Inflatable Airbag Tree Moving for Controlled Root Ball Turning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree moving systems struggle to controllably alter the direction of movement and efficiently deliver large trees with intact root balls to targeted locations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing inflatable airbags to form a rigid frame under the root ball, inflate them to elevate and roll the tree, and apply strategic off-center forces to translate and rotate the tree, adjusting its pathway direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional tree moving methods are used, then the tree and root ball can be moved, but the direction of movement cannot be controllably altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollability of movement directionVSAvoidability to deliver to targeted location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag system is divided into multiple independently controllable airbags arranged in a circular pattern around the tree trunk. Each airbag can be inflated or deflated separately, allowing selective application of force to different sides of the root ball. This segmentation enables precise directional control by activating only the airbags needed to push the tree in the desired direction, rather than moving the entire system uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airbags serve as an intermediary mechanism between the tree/root ball and the ground surface. Instead of direct contact and friction-based movement, the airbags create a cushion of compressed air that allows the root ball to roll smoothly. This intermediary layer provides controlled resistance and enables directional changes by selectively positioning and inflating airbags at specific locations around the tree.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If inflatable airbags are used to elevate and roll the root ball, then movement is enabled, but precise directional control is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of tree deliveryVSAvoidprecision of movement direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by allowing different airbags to have different inflation states independently. Each airbag can be inflated to a specific pressure based on the directional needs at that moment. For example, airbags on the left side can be inflated to push the tree rightward, while airbags on the right side remain deflated. This localized control of air pressure and volume provides precise directional adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag system is inherently dynamic, allowing continuous adjustment of inflation pressure, volume, and activation timing. The system can transition smoothly between different directional states by progressively inflating or deflating airbags. This dynamic control enables the operator to make real-time adjustments to movement direction and speed, achieving precise positioning at the target location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise control over the tree's movement direction, allowing for efficient delivery to desired locations with minimal disruption.

Implementation Method 1

inserting a plurality of inflatable, elongate bags underneath the plurality of supports... inflating the plurality of airbags to raise the plurality of supports and the root ball and the tree supported thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

moving the platform, the root ball and the tree in a first, linear pathway using the plurality of inflated airbags to engage the plurality of supports, and by rolling the root ball over the plurality of inflatable airbags

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushioning: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20250351787A1Method of moving tree and root ball using tree mover system

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP LLC

AI summary

A method of altering the pathway of movement of a tree, a root ball and a platform supporting the root ball that are together being moved using inflatable airbags includes the steps of positioning an additional airbag at partially within the pathway of movement of the root ball on the airbags, the additional airbag being placed at an acute angle to the leading airbag of the plurality of airbags supporting the root ball, and then by applying an off-center force to the root ball that both translates the airbag forward within the pathway of movement and also imparts a turning moment to the root ball to move the root ball in a new direction that enables the additional airbag to support the leading edge of the platform. The steps can be repeated to further turn the pathway of movement of the root ball, tree and platform.