Quick-Coupling Plant Support Bracket for Adjustable Secure Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant support systems lack a quick and secure method for attaching and detaching plant supports as plants grow or in response to seasonal changes, and they often fail to provide adequate stability and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling plant support system featuring a coupling member with a deformable head and a band that can be secured at multiple points, along with opposingly biased jaws actuated by an urging member, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment to both plants and support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional plant support attachment methods are used, then the support structure provides stable attachment, but the attachment and detachment process is time-consuming and lacks quick adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for quick insertion, a band for circumferential attachment, and a ratchet mechanism for secure locking. This segmentation allows the attachment process to be broken into simple, rapid steps while maintaining secure fixation through the combined action of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides automatic one-way locking that secures the band in place without requiring additional fastening actions. Once the band is tightened around the plant support, the ratchet automatically engages to prevent loosening, enabling quick attachment while ensuring reliable securement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed plant support positions are used, then the support structure provides stable support, but the system lacks adaptability as plants grow or seasons change
Solution Approach 1:
The band is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities that allow it to be moved to different locations around the plant support as the plant grows. The ratchet mechanism maintains stable locking at each position while enabling transitions between positions, providing both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to accommodate future plant growth by allowing preliminary attachment at lower positions with the option to adjust upward as the plant develops. The structure anticipates growth needs and provides ready-made adjustment capabilities without requiring reinstallation.
3Strength
If rigid attachment methods are used, then the support provides firm grip, but the plant may be damaged due to lack of cushioning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member incorporates a padding element that is positioned between the rigid band and the plant support before attachment. This cushioning layer protects the plant from damage while the band maintains its gripping strength, preventing harm before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member combines different materials with complementary properties: a rigid band material for structural strength and gripping capability, and a soft padding material for plant protection. This composite construction allows both firm grip and plant safety to coexist.
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
The system enables quick and secure attachment and detachment of plant supports, allowing for regular adjustments as plants grow, while providing stability and support to ensure the plant support bracket maintains a firm grip on both the plant and the support structure.
Implementation Method 1
opposingly biased jaws actuated by an urging member
Implementation Method 2
peripheral walls that deform to securely attach to the body
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a quick coupling plant support. In an illustrative example, the plant support bracket may, for example, include a body with a first and a second side, where a coupling member on the first side is configured to releasably couple a pliable object. The coupling member may, for example, include a head with an interior aperture and peripheral walls that deform to securely attach to the body. The coupling member may, for example, include a band that may be secured at multiple predetermined points across the body for adjustable positioning. Various embodiments may advantageously include padding on the opposing side of the head to protect the pliable object from damage. The plant support bracket may, for example, include opposing jaws actuated by an urging member on the second side of the body to secure the bracket to a support member in a crossing direction.