Flexible Net Wrapping Device for Plant Root Ball Soil Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing plants with woody members for transport are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in wrapping the root system with surrounding soil to prevent drying out and facilitate adaptation to new soil.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of an oblong band of flexible material, preferably a net made of biodegradable materials, wrapped around the root system and surrounding soil multiple times using a wrapping device. This method reduces labor and ensures effective soil retention during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If burlap and iron gauze are used to hold the root system and soil in place, then the soil can be retained during transport, but the process becomes labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil retentionVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible net made of plastic mesh with UV stabilizer and inkjet printability as a thin film structure to wrap and secure the root system and soil. This flexible net replaces traditional burlap and iron gauze, providing effective soil retention while being easier to apply and more adaptable to the root ball shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters by using a plastic mesh net with specific properties (UV stabilizer, flexibility, printability) instead of traditional natural fiber burlap or rigid iron gauze. This parameter change enables automated or semi-automated application while maintaining soil retention effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If a narrow band is used to wrap the root system, then fewer materials are required, but more revolutions are needed which increases wrapping time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband material quantityVSAvoidwrapping speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a relatively wide net band that requires fewer revolutions around the root system compared to a narrow band. This excessive action in terms of band width compensates for the increased material per revolution by reducing the total number of wraps needed, thereby increasing wrapping speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the root system is wrapped tightly to prevent soil loss, then soil retention is improved, but the plant may suffer from lack of gas exchange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil retentionVSAvoidgas exchange restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a plastic mesh net with inherent porosity and permeability, allowing gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) to occur through the wrapping material. This porous structure maintains effective soil retention while preventing harmful restriction of respiratory gas exchange for the root system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250169406A1Method of Preparing a Plant for Transport, and an Apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 J VAN DAM ONROEREND GOED BV

AI summary

A method of preparing a plant for transport, said plant including a root system embedded in soil, and woody member such as a stem. The method includes the step of wrapping the root system together with the surrounding soil. To prepare the plant for transport in a less laborious manner, the step of wrapping the root system together with the surrounding soil includes encompassing the root system together with the surrounding soil by wrapping an oblong band of flexible material, preferably a net, around the root system and surrounding soil multiple times using a wrapping device.