Modular Extendable Plant Tray Assembly for Flexible Re-Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable plant tray assemblies are challenging to install, adapt, and transport due to their large size and custom design requirements, leading to high manufacturing costs and labor-intensive spacing adjustments that can damage plants.
Innovation Solution
An extendable plant tray assembly with a modular design featuring detachable extendable connection members that connect grid structure elements, allowing for easy assembly, customization, and spacing adjustment in two directions, facilitated by a snap-fit mechanism and telescopic extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If extendable plant tray assemblies are designed with custom/dedicated designs to provide expandable functionality, then automation of re-spacing is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plant tray assembly is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The grid structure elements and connection members can be configured for both initial planting and later re-spacing operations, eliminating the need for custom-designed automated systems while maintaining automation benefits through the universal expandable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into separate grid structure elements that can be independently manufactured and then connected through connection members. This segmentation allows for simpler, more economical manufacturing of individual components while achieving automated re-spacing functionality when assembled
2Extent of automation
If extendable plant tray assemblies are designed with custom/dedicated designs to provide expandable functionality, then automation of re-spacing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same grid structure elements and connection members serve dual purposes: providing structural support during initial planting and enabling automated re-spacing operations. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity compared to custom-designed systems that would require separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The connection members are designed to be detachable, allowing the assembly to dynamically change configuration from a compact initial state to an expanded re-spacing state. This dynamic capability provides automated re-spacing functionality without requiring complex fixed mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If expandable assemblies are installed as a whole with large dimensions, then expandability functionality is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into multiple grid structure elements that can be transported and installed separately, then connected through connection members. This reduces installation difficulty while maintaining the expandability functionality that allows the structure to adapt to different spacing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection members enable the assembly to be dynamically configured during installation. Components can be easily connected or disconnected to adapt to different installation scenarios, making the expandable functionality accessible without complex installation procedures
4Productivity
If assemblies are designed to expand and contract between different positions, then re-spacing capability is achieved, but adaptability for shrinking or expanding operations is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection members provide dynamic connectivity, allowing the assembly to be easily expanded or contracted by connecting or disconnecting components. This enhances adaptability for both shrinking and expanding operations while maintaining re-spacing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented grid structure elements connected by detachable members allow independent adjustment of different sections. This enables flexible shrinking or expanding operations in specific areas while maintaining overall re-spacing capability across the entire assembly
5Area of stationary object
If assemblies are designed with large dimensions for expandability, then space distribution is improved, but transportation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into smaller grid structure elements that can be transported separately to locations with limited space access. These segments are then connected through connection members to achieve the required space distribution, eliminating transportation difficulties associated with large monolithic structures
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows grid structure elements to be nested or stacked during transportation, maximizing space utilization in transport vehicles. Upon arrival, the segments are unpacked and connected to provide the required space distribution for plant re-spacing
6Area of stationary object
If assemblies are designed with large dimensions for expandability, then space distribution is improved, but assembly time on-site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented grid structure elements can be prepared and pre-assembled off-site, then transported and quickly connected on-site using the detachable connection members. This reduces on-site assembly time while achieving the required space distribution for effective plant re-spacing
Solution Approach 2:
Connection members can be pre-attached to grid structure elements before transportation. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time of on-site assembly, allowing rapid deployment of the expandable structure to achieve proper space distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable plant tray assembly comprising a plurality of plant holders in a grid structure, wherein in a first direction said plant holders are movably connected through an extension system arranged to move said assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, the assembly including at least one grid structure element holding a plurality of plant holders in a second direction transverse to said first direction, wherein the plurality of plant holders are arranged on the at least one grid structure element in a staggered manner, alternating a plant holder with a plant holder receiving space, wherein the extension system comprises extendable connection members which are configured to connect at least two grid structure elements, and wherein the extendable connection members are detachably connected to said at least two grid structure elements.