Box Structure Tree Transplanting Root Ball Severing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree transplanting systems face challenges in handling large trees due to difficulties in digging sloping sidewalls, reduction of root ball size, and cumbersome auger operations, which can damage the tree and limit transportability.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus involving a box-shaped steel structure with a cutting blade to excavate and lift large trees by severing roots and creating a 10x10 foot root ball, allowing for safer and more efficient transport and storage, with the option to expand the root ball size for non-highway transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If angular trenches are used to define the root ball, then the root ball size is reduced, but this risks damage to the tree

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroot ball sizeVSAvoidtree health

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by cutting trenches at a predetermined distance from the tree bole before excavation. This allows roots to be severed in advance at controlled locations, enabling the formation of a properly sized root ball without risking damage to the tree during the excavation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If an auger is used to undercut the root ball, then excavation is achieved, but the operation is cumbersome and difficult to control, particularly if the auger impacts a tap root or other large root

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcavation processVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the excavation process into distinct phases: first cutting trenches around the tree at predetermined distances, then undercutting the root ball between the trenches, and finally removing the root ball. This segmentation eliminates the need for difficult auger operations by using simpler trenching and undercutting methods that are easier to control and less likely to damage roots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a large root ball is required for trees with 14-30 inch bole diameters, then transport weight limits are approached, but the tree can be safely moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree safetyVSAvoidtransport weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by specifying optimal dimensions for the root ball (trenches cut at 3-5 feet from the bole, depth of 2-4 feet) that balance tree safety with transport feasibility. These parameter adjustments allow large trees to be moved safely while keeping the root ball size within practical transport limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9468160B2Method and system for transplanting large trees

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 LTT SYST

AI summary

A method for moving large trees by cutting trenches around the tree so as to define a generally rectangular root ball for the tree and positioning a box structure in an excavated area along one side of the defined root ball so that the box structure can be pulled beneath the tree to as to sever the root ball. One side of the box structure is open and has a cutting plate that can be pulled under the tree. A pulling mechanism is positioned in a second excavated area on an opposite side of the root ball and cables are attached to the box structure so that it can be pulled beneath the root ball to sever and capture the ball. The open side of the box structure is then closed and lifting devices attached to the structure to allow the tree to be lifted from the ground.