Plant Injection Tool Reservoir Layout for Clog-Free Vascular Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree injection methods cause significant damage to plants and are prone to bending and fracturing, and there is a need for effective delivery of liquid formulations to control plant pathogens without clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A plant injection tool with a base and penetrating distribution body, featuring distribution reservoirs and channels, designed to minimize damage and clog-free delivery of formulations directly into the plant's active vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tree injection methods are used, then liquid formulations can be delivered to plants, but significant damage is caused to the plants and the injection tools are prone to bending and fracturing
Solution Approach 1:
The injection tool is divided into multiple functional segments: a handle portion, a shaft portion with cutting elements, and a distribution body with multiple reservoirs and channels. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while reducing overall trauma to the plant compared to conventional single-hole injection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection tool employs local quality by having different portions serve different functions: the cutting element creates a precise entry wound, the shaft provides structural support, and the distribution body with its multiple reservoirs delivers formulations to specific locations within the plant's vasculature. This localized approach minimizes damage while ensuring effective delivery.
2Ease of operation
If conventional injection tools are used, then formulations can be injected into plants, but the tools are prone to bending and fracturing during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The injection tool is constructed from composite materials with different mechanical properties in different portions. The handle and shaft portions use materials optimized for insertion strength, while the distribution body uses materials suitable for fluid distribution. This composite construction allows the tool to withstand insertion forces without bending or fracturing.
3Reliability
If liquid formulations are delivered to control pathogens, then disease control is achieved, but formulation loss occurs and delivery clogging can happen
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution body acts as an intermediary between the formulation source and the plant's vasculature. It includes multiple reservoirs that hold the formulation and channels that guide it to specific entry points. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the formulation and external contaminants, reducing clogging while ensuring complete delivery to the target location.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant injection tool for delivering liquid formulation to a plant or plant part includes a body having a cutting element for piercing the plant or plant part, a first face on a first side of the body, and a second face on a second side of the body. The tool also includes multiple distribution reservoirs defined by the body, where the distribution reservoirs are arranged in at least two rows, and where each of the distribution reservoirs extends transversely through the body between the first face of the body and the second face of the body. The tool further includes secondary distribution channels disposed within the body and interconnecting the distribution reservoirs, at least one primary distribution channel disposed within the body and in connection with at least one of the secondary distribution channels, and at least one inlet coupled to the at least one primary distribution channel.