Devices for supplying fluids to cut plant holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Christmas tree stands are disproportionately small and inconvenient for adding water, leading to frequent checks and spills, which can cause the tree to dry out and pose a fire risk due to air entering the stems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container with a flexible tube connected to a Christmas tree stand, maintaining the same fluid level in both, allowing easy monitoring and refilling without frequent attention, with a jagged open end to prevent debris from clogging the tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional Christmas tree stand is used, then the tree can be held upright, but the stand is disproportionately small and inconvenient for adding water, requiring frequent checks and manual water addition
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the flexible tube automatically supplies water from the container to the holder without manual intervention. The water flows continuously or periodically through the flexible tube based on the water level in the holder, eliminating the need for frequent manual water addition and checks by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tube acts as an intermediary element connecting the container to the holder, enabling automatic water transfer. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the water storage container and the tree holder, allowing water to be supplied automatically without direct user intervention.
2Reliability
If water is added to a conventional stand, then the tree can be hydrated, but water may spill or overflow onto the floor due to the small and inconvenient opening
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube serves as an intermediary that transfers water from the container to the holder without requiring direct pouring into the holder's small opening. This eliminates the risk of spillage associated with manual water addition through the inconvenient opening, as water flows controlled through the tube instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The water addition function is segmented into two separate components: a large container for water storage and a holder for the tree. The flexible tube connects these segments, allowing water to be transferred from the large container to the holder without manual intervention, thus avoiding spillage risks.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the holder is made transparent to monitor water level, then water level can be easily observed, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube acts as an intermediary that extends the water level indication from the holder to the container. By observing the water level in the transparent or easily observable container, users can indirectly monitor the water level in the holder without making the holder itself transparent, thus preserving the holder's structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the water level information from the holder to the container through the flexible tube connection. The water level in the container reflects the water level in the holder, allowing users to monitor the holder's water level by observing the container, which can be made transparent or easily observable without compromising the holder's strength.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a large container is used to reduce refilling frequency, then water supply duration is extended, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage system is segmented into a separate container and holder, connected by a flexible tube. This segmentation allows the container to be a large capacity unit for extended water supply duration, while the holder remains compact for the tree. The system complexity is minimized by using a simple flexible tube connection rather than integrating the large container into the holder structure.
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 device ensures consistent water supply to the tree, reducing the risk of drying and spills, making it easier to maintain the tree's hydration without the hassles of frequent water checks and additions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tube coupled to the connector, wherein the connector enables a fluid communication between the container and the flexible tube
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the same fluid level in both
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for supplying a fluid to a cut plant. The device includes a container comprising a base and a surrounding wall extending from the base to define an enclosed space or cavity for holding the fluid. The device also includes a connector coupled to the container. The device further includes a flexible tube coupled to the connector at a first end and having a jagged open end, wherein the connector enables a fluid communication between the container and the flexible tube. A system is provided that includes such a device, a holder for the cut plant, and a fastener to secure the flexible tube to the holder. The flexible tube extends into the holder to allow the fluid to flow from the container to the holder, such that a fluid level in the container is the same as a fluid level in the holder.