Inverted Anchoring Part for Tree Root Ball Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing freshly planted tree balls against tipping, such as anchoring with ropes or underfloor structures, are labor-intensive and risk damaging the root system, especially when inserting fork-like devices into the soil.

Innovation Solution

A fastening means with an anchoring part that is inserted into the tree ball from below and anchored in the soil, forming a right-angle configuration with triangular sections and sawtooth edges to prevent slippage, allowing for elastic and effective stabilization without damaging the roots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fork-like devices with tines are inserted into the tree ball from above, then anchoring effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of installation and risk of root damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional insertion direction by introducing the anchoring part from below the tree ball rather than from above. The upper area 61 is inserted upward into the tree ball through the lower ring 5, while the lower area 62 is inserted downward into the surrounding soil, reversing the traditional top-down approach and eliminating the need to penetrate the protective net from above

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring part is divided into two distinct functional areas: an upper area 61 with sawtooth edges for anchoring in the tree ball, and a lower area 62 for anchoring in the surrounding soil. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific anchoring environment and simplifies the installation process by enabling separate insertion paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple tines are inserted into the tree ball, then anchoring stability is improved, but the risk of damaging the protective net and root system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidroot system damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the insertion direction and introducing the anchoring part from below, the patent avoids penetrating the protective net from above, thereby eliminating the risk of damaging both the net structure and the underlying root system while maintaining anchoring stability through the lower insertion path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower ring 5 acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the introduction of the upper area 61 into the tree ball without direct penetration from above. This intermediary approach allows the anchoring part to be introduced through a designated opening rather than forcing tines through the protective net, thus preventing damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional anchoring structures are used, then tree movement is restricted, but the complexity and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetree stabilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted insertion approach from below simplifies installation by allowing the anchoring part to be introduced through existing openings (lower ring 5) without requiring complex penetration tools or multiple insertion steps, while still achieving effective tree stability through the dual-area anchoring mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring part is designed to be self-anchoring through its sawtooth edges in the upper area 61 and its lower area 62 configuration, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The structure automatically secures itself upon insertion, reducing labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1998606B1Fastening means for securing a tree-root ball against tilting
Publication Date: 2012.05.02 WESSOLLY LOTHAR
  • EP1998606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1998606B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A fastening means for securing tree-root balls (2) against tilting is formed by an anchoring part (6) which has an upper region (61) which can be plugged into a tree-root ball (2) from below and a lower region (62) which can be plugged into the soil (7) which surrounds the tree-root ball (2) when the latter is planted.