Steel Tree Frame for Concealed Vine-Supported Ornamental Trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing staking methods for weakly rooted trees are cumbersome, unsightly, and inadequate for early growth stages, often failing to provide long-lasting support against high winds and heavy rains, as they deteriorate over time and do not conceal the support structure, detracting from the ornamental appearance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rigid steel frame structure formed from hot rolled steel bars, where the frame is bent and welded to create a tree configuration, with flowering vine plants like Bougainvillea braided onto it, creating the appearance of a solid tree trunk and branches, and anchored underground with hidden stakes to withstand severe weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional staking methods (stakes or wooden trellis) are used to support weakly rooted trees, then the tree can be held upright, but the support structure becomes visible and detracts from the ornamental appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flowering vine plants as an intermediary element that covers the steel frame structure. The vines grow over the metal framework, concealing it from view while adding ornamental value, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The steel frame structure is painted to match the natural color of tree bark, making it visually blend with the intended final appearance. This color matching technique helps conceal the support structure while maintaining the ornamental quality
2Stability of the object's composition
If wooden trellis is used for early stage support, then the tree can be supported during growth, but the trellis deteriorates and breaks when the tree becomes top-heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite support system combining steel frame structure with flowering vine plants. The steel provides enduring structural strength that does not deteriorate like wood, while the vines add biological coverage and ornamental value, resolving the reliability issue
3Strength
If multiple stakes are driven into the ground to support the tree, then adequate support is provided, but the staking method becomes cumbersome and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The steel frame structure is divided into segmented components (vertical posts, horizontal braces, diagonal supports) that can be assembled in place. This segmentation allows for a stronger, more distributed support system that is less cumbersome than traditional stake methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function with the ornamental function by using the same steel frame structure that will eventually be covered by the flowering vines. This combines structural support and aesthetic presentation into a single integrated system
Data Source
AI summary
A method provides the steps of: bending a first length of hot rolled steel bar to define a trunk member of a tree frame; bending and welding second cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar onto a bottom end of the trunk member to define feet members; placing a planting pot on top of the feet members with the trunk member extending up through and above the pot; bending and welding third cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar to the trunk member at spaced intervals above the pot to define branch arms; planting flowering vine plants in the pot and braiding the vines up the trunk member and out onto the branch arms; trimming the vines on the trunk member to remove foliage; and allowing foliage of the flowering vine plants to grow on the branch arms to create the appearance of a giant Bonzai tree.