Plant tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a planting system that combines the versatility of pots with the size and efficiency of planting directly in the ground, offering aesthetic appeal and efficient watering solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular planting system using interconnected potting trays with adjustable pedestals and lateral braces for stability, featuring hidden plumbing conduits and bottom watering to maintain soil cleanliness and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pots are used for planting, then the gardener can place plants in particular locations and maintain aesthetic appearance, but the size is limited and watering is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the planting area into multiple modular trays that can be individually handled and positioned, yet connected to form a larger unified system. Each tray is a separate unit that can be watered through shared plumbing, combining individual placement flexibility with system-wide watering efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual trays are merged into a connected modular system where the trays maintain their individual positioning capabilities but share common water supply and drainage infrastructure, achieving both placement flexibility and efficient simultaneous watering.
2Area of stationary object
If planting directly in the ground is used, then larger surface area and aesthetic appeal are achieved, but the garden becomes fixed and cannot be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The ground planting system is segmented into discrete modular trays that can be individually moved and repositioned, allowing the garden layout to be changed while maintaining a large total planting surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static ground planting to a dynamic modular configuration where trays can be easily assembled, disassembled, and rearranged to create different garden layouts while maintaining large surface area.
3Productivity
If traditional plumbing is exposed for watering, then efficient watering is achieved, but the appearance becomes unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The plumbing infrastructure is extracted from the visible surface and relocated to the concealed space beneath the trays. Water supply lines and drainage systems are installed in the hollow chambers below the tray bottoms, eliminating visual clutter while maintaining efficient water distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray bottom structure serves as an intermediary element that hides the plumbing infrastructure. The hollow chamber beneath each tray acts as a conduit space, allowing pipes to pass through while keeping them concealed from view, thus mediating between aesthetic requirements and functional plumbing needs.
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 allows for customizable garden sizes and shapes, provides stability, and enables efficient watering while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, addressing the limitations of traditional pots and ground planting.
Implementation Method 1
each potting tray may have a conduit below the floor of the tray so as to hide the plumbing, but allow the plumbing to connect with each potting tray. The floor may also have a plurality of holes connected to the conduit so that the watering of the plant or flowers is directly into the soil from the bottom of the potting tray.
Data Source
AI summary
A planting system having a plurality of potting trays that can be interconnected in a modular fashion to create a multitude of different configurations. Each potting tray has a plurality of holes operatively connected with a conduit through which plumbing can be incorporated into the planting system to water plants in the potting trays via the plurality of holes. A plurality of pedestals may be used to elevate the planting system. Lateral braces may be used to interconnect the plurality of pedestals.