Plant container suspension device, system & methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plant container suspension systems face issues such as asymmetric forces on pots, potential breakage, and aesthetic concerns, particularly with traditional metal hangers and external rings that can cause pots to tilt.

Innovation Solution

A suspension device comprising a support that engages the plant container and a shaft extending from the central region of the support, which passes through the plant container, providing a symmetrical and dispersed force distribution. The device includes a spiral support that can be deformed to fit alongside the shaft, reducing packaging and storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional metal bent hangers are used to suspend plant containers, then the plant container can be hung, but asymmetric forces cause the hanger to weaken over time and the pot to potentially break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanger durabilityVSAvoidasymmetric forces on pot

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by creating a symmetric suspension system. The hanger is designed with two symmetric arms that attach to opposite sides of the pot, and a central rod that passes through the center of the pot. This symmetric configuration ensures that forces are distributed evenly and symmetrically across the pot, eliminating the asymmetric force concentration that caused traditional single-point hangers to weaken and break pots over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If double triangulate bent metal hangers are used for larger/heavier pots, then asymmetric forces are reduced, but the device occupies significant space and costs more

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport strength for heavy potsVSAvoidspace occupied by hanger

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is segmented into three distinct functional components: two side arms for attachment to the pot, a central rod that passes through the pot, and a hanging loop at the top. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity. The modular design reduces material usage and spatial occupation compared to a solid double-triangulate structure, while still providing the necessary support strength for heavy pots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar hanger structure to a three-dimensional configuration by having the central rod pass through the vertical axis of the pot. This dimensional change allows the hanger to distribute loads more efficiently through the pot's volume rather than concentrating forces on the pot's surface, providing enhanced support for heavy pots with reduced material and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If triangulate bent hanger system is used, then support strength is improved, but wear and tear on basket weaves increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidwear on basket weave

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger design applies local quality by concentrating the support function at specific points: the side arms attach to predetermined locations on the pot, and the central rod passes through the center. This localized attachment approach distributes the support load across multiple specific points on the basket weave rather than concentrating stress along continuous metal bends, reducing wear and tear on the woven material while maintaining support strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If external metal rings are used around the pot, then the plant container can be suspended, but asymmetric forces yield an undesirable tilted presentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension capabilityVSAvoidpot orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the asymmetric force distribution problem of external rings by using a symmetric central rod configuration that passes through the center of the pot. The two side arms are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the pot, ensuring that suspension forces are applied equidistantly from the center. This symmetric arrangement prevents tilting and maintains the pot's proper orientation, while still providing easy suspension capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4559307A1Plant container suspension device, system & methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 WEBER LANA CHRISTINE

Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C

AI summary

A suspension device for a plant container is disclosed. The suspension device comprises a support (103) engageable with the plant container, and a shaft (101) extending from a central region of the support (103). The shaft (101) can extend through the plant container. The support (103) comprises a spiral extending outwards relative to the shaft (101), transverse thereto. The plant container has a base and an upper opening. The shaft (101) extends into and through the base, and out of the plant container via the upper opening. The support (103) engages the base to support the plant container. A path-forming tool is also disclosed. The path-forming tool can form a path through matter in a plant container. The path-forming tool comprises an elongate element having a free end region. The free end region is a beveled free end region.