Thin-Walled Frustoconical Sap Collector for Tree Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sap-collecting devices cause damage to trees due to their hard structure, which leads to cracking and water accumulation, resulting in reduced sap collection efficiency and increased labor for reinsertion, especially during cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A thin-walled sap-collecting device with a frustoconical outer and inner peripheral wall surface, allowing for a frictional engagement with the tree that is elastically deformable, providing a secure and air-tight fit without causing significant damage, and featuring adjustable thickness and angles for varying tree hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hard sap-collecting devices are inserted into the tree by hammering, then the device can be securely installed, but the tree bark and cambium are damaged causing cracks and water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The sap-collecting device uses a thin-walled flexible structure with wall thickness of about 1/32 inch or less at the inlet portion. The flexible material allows the device to be inserted into the tapped hole without requiring forceful hammering, thereby avoiding damage to the tree bark and cambium while still achieving secure installation through elastic deformation and frictional engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs varying wall thickness along its length, with the thinnest section (about 1/32 inch or less) positioned at the inlet for minimal tree damage during insertion, while other sections have increased thickness for structural support. The frustoconical geometry with specific angle ranges (α: 2°-5°, β: 0.02°-2°, θ: 1°-4°, λ: 0.02°-2°) optimizes both insertion ease and installation security.
2Ease of operation
If conventional devices create vertical cracks during insertion, then the device can be installed, but the cracks accumulate water and expand during freeze/thaw cycles causing the device to become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled flexible structure eliminates the need for forceful hammering that causes cracking. The device is inserted by tapping or pushing, allowing the flexible walls to conform to the tapped hole without creating radial cracks in the tree tissue. This prevents water accumulation and subsequent freeze/thaw damage that would otherwise cause the device to become loose.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thin-walled design acts as a cushioning mechanism during insertion. Instead of transmitting impact forces that create cracks, the flexible material absorbs the insertion energy through elastic deformation, preventing the formation of cracks that would lead to water accumulation and device loosening during freeze/thaw cycles.
3Strength
If the device wall thickness is increased for structural strength, then the device can withstand insertion forces, but the device causes more damage to the tree and creates larger cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs non-uniform wall thickness distribution, with the inlet portion (which contacts the tree) having minimal thickness (about 1/32 inch or less) to reduce damage during insertion, while other sections have increased thickness for structural support. The frustoconical geometry with specifically controlled angle ranges provides structural strength while maintaining thin walls at critical interfaces with the tree.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled flexible structure at the inlet allows the device to be inserted with minimal force, avoiding damage to the tree. The flexibility compensates for the reduced wall thickness, allowing the device to withstand insertion forces through elastic deformation rather than requiring thick rigid walls that would cause cracking.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the device is reinserted multiple times due to loosening, then the device can remain in use, but additional labor is required and tree damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled flexible structure creates a tight frictional engagement with the tapped hole walls without requiring forceful insertion that causes cracking. The flexibility allows the device to maintain secure engagement through elastic deformation, preventing loosening during freeze/thaw cycles and eliminating the need for repeated reinsertion, thereby reducing labor time and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thin-walled design prevents the formation of cracks during initial insertion, which would otherwise lead to water accumulation and device loosening. By preventing loosening from the outset, the device maintains secure engagement throughout its service life without requiring reinsertion, saving labor time and avoiding additional tree 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 device minimizes tree damage, maintains a vacuum seal, reduces labor for reinsertion, and increases sap collection efficiency by providing a secure and user-friendly mechanism for both amateur and professional collectors.
Implementation Method 1
the material between the peripheral wall surfaces at the removably-insertable collector portion being elastically and temporality deformable in response to a peripheral pressure exerted inwardly on the outer peripheral wall surface
Implementation Method 2
the removably-insertable collector portion is inserted with a forced frictional fit into the tapped hole
Data Source
AI summary
The device is provided for collecting sap from a tapped hole of a tree. It includes a collector having a substantially frustoconical outer peripheral wall surface and an inner peripheral wall surface. The collector also has a portion that is removably insertable into the tapped hole with a frictional engagement. The material between the peripheral wall surfaces at the removably-insertable collector portion is elastically and temporality deformable in response to a peripheral pressure exerted inwardly on the outer peripheral wall surface when the removably-insertable collector portion is inserted with a forced frictional fit into the tapped hole.