Profiled Overgrowth Anchor for Tree Platform Load Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for anchoring platforms or structural components in trees, such as treehouse screws, can damage trees and fail under load due to their diameter being reduced, necessitating an improved anchoring solution.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a profiled surface, such as ribbed or wavy, is used to create a device with an overgrowth body that integrates into the tree's structure, promoting overgrowth and increased pull-out resistance, and a bolt with a compression mechanism to secure the anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the diameter of tree screws is reduced, then the damage to trees is minimized, but the load-bearing capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is divided into multiple functional segments: a bolt portion for initial anchoring, an overgrowth element with profiled surface for biological integration, and a platform connection element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overgrowth element acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the tree. It features a profiled surface that promotes tree overgrowth, creating a biological bond that transfers loads from the bolt to the surrounding wood tissue, thereby increasing load-bearing capacity without requiring larger screw diameters.
2Ease of operation
If treehouse screws are used for anchoring, then platforms can be secured in trees, but the screws can damage trees and fail under load
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an overgrowth element with a profiled surface that is designed to promote preliminary tree overgrowth before full load application. This preliminary biological action creates a stronger bond between the anchoring device and the tree, improving reliability while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system combines synthetic materials (bolt, overgrowth element) with natural biological materials (tree tissue). The composite structure leverages the strength and durability of synthetic materials while utilizing the tree's own growth and healing processes to enhance anchoring reliability and reduce damage.
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 solution provides a reliable and durable anchoring system that minimizes tree damage while enhancing pull-out resistance and load-bearing capacity, suitable for various tree species and growth patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the increasing overgrowth of the overgrowth element over time can lead to an improved arrangement, especially to increased pull-out resistance
Implementation Method 2
a bolt with a compression mechanism to secure the anchoring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A covering element (3) for a device (1) for anchoring platforms, ropes or other structural components in trees, has a covering body extending parallel to a longitudinal axis with a surface that is profiled at least in sections.