to manual operation while maintaining automation benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reel devices are designed with self-regulating features including automatic braking systems and gravity-assisted unwinding that reduce the need for constant manual intervention. The system performs much of the adjustment work automatically while maintaining the flexibility of manual operation, significantly reducing labor intensity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines automated dynamic control with manual override capabilities, allowing operators to intervene when needed while the system handles routine adjustments automatically. This hybrid approach maintains operational flexibility while dramatically improving productivity compared to fully manual operation.
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 solution provides a simple, precise method for adjusting plant height and horizontal movement, ensuring controlled growth and reducing labor intensity while preventing unintentional unwinding, thus improving the flexibility and efficiency of plant training.
Implementation Method 1
The brake assembly comprises an escapement mechanism. The device comprises a cogwheel that is operatively connected to the holder element. The escapement mechanism is configured to engage the cogwheel.
Implementation Method 2
a brake assembly which is configured to prevent rotation of the holder element in an actuated position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for making climbing plants such as tomato plants or cucumber plants grow substantially in vertical direction. The device comprises a rotatable holder element (3) provided with climbing medium (4), such as wire or string, which extends vertically downward from the holder element (3), at least in use, wherein a length of the climbing medium extending from the holder element (3) can be adjusted by rotation of the holder element (3). Furthermore, a brake assembly (5) is provided, which is configured to prevent rotation of the holder element (3) in an actuated position and to allow rotation of the holder element (3) in a non-actuated position. The brake assembly (5) comprises an escapement mechanism (7) which is configured to act on the holder element (3) in such a manner that in the non-actuated position of the brake assembly (5) the holder element (3) can only rotate through a limited angle.