Semi-Circular Plant Bracket With Set-Screw Arm Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant holding devices lack secure attachment mechanisms for radially extending arms, leading to potential limb displacement due to gravity, and are not suitable for versatile mounting on walls or poles.
Innovation Solution
A semi-circular bracket with planar portions and radially extending arms featuring curled ends and circular pot rings, utilizing set screws to secure the arms in receptacles and a mounting plate for attachment to walls or poles, preventing limb displacement and providing secure, versatile mounting options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radially extending arms are held in receptacles without secure attachment mechanisms, then the device structure is simple, but the arms can fall out due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a curled end configuration on the radially extending arms that acts as a flexible mechanical element. The curled end can be inserted into the receptacle and then secured with a set screw, creating a retention mechanism that prevents the arm from falling out while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The set screw serves as an intermediary element between the radially extending arm and the receptacle. It provides the secure attachment mechanism needed to prevent arm displacement while keeping the receptacle structure relatively simple. The set screw mediates the connection by threading into the receptacle and engaging with the arm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bracket is designed for versatile mounting on walls or poles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mounting configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a universal mounting capability that allows it to be attached to both walls and poles using the same basic structure. The receptacles can be oriented in different directions, and the bracket can be mounted at various orientations, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely different mounting structures for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design allows for dynamic orientation of the receptacles and arms. The radially extending arms can be positioned at different angles, and the bracket itself can be mounted in various orientations on different surfaces. This dynamic adaptability provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure that doesn't require complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If set screws are used to secure arms in receptacles, then the arm retention is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional tightening steps
Solution Approach 1:
The curled end design of the radially extending arms provides a self-retaining feature. When the arm is inserted into the receptacle, the curled end naturally engages with the receptacle structure, providing initial retention without requiring immediate tightening of the set screw. The set screw then serves to lock this self-retained position, reducing the operational complexity compared to designs requiring full mechanical fastening from scratch.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for a semi-circular bracket for holding plants or the like having a plurality of receptacles for receiving the stems of a plurality of radially extending arms or the like wherein the plant bracket has a base with planar portions thereon for use in mounting the bracket either on a wall or about a central pole by using a separate mounting plate. The semi-circular bracket has a plurality of receptacles therein configured for use with set screws to hold the ends of the arms in the receptacle so that the limbs cannot fall out of the receptacles.