Polymeric Tree Enclosure with Serrated Edge for Sloped Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landscape border and tree enclosure solutions are not designed for use on sloped hillsides, often lack watertight joints, and are not efficiently embedded in the ground, leading to water loss and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A resilient, polymeric tree enclosure with a sharpened or serrated bottom edge for easy soil penetration, tapered upper edges for stability, and various watertight joint designs such as elastomeric seals, finned connectors, or conical surfaces to form a 360° ring or 270° circle, ensuring effective water retention on sloped ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional border materials (fences, logs, bricks) are used to surround trees, then decorative edge and mulch containment are achieved, but water-tightness is lost and installation on slopes is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible polymeric membrane that can be easily installed on sloped surfaces while maintaining water-tightness. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to ground contours and be securely positioned without requiring heavy construction materials or complex installation procedures, thus achieving both water-tightness and ease of installation.
2Reliability
If conventional tree surrounds are used on sloped hillsides, then coverage is provided, but water retention fails due to improper embedding and slope design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a circular configuration with a curved bottom edge that is adapted to slope conditions. The circular shape distributes water evenly around the tree while the curved bottom edge design allows proper embedding into sloped ground, preventing water leakage and ensuring effective water retention on hillsides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the tree surround: the bottom edge features a curved profile for slope adaptation and embedding, while the upper portion maintains vertical orientation for water containment. This localized differentiation enables the structure to function effectively on sloped terrain while maintaining water retention.
3Strength
If heavy border materials are used to create stable enclosures, then structural stability is improved, but handling and placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid support framework with a flexible polymeric membrane. The rigid portion provides necessary structural stability to maintain the enclosure shape, while the flexible membrane contributes to overall strength and water-tightness. This composite approach achieves structural stability without requiring heavy materials that are difficult to handle.
4Reliability
If conical tree surrounds are used for water retention, then water holding capability is improved, but installation requires extensive digging and backfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a curved bottom edge designed in advance to facilitate easy embedding into the ground. This pre-designed feature allows the tree surround to be installed by simply positioning and pressing it into the soil, eliminating the need for extensive digging and backfilling operations while maintaining the conical water-retaining shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A water-retaining enclosure for surrounding trees and bushes and holding water, on flat or sloped hillsides. The enclosure is made of a resilient, polymeric material, such as wood/polymer composite. The bottom edge of the enclosure can have a sharpened edge or sawteeth for cutting into the soil. The upper edges can be tapered. The ends can be joined together to make a 360° ring using a watertight joint, or left open to form a 270° (¾) circle. The joint can utilize an elastomeric seal, finned connector, mating conical surfaces, interlocking flanges, or an interference fit to make it watertight.