Modular Planter Container With Threaded Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional planters have fixed dimensions, restricting plant growth and requiring labor-intensive transfers to larger containers, which can cause transplant shock and negatively impact plant health.

Innovation Solution

A modular planter container system with threaded interconnecting sections, allowing for adjustable configurations to accommodate a plant's growing needs, including a base pot, double-sided lid, planter pot, watering tray, domed lid, and pinch grip container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-dimension planters are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but plant growth is restricted and requires labor-intensive transfers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growth accommodationVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planter container is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be stacked vertically. Each section has coupling mechanisms (ridges and grooves) that allow them to connect securely. This segmentation enables the container to grow with the plant by adding sections, while keeping each individual section simple in design and manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If plants are transferred to larger containers, then growth space is increased, but transplant shock occurs and plant health is negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroot spaceVSAvoidplant health

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular stacked design allows the plant to remain in the same continuous container system as it grows. New sections are added on top of existing ones, maintaining continuous soil and root support without requiring removal and repositioning of the plant. This continuity eliminates transplant shock while providing increasing volume as sections are added.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If stacking mechanisms are added to planters, then scalability is improved, but stability and secure interconnection are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidsection interconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism uses asymmetric ridge and groove geometry where the ridge on one section fits into a corresponding groove on the adjacent section. This asymmetric design provides mechanical interlocking that prevents separation while maintaining ease of assembly. The asymmetric shape ensures proper orientation and secure connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12239062B1Planter container

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 REYNOLDS COMPANY

AI summary

The planter container may be a plurality of interconnecting planter sections comprising a base pot, a double-sided lid, a planter pot, a watering tray, a domed lid, and a pinch grip container. The plurality of interconnecting planter sections may be operable to form an enclosure for a plant. The planter container may be configured to protect the plant as the plant grows from a seed or transplanted seedling through the entire life of the plant. The planter container may be home for the plant from beginning to end—for the life of the plant. The plurality of interconnecting planter sections may provide water to the plant, may support the plant, may permit light to reach the plant, and may be extensible to accommodate growth of the plant. The planter container may further comprise a universal coupling lid for coupling recycled plastic containers.