Tree Injection Plug with Spring-Loaded Valve and Annular Barbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree injection methods cause significant damage to the tree and are inefficient, often requiring a two-step operation, heavy backpacks for fuel and chemicals, and result in delayed chemical application due to the need for hole drilling or cutting, which can lead to healing of the tree before injection.
Innovation Solution
A tree injection plug with a spring-loaded valve and annular barbs that allows for the passage of liquid chemicals into the tree while sealing the hole to prevent leakage, minimizing damage and eliminating the need for a second step in the injection process, and can be left in the tree to maintain chemical delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cut is made in the tree to accommodate the chemical injector, then the chemical can be injected into the tree, but significant damage is done to the tree tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of injection from the traditional cutting method. Instead of removing a large portion of tree tissue to create a cut, a small hole is drilled just large enough to accommodate the injection plug, minimizing tissue removal while maintaining injection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection plug features a porous barrier at its forward end that allows chemical passage into the tree while preventing leakage back out. This porous structure enables selective permeability - allowing the chemical to be delivered effectively while protecting the tree from excessive chemical loss.
2Reliability
If a two-step operation is used (drilling hole then separate injection), then injection can be performed, but the operation is time consuming and involves considerable manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the drilling/in insertion function and the chemical injection function into a single integrated operation. The injection plug is inserted into the drilled hole and immediately begins delivering chemical, eliminating the need for separate injection equipment and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a seal to prevent chemical leakage, provides a pathway for chemical delivery into the tree, and can remain in place to maintain continuous chemical presence. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If there is a delay between making the cut and introducing the chemical, then the two-step operation can be completed, but the tree heals the incision quickly protecting it from chemical entry
Solution Approach 1:
The injection plug is prepared in advance with its porous barrier and chemical reservoir ready for immediate insertion. Once the small hole is drilled, the plug is inserted and chemical delivery begins immediately, eliminating delays associated with setting up separate injection equipment or allowing the wound to heal.
4Reliability
If a backpack is carried to hold fuel and fluid for injection, then the injection apparatus can be operated, but back and leg strain occurs due to the additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential injection function from the complex backpack system. The small injection plug requires minimal or no external fuel/chemical reservoirs, eliminating the need for heavy backpacks while maintaining injection capability.
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 reduces tree damage, streamlines the injection process, and prevents chemical leakage, allowing for efficient and safe delivery of liquid chemicals into the tree without the need for extensive cutting or drilling, improving the health of the tree while reducing operator strain.
Implementation Method 1
An elongated, spring-loaded valve core, having rearward and forward ends, is positioned in the rearward end of the fluid passageway. The valve core includes a valve which is movable between a normally closed position and an open position.
Implementation Method 2
At least one annular barb, and preferably a plurality of annular barbs, is provided on the body portion adjacent the forward end of the body portion for engagement with the trunk of the tree when the forward end of the body portion is inserted into a hole formed in the tree trunk.
Data Source
AI summary
An injector plug for use with an injector for injecting liquid chemical into a tree. After the tree has been injected, the plug remains in the tree.