Vine Wire Spacer With Adjustable Attachment Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vine wire spacers are specific to particular types of posts and cannot be adjusted in height once installed, limiting adaptability to different post configurations and vegetation heights.

Innovation Solution

A vine wire spacer designed to accommodate various post shapes and sections, featuring a spacer wire with adjustable loops and holding means that can be attached at any height, allowing for flexible positioning of lifting and foot wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spacers are made specific to a particular type of intermediate post, then the spacer can be securely attached to that post type, but the spacer cannot be used with other post types, requiring replacement of spacers when posts are replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcompatibility with different post types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple post types (round, square, rectangular, T-shaped, L-shaped, etc.) through a single standardized interface. The attachment means includes a clamping mechanism with jaws that can adapt to various post geometries, allowing the same spacer design to be used across different post configurations without requiring type-specific spacers

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

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment means incorporates adjustable local features at the contact points with the post, such as adjustable clamping jaws or positioning elements that can be configured to match the specific geometry of different post types. This allows the spacer body to remain universal while the local attachment interface adapts to specific post characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If spacers are fixed at a single height on the post, then the installation is simple and secure, but the wire height cannot be adjusted to match vegetation height, limiting adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidheight adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow the attachment height to be changed after installation. The attachment means includes adjustable clamping positions or movable mounting mechanisms that enable the spacer to be repositioned vertically on the post, transforming a static fixed-height design into a dynamic adjustable-height system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is divided into separable segments or adjustable sections that allow independent positioning at different heights. The attachment means includes modular components that can be configured at various vertical positions on the post, enabling height adjustment while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If spacers are permanently fixed to the post, then the spacer remains securely in place, but the spacer cannot be removed for adjustment or replacement, increasing maintenance difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment means uses a removable fastening mechanism that secures the spacer to the post during operation but can be easily released when maintenance is needed. The connection includes a detachable component such as a releasable clamp, removable pin, or unscrewing mechanism that provides stable attachment during use but allows straightforward removal for adjustment or replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4201197A1Vine wire retractor
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 BERGER-LESLAVERGNE THOMAS
  • EP4201197A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201197A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4201197A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vine wire spacer (1) (101, 102) comprising a spacer wire (2) extending along a principal elongation axis (A1). The spacer wire (2) includes an attachment means (3) arranged to be attached to a vine stake. The attachment means (3) is interposed between a first retaining means (11) shaped to hold at least one first vine wire (101) and a second retaining means (12) shaped to hold at least one second vine wire (102). The invention is characterized in that the attachment means (3) comprises a first loop (21) extending in a longitudinal plane (P1) parallel to the principal elongation axis (A1) and a second loop (22) comprising a first portion (22a) extending along a first elongation axis (B1) intersecting the longitudinal plane (P1).