Plant caddy shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large potted plants cannot be placed on window sills due to size constraints, and existing solutions do not effectively manage excess water from plant pots, risking damage to underlying surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A plant caddy shelf with a main support platform and pivotable leg that can be installed on a window sill or wall, featuring a drain hole and removable drip tray to capture excess water, allowing for secure plant placement and water management without requiring construction knowledge or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a plant is placed on a window sill, then the plant receives adequate light for growth, but the plant pot may leak excess water that damages the underlying surface
Solution Approach 1:
A drip tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the plant pot and the window sill surface. The tray collects excess water that leaks from the plant pot, preventing direct contact with the window sill and thus eliminating water damage while allowing the plant to remain in the optimal lighting position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective tray is used under the plant pot, then water damage is prevented, but the plant cannot be securely positioned and the tray is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The plant positioning mechanism and water collection function are merged into a single integrated unit. The plant pot sits directly in a recessed area of the drip tray, combining the support function with the water collection function. This eliminates the need for separate protective trays and simplifies plant positioning while maintaining water damage prevention.
3Ease of operation
If a wheeled caddy is used for larger plants, then the plant can be moved easily, but the caddy is too large to fit on a window sill
Solution Approach 1:
The plant support system is segmented into essential components only: a compact drip tray with integrated plant positioning and a separate wheel assembly. The wheel can be attached when mobility is needed and removed when not required, reducing the footprint to fit window sills while maintaining ease of movement capability.
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 the placement of larger plants on window sills or walls while effectively capturing and managing excess water, preventing surface damage and providing a versatile installation option without the need for tools or construction expertise.
Implementation Method 1
The area includes a drain hole
Implementation Method 2
A removable drip tray is removably coupled to the underside of the main support platform and is in fluid communication with the drain hole
Data Source
AI summary
An article in the form of a plant caddy shelf for supporting a plant includes a main support platform that is configured for placement on a top surface of a window sill. The main support platform has an area for receiving a plant pot. The area includes a drain hole. A leg support is pivotally coupled to an underside of the main support platform and including a bottom end for coupling to a support surface. A removable drip tray is removably coupled to the underside of the main support platform and is in fluid communication with the drain hole.