Plant Support Base with Adjustable Posts for Root Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for potted plants often cause root damage or blockage of drain holes when trying to support vines and stems, and they are limited in their adjustability and compatibility with different pot sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A support device featuring a base with adjustable and positionable supporting posts that can be securely attached to various container sizes, using a plate with receptacles or recesses to hold the posts vertically and spacers for aeration, and spring clips or connectors for stability, allowing for multiple post usage and easy transfer of plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support stick is forced into the potting soil to support vines and stems, then the plant support function is achieved, but the plant roots may be ruptured or drain holes blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant support capabilityVSAvoidroot damage and drain hole blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into separate components: a base plate that sits on the pot bottom and supporting posts that attach to the base plate rather than being forced into the soil. This segmentation allows the support function to be achieved without inserting objects into the potting soil, thus avoiding root damage and drain hole blockage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate acts as an intermediary between the pot and the supporting posts. Instead of directly forcing support sticks into the soil, the base plate provides a stable foundation on the pot bottom, and the supporting posts attach to this intermediary structure, eliminating the need to penetrate the potting soil

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a fixed position support rod is used in the center of the pot, then the support structure is simple, but the position is limited and incompatible with various plant types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure simplicityVSAvoidposition adjustability and plant type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates multiple receptacles at different positions, allowing the supporting posts to be dynamically repositioned according to the specific needs of different plants. This dynamic configurability enables the same base structure to adapt to various plant types and growth patterns while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate with multiple receptacles serves multiple functions: it provides stable support, allows position adjustment for different plant types, and works with various pot sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality enables a single device to handle diverse plant support needs without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a plate is retained in the pot by the weight of the potting soil, then the support position can be adjusted, but the entire unit may fall out if the pot is tipped over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport position flexibilityVSAvoidstability against tipping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates features such as protrusions that fit into recesses in the pot bottom or drainage hole plugs that engage with the pot structure. These features provide counteracting mechanical engagement that prevents the base plate from being dislodged by gravitational forces when the pot is tipped, while still allowing position adjustment within the pot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Ease of operation

If a false bottom with handles is used to support plants, then the bottom can be removed for repotting, but the plant root structure is damaged during separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepotting accessibilityVSAvoidroot structure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support device separates the base plate from the plant root system. The base plate remains in the pot while only the supporting posts and the plant are removed during repotting. This segmentation allows easy repotting operation without forcing separation through the soil, thus avoiding root structure damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7685765B2Device for supporting plants and related method

Publication Date: 2010.03.30 STEVENSON III WILLIAM W

AI summary

A plant support device includes a base that connects to a supporting post. The base may comprise a plate including a series of receptacles that connect to the supporting post and position the post in a generally vertical orientation. The receptacles may be formed as cups extending from the base, or as recesses formed into the base. The base may be releasably connected to the floor of a container such as a flowerpot or planter. The base may further include spacers capable of creating an aeration gap within the container. The base may also include slots that limit the rotation of the base when positioned within the container. The supporting post may be formed from a series of axially connectable pole sections.