Absorbent Pentagon Wrap for Cut Flower Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The floriculture industry lacks a simple, non-damaging, and inexpensive method to hydrate the stems of cut flowers during transportation and delivery, leading to dehydrated flowers upon arrival at wholesalers and retailers, with existing solutions failing to provide efficient water delivery without dripping or requiring a vase.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, absorbent, isosceles right pentagon-shaped wrap made from renewable and biodegradable materials that directly contacts each stem to deliver water and prolong the freshness of cut flowers, comprising a method of assembling the wrap around the stems and securing it with fasteners to prevent dripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flowers are transported without water in containers or protective devices, then flowers are protected from physical damage during transport, but flowers arrive in a dehydrated state which shortens their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is pre-saturated with water before being applied to the flower stems, so that hydration is already in place before transport begins. This preliminary action ensures flowers remain hydrated throughout the shipping process without requiring external water sources during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent wrap acts as an intermediary between the water source and the flower stems. It absorbs and retains water, then gradually releases it to the stems through direct contact, mediating the hydration process and ensuring continuous water supply without dripping or spilling.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If stems are placed in individual vials or vases with water, then flowers remain hydrated during transport, but the device becomes complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential hydration function from complex containers like vials and vases, reducing it to a simple absorbent wrap that directly contacts the stems. This eliminates the need for separate water reservoirs, caps, and assembly steps while maintaining effective hydration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap is made from a flexible, thin absorbent material that can be easily applied to flower stems. This thin-film approach replaces rigid containers and complex mechanisms with a simple, adaptable wrap that conforms to the stem shape and provides continuous hydration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If plastic bags containing water are used to hydrate stems, then flowers receive water during transport, but water may drip or spill from the bouquet
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is made from an absorbent porous material that can hold water within its structure through capillary action. This porous structure allows the wrap to retain water without it freely flowing or dripping, while still enabling water transfer to the flower stems through controlled absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap is pre-saturated with water before application to the stems, so that the water is already absorbed and held within the material structure. This preliminary saturation prevents free water from being present that could drip or spill during transport.
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 wrap effectively hydrates and prolongs the life of cut flowers by ensuring direct contact with water, preventing dehydration during transport and storage, while maintaining a compact and streamlined design to prevent water spillage.
Implementation Method 1
the wrap is comprised of a renewable, ecologically sound and raw material that includes a sterile, unique blend of natural components that are highly absorbent
Implementation Method 2
firmly directly contacts each individual stem of a variety of bunch of flowers to deliver water and/or a liquid solution to the flowers
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for hydrating each stem of a bunch of fresh cut flowers during transport. The device includes a liquid retaining flexible wrap substantially forming a right isosceles pentagon that is adaptable to directly contact the distal ends of each one of a plurality of stems of a bunch of flowers.