Adjustable Plant Container Soil Cover with Segmented Partitions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plant container covers are not adjustable for various sizes, inadequately secure, aesthetically unpleasing, and fail to facilitate proper air circulation, fertilizing, and watering while preventing spillage and access by children and pets.

Innovation Solution

A soil cover device with adjustable partition members and anchors that securely attach to plant containers, allowing air, water, and fertilizer passage through openings, and can be adjusted to fit different container sizes using a tab/slot mechanism and anchors that embed into the soil for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size cover is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate multiple sizes of containers with varying sizes of plants

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into a base member and multiple adjustable partition members that can be independently positioned. The partition members are segmented into individual units that can be arranged in different configurations to fit various container sizes and plant dimensions, allowing customization without requiring multiple complete cover designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition members are made adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed, allowing the cover structure to dynamically adapt to different container sizes and plant growth stages. The tabs and slots enable easy repositioning of partition members to change the cover's internal configuration as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a simple cover design is used, then manufacturing is easy, but it does not adequately secure to the container and is too easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring function is separated from the cover body through distinct anchor members that can be independently installed into the container walls. This segmentation allows the cover to be securely attached without complicating the main cover structure, as the anchors provide dedicated securing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Anchor members serve as intermediary elements between the cover and the container, providing a reliable mechanical connection. The anchors embed into the container walls and interface with the cover through the partition members, creating a stable attachment system that prevents easy removal while maintaining cover integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a solid cover is used, then it prevents spillage and access, but it does not allow proper air circulation, fertilizing, and watering

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure incorporates localized openings and apertures in specific areas where access is needed, while maintaining solid coverage in other areas to prevent spillage. The partition members can be positioned to create enclosed spaces for plants while leaving designated access points for maintenance activities, providing different functional qualities in different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cover design incorporates porous or perforated sections that allow air circulation and passage of water and fertilizer while maintaining the overall protective function. The openings in the partition members and base member create a porous structure that permits necessary exchanges between the interior and exterior environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Reliability

If previous cover designs are used, then they provide some protection, but they are aesthetically displeasing and detract from visual delight

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover employs curved and rounded forms rather than sharp angles or rigid geometric shapes, creating a more visually pleasing appearance. The base member and partition members feature smooth contours that are softer on the eyes and more harmonious with typical plant and container aesthetics, reducing the visual intrusion of the protective structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover components can be manufactured in various colors and finishes to match different planters and gardening aesthetics. The materials allow for color variations that can complement the plants and containers rather than clash with them, enhancing the overall visual appeal while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS7617631B2Plant container soil cover device

Publication Date: 2009.11.17

AI summary

A soil cover device that removably secures to a plant container to restrict access to soil by children and pets, while facilitating the passage of air, water, and fertilizer to the soil through a plurality of openings. The soil cover device includes a plurality of partition members that removably secure with anchors, which partially imbed into the soil. When assembled, the partition members form an aperture for a plant to extend therethrough.