Tree Cabling System Anchoring Roof Deck Trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-rise buildings with roof decks face challenges in safely anchoring large trees due to shallow soil depth and strong winds, which can cause trees to topple, as traditional anchoring methods cannot penetrate the waterproof rooftop surface.
Innovation Solution
The Tree Cabling System, comprising three wire rope cabling systems positioned 120° apart around each tree, provides additional resistance by transitioning from a slack to a tension state during strong winds, allowing the tree to move horizontally and be secured by a washer and horizontal steel cylinder, reducing overturning moments and allowing for minor movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring methods are used to secure trees on roof decks, then the tree can be firmly anchored, but the anchoring system cannot penetrate the waterproof rooftop surface
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into separate components: surface-mounted anchors that attach to the roof deck without penetration, wire ropes for tensioning, and clamps for securing to the tree trunk. This segmentation allows installation on the waterproof surface without compromising it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (surface anchors, wire ropes, and clamps) that mediate between the tree and the roof deck, enabling anchoring without direct penetration of the waterproof surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wire rope is made taut to prevent tree movement, then the tree is more stable, but the tree cannot accommodate wind-induced movement from vertical to horizontal position
Solution Approach 1:
The wire rope system transitions from a static taut state to a dynamic system that allows movement. The rope can go slack when the tree moves to a horizontal position, accommodating wind-induced movement while maintaining stability in normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tension parameter of the wire rope dynamically - taut during normal conditions for stability, and slack during wind events to allow horizontal movement. This parameter change enables both stability and adaptability.
3Strength
If the wire rope is made tight to resist wind force, then the tree is more resistant to overturning, but the tree cannot move horizontally during strong wind events
Solution Approach 1:
The wire rope system dynamically adjusts its tension state based on wind conditions. During strong winds, the system allows the rope to go slack, enabling the tree to move horizontally and reducing the risk of damage from excessive tension.
4Reliability
If three tree cabling systems are used positioned 120° apart, then the tree is more stable against wind from any direction, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cabling at specific locations (three points 120° apart around the tree) to provide optimal multi-directional stability. This localized strategic placement achieves comprehensive coverage with minimal components.
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
Effectively prevents tree overturning during wind events by distributing wind resistance and allowing for adjustments as the tree grows, maintaining stability and safety on roof decks.
Implementation Method 1
When cable tension within the T.C.S. becomes high enough to cause slippage of clamps holding cables to the tree
Implementation Method 2
the wire rope is held in position by the washer as it meets the horizontal cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A tree anchoring apparatus, a tree anchoring kit and a method of anchoring of a tree on a roof deck is provided consisting of three tree cabling systems attached to a tree. Each tree cabling system can exist in one of two states, depending on whether there is slack in the system or whether there is resistance due to movement of the tree from a vertical position to a horizontal position. In a wind event that causes the tree to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position, one or more of the tree cabling systems will experience resistance that keeps the tree in a horizontal position. When the wind event is over, the tree can be returned to a vertical position.