Multi-Tiered Plant Growing Aid with Adjustable Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plant growing aids, such as poles and trellises, often limit plant growth and harvesting by supporting only a single layer of vertical growth, restricting the potential yield of vine-like plants.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tiered plant growing aid system comprising a base frame, base legs, additional frames, and mesh panels with increasing dimensions, allowing plants to grow vertically and laterally across multiple tiers, with adjustable support legs and harvesting shelves for enhanced production and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single-layer vertical growth structure is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the plant growth area and harvesting capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer vertical structure to a multi-tiered three-dimensional structure with multiple horizontal growth planes stacked vertically. This dimensional expansion creates multiple growing surfaces (first growth surface, second growth surface, etc.) that can simultaneously support plants at different heights, dramatically increasing the total plant growth area without requiring a proportional increase in ground footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The growing structure is divided into multiple independent tiers or levels, each with its own growth surface and support system. The structure includes a first tier with a first growth surface and a second tier with a second growth surface, allowing independent plant cultivation at each level. This segmentation enables scalable expansion of growing area while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If multiple tiers are added to increase growth area, then harvesting capacity increases, but structural stability and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable support legs with adjustable length mechanisms that can be modified based on the specific configuration needs. The support legs can be adjusted to different heights and positions to accommodate various tier arrangements and plant growth requirements, providing adaptability that simplifies assembly for different productivity scales while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-tiered structure employs a nested arrangement where upper tiers are positioned within the vertical space created by lower tiers. The second tier is nested above the first tier, with each tier utilizing the vertical clearance of the previous tier. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization for increased harvesting capacity while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable in terms of assembly complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support legs are used, then assembly is simple, but adaptability to different plant sizes and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed with adjustable length capabilities, transforming them from fixed static elements to dynamic components that can be modified during assembly and use. This adjustability allows the structure to adapt to different plant configurations, growth stages, and spacing requirements while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the support leg length to achieve adaptability. By varying the length parameter of the support legs, the structure can accommodate different plant sizes, tier heights, and overall configurations. This parameter adjustment capability provides versatility for different plant configurations without significantly complicating the assembly process, as it involves simple length modifications rather than structural redesigns.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-tiered plant growing aid includes a first frame and a plurality of base legs attached to the first frame such that the first frame is supported by and spaced apart from a base surface. A second frame is included, and a plurality of support legs are positioned between the first frame and the second frame such that the second frame is positioned parallel and spaced apart from the first frame. A first mesh panel is attached to the first frame and a second mesh panel is attached to the second frame such that the second mesh panel is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first mesh panel. The second frame has an outer dimension greater than an outer dimension of the first frame such that a plurality of cascading growing shelves is provided.