Modular Planting Element with Interlocking Rubber Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for planting hard surfaces, such as terraces and balconies, face issues with weight, drainage, moisture insulation, flexibility, and weather resistance, as well as accessibility and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
An elastic square base made of recycled cold rubber with circular protrusions and recesses for connection, combined with a flexible rim, allows for adaptable and unified surface design, maintaining drainage and providing thermal insulation and weather resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If uniform insulation materials are used for planting on hard surfaces, then thermal insulation is improved, but weight increases and drainage is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible rubber base instead of uniform insulation materials. The rubber material provides thermal insulation properties while being lightweight and permeable, allowing water drainage through its structure. This flexible base replaces traditional heavy insulation layers while maintaining temperature regulation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber base contains a porous structure with channels and cavities that enable water drainage while providing thermal insulation. The porous nature allows water to pass through vertically, preventing water accumulation, while the material itself retains heat, solving both insulation and drainage requirements simultaneously.
2Temperature
If multiple insulation materials are used for planting, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases and drainage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated rubber base component. This base simultaneously provides thermal insulation, enables water drainage through its porous structure, offers mechanical flexibility, and serves as a mounting surface for planting containers. By combining these functions into one element, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate insulation materials and simplifies the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If flowerpots are lined up with distances for planting, then accessibility is improved, but the unified surface design is compromised and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the planting surface into modular segments consisting of the rubber base and interchangeable planting containers. These modules can be arranged in various configurations to provide accessibility while maintaining a unified continuous surface appearance. The standardized interfaces between modules allow flexible arrangement without compromising the overall surface unity.
4Device complexity
If traditional planting methods are used on hard surfaces, then simplicity is maintained, but weather resistance and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional rigid insulation materials to flexible rubber material. This parameter change provides superior weather resistance as rubber can withstand temperature variations, UV exposure, and moisture without degrading. The material's elasticity allows it to adapt to substrate movements and thermal expansion, maintaining structural integrity under various weather conditions while keeping the overall design simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and durable planting solutions that maintain drainage, offer thermal insulation, and prevent flooding, while allowing for various landscape designs and plant varieties.
Implementation Method 1
it offers thermal insulation on the covered surfaces
Implementation Method 2
This configuration secures balanced distribution of weight on the covered surface
Implementation Method 3
The material presents connection stability
Implementation Method 4
circular protruding part on each of the two adjoining external sides and recesses on the relevant vis-à-vis sides
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The element for planting surfaces consists of two parts, an elastic square base (A) made out of recycled cold rubber and a rubber rim (B). The planting material (C) is placed within the element. The element for planting surfaces is constructed out of recycled cold rubber and polyurethane. Configuration is done through thermal vulcanization under pressure. In accordance to the attributes of the construction material the element for planting surfaces presents high resistance to weather conditions, hits and heavy loads. The base (A) bears a circular protruding part (2) on each of the two adjoining external sides and recesses (1) on the relevant vis-à-vis sides, so as to achieve accurate connection between different elements. The accurate connection of the protruding parts of an element with the corresponding recesses of its neighbouring one(s) leads to the formation of a unified surface. The connection is achieved by subtracting part (1a) of the recesses. Successive connection of multiple elements may cover surfaces of any shape and size. The external bottom part of the base (A) of the element is configured in relief with hemispherical protrusions (4) scattered homogeneously. This configuration secures balanced distribution of weight on the covered surface, better adjustment to probable substratum anomalies, preservation of the existing drainage and continuous ventilation of the covered surface as well as maximum protection against moisture. The internal part of the base (A) is also formed in relief with small hemispherical recesses (3) scattered homogeneously. These enable water maintenance and anchoring of the plant material (C) roots. The degree of drainage of each element depends on the diameter of the internal holes (5) opened on the internal surface of the base (A). The rim (B), made of synthetic rubber, adjusts to the base (A) of the structure by fixing its rubber extrusions (6) in the corresponding holes (7) of the base (A). Among the characteristics of the rim are high flexibility and minimum breadth.