Biocompatible Soil Mixture from Cremated Ash via Microbial Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cremated ash is harmful to plant growth due to its chemical composition, which is alkaline and contains high levels of sodium, phosphates, and calcium, making it unsuitable for use in legacy tree planting without modification.

Innovation Solution

A biocompatible soil mixture is created by mixing cremated ash with a soil base and a nutrient composition, then conditioning it with a microbial conditioner that adjusts the pH, phosphate, and calcium levels, using ingredients like kelp, Humic acid, Fulvic acid, molasses, and microbial content to balance the chemical properties, resulting in a mixture suitable for plant growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If cremated ash is used directly for planting, then memorial purpose is achieved, but plant growth is harmed due to harmful chemical composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmful effect on plant growthVSAvoidbiocompatibility for plant growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful alkaline properties and high phosphate/calcium/sodium content of cremated ash into beneficial elements by using microbial conditioners to transform these compounds into plant-available forms, thereby eliminating toxicity while retaining the memorial significance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces microbial conditioners (including humic acid, fulvic acid, and beneficial microorganisms) as intermediaries between the cremated ash and the plant root system, which mediate the chemical interactions to make the ash components safe and beneficial for plant growth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cremated ash is mixed with soil base and nutrients, then biocompatibility is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocompatibility for plant growthVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single microbial conditioner formulation that simultaneously provides pH buffering, phosphate solubilization, calcium regulation, and nutrient supplementation, thereby simplifying the overall processing while achieving comprehensive biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If microbial conditioner is used to adjust chemical properties, then pH and phosphate levels are balanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical property balanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-formulates the microbial conditioner with all necessary components (humic acid, fulvic acid, beneficial microorganisms, and buffering agents) before application, allowing the chemical properties to be adjusted in a single preliminary treatment step rather than requiring multiple sequential adjustments during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The process renders cremated ash biocompatible, allowing for healthy plant growth by neutralizing its alkalinity and reducing sodium and phosphate levels, creating a soil environment conducive to nutrient availability and tree health.

Implementation Method 1

the microbial conditioner utilises microbes to adjust the chemical properties of the cremated ash remains for biocompatibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial decomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

The microbial conditioner leverages soil biology and biological amendments to allow the microbial content to naturally adjust and balance the chemical adverse chemical properties of cremated ash remains

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiological amendment: Fermentation

Implementation Method 3

the nutrient composition comprising at least one of paramagnetic material, soil conditioner and fertilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParamagnetism: Superparamagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10946421B2Process for producing a biocompatible soil mixture from cremated ash remains and ground penetrating apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 LIVING LEGACY PTY LTD

AI summary

There is provided A process for producing a biocompatible soil mixture from cremated ash remains, the process comprising: mixing cremated ash remains with a soil base material and a nutrient composition to produce a pre-conditioned mixture, the nutrient composition comprising at least one of paramagnetic material, soil conditioner and fertilizer; and conditioning the pre-conditioned mixture using a microbial conditioner to adjust the adverse chemical properties of the cremated ash remains biologically to produce a conditioned soil mixture being biocompatible for a legacy tree, wherein the pre-conditioned mixture comprises less than 10% of the cremated ash remains by volume.