Semi-Circular Tree Watering Ring with Buried Root Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree watering methods, such as sprinklers and soaker hoses, often lead to overwatering or underwatering trees due to inefficiencies in water distribution, and can be damaged by gardening tools or leave imprints on the ground, while prior art devices have not effectively addressed these issues.
Innovation Solution
A tree watering apparatus comprising a semi-circular ring buried around the tree base with a distribution tubing system that directs water to the roots and prevents runoff, featuring a plug and connector for controlled water flow and a design that incorporates a root barrier to promote downward root growth and allows for accessory integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sprinklers are used to water trees, then large areas can be covered, but water is sprayed on fruit and leaves increasing risk of fungal diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system is segmented into multiple adjustable spray heads that can be independently positioned and directed. Each spray head covers a specific sector, allowing water to be delivered to the ground and trunk area without spraying foliage. The segmentation of the spray pattern enables selective wetting of target areas while avoiding leaves and fruit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides localized water delivery with different spray characteristics in different zones. The spray heads are positioned and adjusted to create a gradient of water distribution, with higher concentration at the base and trunk area, and minimal spray on upper foliage. This local quality control ensures adequate tree hydration without creating conditions for fungal diseases on leaves.
2Ease of operation
If soaker hose is used to water a tree, then water is delivered close to the base, but the hose must be removed every time grass is mowed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose is extracted from the watering system and replaced with a rigid, buried irrigation structure. The spray heads are mounted on a permanent base that is buried in the ground, eliminating the need for flexible hoses that require removal during mowing. The system is taken out of the removable category and made permanent through burial and structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system is installed in advance by burying the base and mounting spray heads before landscaping is complete. The conduit is embedded in concrete or compacted soil, creating a permanent installation that withstands mowing operations. This preliminary action of permanent installation eliminates future removal and reinstallation requirements.
3Reliability
If low volume drip system is used, then water is delivered efficiently, but the thin plastic tubing can be crushed or severed by mowers
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from symmetric, flexible tubing to an asymmetric, rigid structure with a concrete or masonry base. The spray heads are mounted on this rigid structure rather than being connected by flexible tubing. This asymmetric design with a permanent base provides structural strength while maintaining efficient water delivery through the rigid-mounted spray components.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system uses composite construction combining concrete or masonry for the base structure with metal or rigid plastic for the spray head mounting and water delivery components. This composite material approach provides both the structural strength to resist mower damage and the water delivery efficiency of a dedicated irrigation system.
4Quantity of substance
If garden hose is used to water trees, then water can be applied with low volume, but water is concentrated on one side while the opposite side lacks sufficient water
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is segmented into multiple spray heads positioned at different locations around the tree base. Each spray head is independently adjusted to deliver water to specific zones, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire target area. This segmentation eliminates the concentration problem by distributing water through multiple controlled outlets rather than a single hose endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray heads are positioned and adjusted to create a radial, circular water distribution pattern around the tree base. The spray arcs are oriented to overlap and cover the entire circumference, ensuring uniform water delivery to all sides of the tree. This curved, radial arrangement prevents concentration on one side by geometrically distributing water evenly around the trunk.
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 apparatus ensures proper irrigation without overwatering or underwatering, protects roots, and is durable against gardening tools, while maintaining water around the tree until absorption and allowing for accessory incorporation like landscape lighting.
Implementation Method 1
The distributing tubing has the connector attached at one end and the plug at the other end. Water supply is attached to the connector to allow water to flow into the distribution tubing and out a plurality of holes.
Implementation Method 2
The semi-circular ring is partly buried into the ground around the base of the tree... the bottom section of the semi-circular ring is buried into the ground far enough to protect the roots of the tree and direct their growth downward and away from the ground surface.
Implementation Method 3
maintains the irrigation water around the tree until it is absorbed by the ground around the base of the tree rather than allowing the irrigation water to flow away from the tree
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tree watering apparatus that can be used to irrigate the base of a tree and to protect the roots thereof. The present invention comprises a semi-circular ring having a bottom half that serves as a root barrier and a top half that serves as a barrier to retain water around a tree while the water percolates to the root system of the tree. A distribution tubing is attached to a water supply and directs water around a tree which is then retained on the ground around the tree by the top half of the present invention while it percolates into the ground. Water that percolates into the ground is then directed to the root system of the tree by the bottom half of the present invention that is buried.