Concentric Urn Planter Structure for Ash-Soil Root Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cremation urns and planters do not allow for the ashes of a deceased person or pet to commingle with the soil of a plant or bonsai tree, particularly in indoor settings, lacking a mechanism for the ash material to be incorporated into the soil medium.
Innovation Solution
A concentric urn and planter combination design featuring a central cup for the plant, a first concentric ring for soil and ashes, and a second concentric ring for ashes only, with vertical slots and porous materials enabling root migration and ash-soil interaction, allowing the plant to absorb elements from the ashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate urn and planter design is used, then the ashes can be held securely, but the ashes cannot commingle with the soil for indoor plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the urn and planter into a single integrated container system where the urn holding ashes and the planter holding soil are merged into one unified structure. This allows ashes and soil to commingle naturally within the same container space while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding the need for separate containers that would prevent interaction between ashes and soil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the urn containing ashes is positioned within or adjacent to the planter containing soil, allowing both components to occupy the same overall container space. This nesting arrangement enables close proximity and potential commingling of ashes and soil while maintaining distinct functional zones for each component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior urn designs are used, then the ashes can be contained, but there is no provision for ash material to mingle with soil material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into distinct segments or zones - one for holding ashes and another for holding soil - while still allowing these segments to interact. The segmentation provides structured areas for each material while maintaining openings or pathways that enable ash and soil particles to mix and commingle naturally within the container system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ashes are dispersed in natural environment, then ashes can mingle with environment, but this is not suitable for indoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional container that serves both as an urn for holding cremation ashes and as a planter for growing plants indoors. This universal design allows the same structure to fulfill multiple purposes: containing ashes, holding soil, supporting plant growth, and enabling ash-soil interaction - all within a single container suitable for indoor environments.
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 the commingling of ashes with soil, allowing the plant to incorporate elements of the deceased, providing a comforting and meaningful way to recycle remains into a living plant, suitable for indoor use.
Implementation Method 1
said central cup shape having a plurality of vertical slots evenly spaced along its outer wall, said first concentric ring having a plurality of vertical slots evenly spaced along its inner wall, said central cup partition sheet placed on the inside wall of said central cup, said first ring partition sheet placed inside said first ring's inner wall
Implementation Method 2
allows the plant to absorb elements from the ashes
Implementation Method 3
Enables the commingling of ashes with soil, allowing the plant to incorporate elements of the deceased
Data Source
AI summary
An urn and planter combination with a central plant holding cup shape, a first concentric ash and soil holding ring and a second concentric ash holding ring are contained within a main housing and covered by a main lid that has a central aperture to let the central cup protrude out. The first ring is placed around the central cup. The second ring is place around the first ring. The cup can hold a plant or bonsai tree. Slots in the outer wall of the cup correspond with slots in the inner wall of the first ring allowing the roots from the cup to migrate into the first ring thereby mingling with the ash and soil contained within the first ring. The second ring contains ash only. A secondary lid can cover the central opening of the cover.