Grafted Plant Body for Deer Repellency via Scion Rootstock Union
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for deterring animals, such as deer, from plants are often insufficient, require significant upkeep, or degrade the aesthetic appeal of the plants.
Innovation Solution
The method involves grafting plants with natural animal repellent properties onto plants that are susceptible to being eaten by animals, creating a grafted plant body that combines deer-resistant and non-resistant plant portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spraying plants with deer repellent materials or constructing barriers is used to prevent deer from eating plants, then deer repellency is improved, but device complexity and upkeep requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deer repellent properties of one plant species with the desirable characteristics of another plant species through grafting. The scion (above-ground portion) provides deer repellency while the rootstock (below-ground portion) provides structural support and ease of cultivation, eliminating the need for separate repellent applications or barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The grafted plant provides self-service deer repellency through the natural properties of the scion tissue. The plant automatically produces and releases deer-repelling compounds without requiring external intervention such as spraying repellent materials or maintaining physical barriers.
2Reliability
If spraying plants with deer repellent materials or constructing barriers is used to prevent deer from eating plants, then deer repellency is improved, but aesthetic appeal of the plants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deer repellent scion with a aesthetically pleasing rootstock, allowing the plant to maintain its visual appeal while providing functional deer protection. The graft union integrates both functions seamlessly, with the scion's repellent properties active without compromising the rootstock's aesthetic characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The deer repellent properties are localized to the scion (above-ground portion) while the rootstock maintains its aesthetic qualities. This local differentiation allows the plant to simultaneously achieve both functions: the scion provides deer repellency through its tissue properties, while the rootstock preserves the plant's visual appeal.
3Reliability
If grafting deer-resistant plant portions onto susceptible plants is used, then deer repellency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plant into two functional parts: the scion (above-ground portion) that provides deer repellency and the rootstock (below-ground portion) that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and facilitates the grafting process by clearly defining the roles of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The graft union acts as an intermediary structure that joins the scion and rootstock together. This intermediary connection allows the transfer of deer-repelling properties from the scion to the entire plant system while maintaining the structural integrity and ease of cultivation provided by the rootstock.
Data Source
AI summary
Grafted plant bodies and methods of conferring animal repellency to plants via grafting are described herein. Generally, a plant having animal repellent properties is grafted onto a plant without animal repellent properties.