Press-Fit Multi-Pot Holder for Secure Transport and Pot Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pot devices fail to securely retain individual pots during transportation, leading to potential damage and discouraging multi-plant sales by concealing pot markings, and are often expensive and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A press-fit multi-pot device with angled wall portions forming a 'snap fit' connection, allowing secure retention and visibility of pot markings, while being inexpensive and easy to use, manufactured using techniques like injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art multi-pot devices use flat tray structures, then multiple pots can be stored and transported, but the pots are not securely retained and may overturn or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the tray into multiple modular compartments, each capable of independently securing a single pot. This segmentation allows each compartment to focus on retaining one pot securely through simplified wall structures, while the overall device maintains multiple pots. The modular nature reduces complexity by repeating simple, effective retention elements rather than designing a complex unified retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pot is nested within the compartment structure, with the compartment walls forming a press-fit connection around the pot body. This nesting arrangement allows the pot to be securely retained within the defined space of each compartment, preventing overturning while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
2Loss of information
If prior art devices use opaque or colored materials, then manufacturing is simplified, but the markings and marketing material on pot side walls are blocked or concealed
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes transparent or translucent material properties to allow visual passage through the walls. This material selection enables consumers to view markings, marketing material, and plant information on the pot side walls without obstruction, while still providing structural containment and security for the pots within the device.
3Reliability
If prior art devices lack secure retention mechanisms, then manufacturing is simpler and less expensive, but pots may overturn or become damaged during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs parameter changes in the wall geometry, specifically using angled walls that create a press-fit connection with the pot. This geometric parameter change transforms simple vertical walls into retention-providing angled surfaces, achieving secure pot retention through the mechanical advantage of the angle rather than through complex additional mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices allow easy removal of individual pots, then ease of use is improved, but multi-plant sales are discouraged and individual pot purchases increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism provides dynamic characteristics where the press-fit connection offers firm holding under normal conditions but allows controlled release when force is applied. This dynamic behavior enables the device to promote multi-plant sales by securely retaining pots during display and transport, while still allowing easy removal when consumers wish to purchase individual plants.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pot device for facilitating a press fit connection between the device and a plurality of pots or planters, which enables a user to simultaneously and securely use, store, and transport multiple pots. Further, the multi-pot device does not conceal the markings located on the exterior of the individual pots. The multi-pot device comprises a top portion and a side portion. The top portion is further comprised of a plurality of spaced apart openings therein for receipt of the pots. Further, each of the openings is formed by a side that extends downwardly from the top portion, and each side is preferably comprised of a first lip, a first wall portion, a second lip, a second wall portion, a third lip, a third wall portion, a fourth lip and a fourth wall portion, the purpose of which is to form a press fit with the side walls of the pot.