Interlocking Annular Trellis Frames for Adaptive Plant Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular trellis systems lack structural integrity and require separate fasteners, which are easily lost, and do not allow for dynamic adaptation to plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A modular interlocking trellis system with annular frames that snap together via integral posts and receiving recesses, enabling face-to-face stacking and tool-free assembly, using plant support fasteners that integrate with the frame geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate U-shaped fasteners are used to clip adjacent annular structures together, then the trellis can be assembled, but the fasteners are easily lost, rendering the trellis useless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the annular frame structure by providing posts on one frame that insert into receiving recesses on adjacent frames. This merging of the fastener and frame into a single integrated component eliminates the need for separate U-shaped fasteners, preventing loss and ensuring the trellis remains functional throughout its service life.
2Ease of operation
If annular components abut one another along an outer edge, then assembly is simple, but the configuration lacks structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-to-edge abutting in a single plane to face-to-face overlapping in three dimensions. The posts extend from the front surface of one frame to insert into recesses on the rear surface of the adjacent frame, creating an overlapping engagement that spans multiple dimensions and provides superior structural integrity while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional trellises use planar grid structures or edge-bound connections, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to plant growth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trellis into modular annular frames that can be independently manufactured using simple processes, then assembled through interlocking posts and recesses. This segmentation allows the trellis to be configured in various shapes and sizes, enabling adaptation to different plant growth patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supporting a plant has the steps of providing a trellis having a plurality of annular frames and a base structure. Each of the plurality of annular frames includes a front surface having a plurality of posts, and a rear surface having a plurality of receiving recesses. A plant and a plant support fastener are provided that includes a fastener body that extends to ends which each include either a post or a receiving recess. Adjacent annular frames are connected together via frictional engagement of at least some of the plurality of posts of a first annular frame with at least some of the receiving recesses of a second annular frame, such that the front surface of the first annular frame abuts the rear surface of the second annular frame. The plurality of annular frames are mounted on the base structure. Finally, the plant may be fastened to at least one of the plurality of annular frames using the plant support fastener.