Boxed Tree Transporter with Powered Slide and Tilting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting large trees with substantial root balls are inefficient, particularly in positioning the tree at an incline for transport, which is necessary to prevent damage and facilitate highway movement, and often require costly and complex lifting mechanisms that need to be present at both the initial and transplant sites.
Innovation Solution
A transporter system featuring a trailer or truck bed with a raised bed support surface, a powered slide mechanism, and a powered cradle that tilts the boxed tree from an upright to an inclined position using hydraulic cylinders and cables, allowing for secure and controlled transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground piercing blades are used to lift and transport trees, then trees can be moved from initial to desired position, but the equipment complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The tree transport system is divided into separate functional components: boxed tree preparation (separate from ground piercing), trailer transport, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer bed is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the boxed tree during transport, facilitating easy loading/unloading via ramps, and enabling positioning adjustments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment at both origin and destination sites.
2Ease of operation
If trees are transported in vertical position, then loading is simplified, but trees are easily damaged by wind and branch interference during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The tree trunk position is made dynamic rather than fixed - it can be adjusted between vertical (for loading) and inclined (for transport). The inclined position during transport reduces wind exposure and branch interference while maintaining ease of operation through simple positioning mechanisms.
3Productivity
If lifting mechanisms are present at both initial and transplant sites, then trees can be moved to desired positions, but substantial costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning functions (lifting, tilting, securing) are merged into a single integrated trailer system. This eliminates the need for separate lifting mechanisms at both sites, substantially reducing equipment costs while maintaining full positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer bed incorporates self-contained positioning mechanisms including ramps for loading, adjustable supports for positioning, and securing systems for stabilization. These self-service features eliminate the need for external heavy equipment at destination sites.
4Productivity
If boxed trees are used for shipment, then multiple trees can be transported on flat bed trailers, but the root ball requires containment structures
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is tailored to the specific root ball dimensions and shape of each tree. Rather than using complex universal containment systems, locally optimized wooden boxes are constructed that fit each root ball precisely, providing adequate support while minimizing material usage and complexity.
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 efficient and damage-preventive transport of large trees by positioning the root ball at a desired incline, reducing the risk of damage during transport and eliminating the need for costly lifting mechanisms at multiple sites, while allowing for successful tree transplantation.
Implementation Method 1
a powered slide mechanism movable from a lower boxed tree engaging position to an upper transport position
Implementation Method 2
A powered cradle pivotally attached to the trailer or truck bed tilts the boxed tree while on the trailer or truck bed from a substantially upright position to an inclined transport position
Data Source
AI summary
A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.