Multi-Purpose Intelligent Plant Stand with Hanging and Sitting Mode Switch

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 - a multi-purpose intelligent plant stand comprising a frame body, conversion equipment, and a cleaning device. The frame body is a steel wire mold with an arc-shaped bottom, hung by traction ropes. The conversion equipment allows switching between hanging and sitting postures and rotates the frame integrally. The cleaning device cleans the frame during this conversion.

Claim 2 - details the flowerpot regulating mechanism, including a support basin plate hinged to the body frame and a support basin cylinder. A levelness sensor on the plate detects horizontal state, and the cylinder adjusts the plate to keep the pot level.

Claim 3 - specifies the conversion equipment structure: three units uniformly mounted on a support ring. Each unit has a main rotating disk, roll, reel, secondary rotating disk, and coiling electric motor. The motor drives the reel and secondary disk; the secondary disk meshes with the main disk to synchronize rotation.

Claim 4 - adds sitting posture struts welded to the main rotating disks, ending in Mecanum wheels. The reels tighten the traction ropes to pull the hooks into the frame, positioning the struts below the frame for floor standing.

Claim 5 - defines the cleaning device: cams welded to the main rotating disks and water pockets surrounding the cams. Water seeps through holes in the pocket walls as the cam squeezes the pocket during rotation, cleaning the frame.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and has lapsed due to non-payment of annual fees. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Smart home devices and automated plant care systems are active fields with many US patents covering motor controls, IoT connectivity, and mechanical leveling. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended before tooling, specifically checking for existing US patents on similar conversion mechanisms or sensor-integrated plant holders.
• Electronic Safety. Since the design involves electric motors and sensors powered by mains or batteries, strict adherence to electrical safety standards is required for US market entry.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• UL 62368-1 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment safety. If the device connects to the internet or uses external power supplies, this applies.
• FCC Part 15 - Radio frequency interference. Required if the device uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any wireless module.
• FDA 21 CFR - Not directly applicable unless marketed for food-contact plants (herbs/vegetables), but material safety for plastics near soil/water should be reviewed.
• California Prop 65 - Screening for chemicals in coatings, plastics, and electronics.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define pot size, power source, and connectivity needs.
2. Design - Mechanical layout of reels and struts; PCB design for motor control and sensors.
3. Prototype - 3D printed mechanics and off-the-shelf motors for fit testing.
4. Pilot Run - Assembly of injection molded parts and SMT boards; functional testing.
5. Production - Injection molding, stamping/bending for wire frames, motor assembly, final packaging.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for the plastic housing of the conversion units and the basin plate will require injection molds. The steel wire frame requires bending fixtures. Electronic components (PCBs, motors) have longer lead times than mechanical parts. Send us your target pot size, power preference, and quantity and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Injection molding is likely used for the main rotating disks, reels, and housing covers to ensure precise gear meshing. The steel wire frame typically requires wire forming or stamping fixtures. Motor assembly involves press-fitting shafts and securing gears.

Cost drivers

Part count is high due to the three independent conversion units and associated gears. Material grade selection (ABS vs. Nylon for gears) typically affects durability and cost. Packaging volume usually increases because the assembled stand is bulky.

Prototyping path

Prototyping typically starts with a 3D model to check interference between the cams and water pockets. Print the body and struts to verify the hanging-to-sitting transition. Use simple fixtures or hand tools for stressed parts like the reel axles. Test the levelness sensor logic on a functional sample before committing to T1 samples.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the cleaning mechanism if water leakage becomes a failure point. Ensure the Mecanum wheel mounting allows for easy replacement. Verify that the traction rope routing avoids pinch points during the full range of motion.

Common failure points

Thin walls on the plastic housings may warp or sink under heat from the motors. Shaft and bearing alignment issues can cause noise or jamming in the reels. Wire routing and strain relief must be robust to prevent breakage during repeated extension/retraction cycles. Trapped water in crevices could lead to corrosion or mold growth.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the hanging-to-sitting switch work?

Three motorized units drive reels that tighten the suspension ropes. As the ropes shorten, the hooks retract into the frame body. Simultaneously, the gear system rotates the main disks, which extend the support struts downward until the wheels touch the floor, converting the stand from hanging to sitting mode.

Does it really level the plant pot?

Yes. According to the patent, a levelness sensor monitors the angle of the support basin plate. If the pot is tilted, a cylinder actuator adjusts the plate’s position until the sensor confirms it is horizontal. This helps keep the plant growing straight and prevents water from spilling.

How does the cleaning function operate?

During the rotation of the conversion disks, cams attached to the disks squeeze water pockets. These pockets have seepage holes that release water onto the steel wire frame, washing away dust and debris. This happens automatically whenever the stand switches modes.

What powers the device?

The patent describes coiling electric motors. In a commercial product, these would likely be powered by a rechargeable battery pack or an AC adapter. The specific voltage and capacity are set in design and confirmed on prototypes.

Can I use it for heavy trees?

No. The structure relies on a steel wire frame and small motors. It is designed for lightweight decorative pots. Heavy loads would stress the reels and potentially bend the frame, affecting the leveling mechanism.

Is the app control included?

The patent focuses on the mechanical structure and basic sensor logic. App control, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth modules are not described in the patent text but can be added in custom development. You would need to specify these features in your request.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent was filed in China and has lapsed, and the public record shows no US counterpart, so it does not restrict the design in the US. However, smart home devices and mechanical converters may be covered by other US patents. We recommend a freedom-to-operate check before volume production.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN107242737B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (smart home brand, nursery retailer, furniture maker)
• Target pot size (diameter and weight)
• Power preference (battery, USB, AC)
• Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or standalone)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.