Planting assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing space-constrained environments for plant growth, such as tubs and vertical planting walls, are limited by size, require professional installation, and can be costly, posing challenges for efficient space utilization and easy user assembly.

Innovation Solution

A planting assembly comprising a foldable sheet with aligned apertures forming U-shaped ribs, where planting receptacles can be easily mounted and secured, using recycled plastic containers or guttering, allowing for flexible arrangement and attachment to walls or other supports without specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional vertical planting walls are used, then space utilization is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planting wall is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled. Each panel contains multiple receptacles for planting, allowing the system to be constructed in discrete, manageable units rather than as a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-contained receptacles with integrated drainage and support features that require minimal assembly. The modular design allows users to assemble the planting wall themselves without professional installation, reducing both labor costs and installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If traditional vertical planting walls are used, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The planting wall is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be produced separately, allowing for simpler manufacturing processes and reduced tooling costs compared to building a single large complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standardized, interchangeable components that can be reused across multiple panels. This modularity allows for easier manufacturing, storage, and assembly, reducing overall production costs while maintaining space-efficient vertical gardening capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Area of stationary object

If traditional wall-mounted planting systems are used, then vertical space is utilized, but wall structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical space utilizationVSAvoidwall structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The planting system is divided into discrete panels that can be mounted independently on walls. This segmentation distributes the weight and structural demands across multiple smaller attachment points rather than requiring a single large mounting structure, reducing the overall load on the wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses intermediate mounting structures and brackets that transfer loads from the planting receptacles to the wall in a distributed manner. These intermediary elements protect the wall from direct concentrated loads while still enabling secure mounting of the vertical planting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If traditional vertical planting systems are used, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The planting system is divided into pre-assembled modular panels that can be easily transported and installed. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated components, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly while maintaining vertical space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panels are designed for simple, tool-free or minimal-tool assembly by end users. Standardized connection mechanisms and lightweight components enable DIY installation without requiring professional expertise, making the space-efficient vertical planting system accessible to ordinary consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3197265A1Planting assemblies
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 ROSS

AI summary

A planting assembly comprising a support in the form of at least one sheet with at least one row of apertures therein, the at least one sheet being formed into a wave shape such that the apertures are substantially aligned; and at least one planting receptacle, the at least one planting receptacle being mounted through the apertures of the sheet, the planting receptacles being adapted to contain a growing medium.