Plant growing automatic water balance system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to an electric-free, self-regulating water balance system and method for plant cultivation. It includes a hydroponic body for holding a predetermined volume of liquid and a planting body suspended within the main chamber of the hydroponic body for planting plants. The gap between the hydroponic body and the planting body is filled with at least a portion of a composite chain, which delivers water and nutrients to the plants planted in the planting body. A limiting float is disposed on the filling layer formed by the composite chain, capable of moving with the composite chain. The composite chain, in a manner of shrinking due to water loss, causes the limiting float to move axially downwards, allowing a first structural chain I within the composite chain to descend and extend into the liquid. When the composite chain absorbs water and expands due to the water transported by the first structural chain I, the filling layer causes the limiting float to rise, thereby removing the first structural chain I connected to the limiting float from the liquid, enabling the composite chain to maintain the water balance of the plant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of soilless cultivation technology, and in particular to an electric-free, self-controlled water balance system and method for plant cultivation. Background Technology

[0002] There are two methods of plant cultivation: hydroponics and soil cultivation. Regardless of the method used, in addition to adequate ventilation and light, healthy plant growth also requires suitable substrate, water, and fertilizer. Hydroponics uses lightweight materials such as peat moss, forest compost, or vermiculite as a seedling substrate to fix the plants, allowing the roots to directly contact the nutrient solution. It employs mechanized precision sowing for one-time seedling production. Substrate cultivation is the most widely used method of hydroponics. It involves fixing the crop's roots in an organic or inorganic substrate and supplying the crop with nutrient solution through drip irrigation or fine-flow irrigation. The cultivation substrate can be stored in plastic bags or laid in cultivation trenches or troughs. The nutrient solution in substrate cultivation is not circulated, known as an open-loop system, which prevents the spread of diseases through the circulation of the nutrient solution.

[0003] Normally, plants can grow healthily and vigorously when the water and fertilizer they need are in balance. However, if the balance of water and fertilizer is disrupted, plants will become diseased or even die. For example, too much water will cause plants to drown, too little water will cause plants to die from drought, too much fertilizer will burn plants, and too little fertilizer will cause plants to die from disease.

[0004] With the development of technology, a large number of systems using electronically controlled sensors to detect the balance between plants and water have appeared on the market. The most common is the alarm device for monitoring water shortage in cultivated plants. However, such devices can usually only issue an alarm and cannot automatically replenish water, requiring manual watering. Of course, there are also systems with additional water storage systems that automatically replenish water via water pumps. When the plants need watering, the monitoring system activates the water pump to replenish water, but the entire system is relatively complex and costly. For example, Chinese patent CN103798116B discloses a nutrient solution circulation device for soilless plant cultivation, which includes: a nutrient solution supply and treatment unit for supplying and treating the nutrient solution required by the plants; a nutrient solution circulation unit connected to the nutrient solution supply and treatment unit for liquid circulation, which together with the nutrient solution supply and treatment unit and the external cultivation bed form a closed cultivation system; and control units connected to the nutrient solution supply and treatment unit and the nutrient solution circulation unit respectively; wherein the closed cultivation system has a biomimetic heart blood supply and oxygen supply mechanism. This invention detects the content of each component in the nutrient solution for hydroponics and effectively regulates the replenishment of key components according to the nutritional needs of plants. This allows the nutrient solution to be recycled multiple times, meeting the actual nutritional needs of plants at different stages and avoiding environmental pollution. However, the system that uses sensors to monitor water volume, whether for alarms or water pump replenishment, requires continuous power to operate. Without power, the system cannot function, which significantly limits its application.

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of existing technologies, there is an urgent need for a soilless plant cultivation system that can automatically monitor the water balance of plants, requires no electricity or electronic control system, and automatically replenishes water when plants are short of water without human intervention or the need for electric pumps. The system will automatically replenish water and then automatically shut off the water supply once sufficient water has been replenished.

[0006] Furthermore, on the one hand, there are differences in understanding among those skilled in the art; on the other hand, the inventors studied a large number of documents and patents when making this invention, but due to space limitations, not all details and contents were listed in detail. However, this does not mean that the present invention does not possess the features of these prior art. On the contrary, the present invention already possesses all the features of the prior art, and the applicant reserves the right to add relevant prior art to the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a plant cultivation system with an electricity-free, self-regulating water balance, comprising a multi-material composite chain (made by combining a water-expanding, water-shrinking hydroponic ball with expanded clay pellets, slow-release fertilizer balls, water-absorbing lines, a counterweight, and a water-absorbing and stretchable net rope), a supporting net, a floating sheet, a floating net, water, plants, and their carriers. The system includes a hydroponic body for holding a predetermined volume of liquid and a planting body suspended within the main cavity of the hydroponic body for planting plants. At least a portion of the composite chain fills the gap between the hydroponic body and the planting body. The chain can deliver water and nutrients to the plants grown on the planting body. A limiting float net, capable of moving with the composite chain, is provided on the filling layer formed by the composite chain. As the composite chain shrinks due to water loss, it drives the limiting float net to move axially downwards, allowing the first structural chain I in the composite chain to descend and extend into the liquid. When the composite chain absorbs water and expands due to the water transported by the first structural chain I, the filling layer drives the limiting float net to move upwards, thereby removing the first structural chain I connected to the limiting float net from the liquid, enabling the composite chain to maintain the water balance of the plant. Its advantages are that this system can automatically monitor the plant's water balance without any electricity or electronic control system. When the plant is short of water, water replenishment does not require human intervention or electric pumps; the system automatically replenishes water and automatically shuts off the water supply once sufficient water has been replenished. Because the materials required for this invention are green and environmentally friendly, extremely inexpensive, and reusable, the cost is significantly reduced compared to electric alarm and electric pump systems, by at least 90%. Because it does not require electricity, its application scope is greatly expanded. It can be used not only for home gardening and vegetable growing, but also for large-scale production on farms, saving energy and reducing emissions. It can also be used in ditches, rivers, lakes, and other areas to beautify the environment with hydroponic plants and flowers, and expand the agricultural planting area.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the composite chain includes at least a water absorption and transmission unit, a counterweight, and a shaping unit. The water absorption and transmission unit and the shaping unit are assembled to form a chain body of a first structural chain I with a predetermined shape. One end of the first structural chain I is inserted into the filling layer and connected to the limiting float. The end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float can selectively extend into the liquid contained in the hydroponic body as the limiting float moves with it. The end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float is also connected to a pendulum that can provide force to it.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the second structural chain II, which fills the space between the hydroponic body and the planting body, can be wrinkled by the water absorbed by the plant inside the planting body, thereby reducing the volume filled by the second structural chain II. This causes the limiting floating net, which is supported above the filling layer formed by the second structural chain II, to move downwards, and the end of the first structural chain I connected to the limiting floating net and having a weight attached to it can extend into the liquid.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the composite chain further includes a hydrostrictive unit, a plant slow-release fertilizer unit, a water-retaining and breathable unit, and a water-absorbing and stretchable net rope, wherein a plurality of the hydrostrictive units are arranged in the water-absorbing and stretchable net rope to form a second structural chain II.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of the hydrostrictive units and the plant slow-release fertilizer units are arranged at intervals in the water-absorbing stretchable net rope to form a third structural chain III; a plurality of the water-retaining and breathable units are arranged in the water-absorbing stretchable net rope to form a fourth structural chain IV; and the second structural chain II is selectively connected to at least one of the third structural chain III or the fourth structural chain IV.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the planting body includes at least a baffle plate and a planting cup, wherein the baffle plate is installed on the opening of the hydroponic body in such a way that the planting cup, which is integrally connected thereto, is suspended inside the hydroponic body.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the planting cup is filled with a fourth structural chain IV that can transfer water and nutrients to the plant and facilitate root development, and the outside of the planting cup is wrapped by the second structural chain II and the third structural chain III.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the limiting floating net includes at least a double-ring floating net that can be supported on the composite chain and a floating net connector inserted into the composite chain and connected to the first structural chain I.

[0015] This application also provides a non-electrically controlled water balance method for plant cultivation, which includes a hydroponic body for holding a set volume of liquid and a planting body suspended in the main cavity of the hydroponic body for planting plants. The gap between the hydroponic body and the planting body is filled with at least a portion of a composite chain, which can deliver water and nutrients to the plants planted in the planting body. The composite chain can reduce its volume as the plant produces and consumes water. When the filling layer it forms shrinks to the set volume, the first structural chain I in the composite chain can extend into the liquid stored in the hydroponic body, so that the composite chain can absorb water and expand to restore its initial volume, thereby the composite chain can maintain the water balance of the plant.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the composite chain includes at least a water absorption and transmission unit, a counterweight, and a shaping unit. The water absorption and transmission unit and the shaping unit are assembled to form a chain body of a first structural chain I with a predetermined shape. One end of the first structural chain I is inserted into the filling layer and connected to the limiting float. The end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float can selectively extend into the liquid contained in the hydroponic body as the limiting float moves with it. The end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float is also connected to a pendulum that can provide force to it. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plant cultivation self-controlled water balance system without electricity in a balanced state according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-electric self-controlled water balance system for plant cultivation according to the present invention when it is in a non-equilibrium state;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the planting body of a non-electric self-controlled water balance system for plant cultivation according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting floating net of a plant planting non-electric self-controlled water balance system according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composite chain and its constituent structure of a plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the hydrostriction unit and the plant slow-release fertilizer unit in a plant planting self-controlled water balance system without electricity according to the present invention when they are in a balanced state.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the load-bearing module of the plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floating module in a non-electrically controlled water balance system for plant cultivation according to the present invention.

[0025] List of reference numerals

[0026] 1: Hydroponic main body; 2: Planting main body; 3: Floating net for positioning.

[0027] 4: Composite chain; 5: Load-bearing module; 6: Floating module

[0028] 7: Connector 11: Injection Component 111: Injection Channel

[0029] 112: Inlet port; 113: Sealing plug; 21: Baffle plate

[0030] 22: Planting cup; 211: Edge clamp; 31: Double-ring floating net.

[0031] 32: Floating net connector; 41: Hydrostrictive unit; 42: Plant slow-release fertilizer unit

[0032] 43: Water-retaining and breathable unit; 44: Water absorption and transfer unit; 45: Weight.

[0033] 46: Water-absorbing telescopic rope; 47: Shaping unit; 61: Bottom hole of float plate.

[0034] 62: Float limiting hole; 71: First connector; 72: Second connector

[0035] 8: Liquid Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is a detailed explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] A non-electric, self-controlled water balance system and method for plant cultivation

[0038] This application provides a multi-material composite chain made by combining a water-expanding, water-shrinking hydrostrictive ball with expanded clay pellets, slow-release fertilizer balls, water-absorbing lines, a counterweight, and a water-absorbing and stretchable net rope. This multi-material composite chain, together with a support module (support net sheet) 5, a floating module (float sheet) 6, a limiting floating net 3, a planting body 2, a hydroponic body 1, water, and plants, constitutes a non-electrically controlled, self-regulating water balance system for plant cultivation. The non-electrically controlled water balance system involved in this application includes a hydroponic body 1, a planting body 2, a limiting floating net 3, a composite chain 4, a support module 5, and a floating module 6. Compared to existing soilless cultivation devices, this system can automatically monitor the plant's water balance without any external power supply or electrical control system. When the plant is short of water, water replenishment is automatic without human intervention or the need for an electric pump; the system automatically replenishes water and automatically shuts off the water supply once sufficient water has been replenished. Because the materials required for this invention are green and environmentally friendly, extremely inexpensive, and reusable, the cost is significantly reduced compared to systems with electric alarms and electric pumps, by at least 90%. Because it does not require electricity, its application scope is greatly expanded. It can be used not only for home gardening and vegetable growing, but also for large-scale production on farms, saving energy and reducing emissions. It can also be used in ditches, rivers, lakes, and other areas to beautify the environment with hydroponic plants and flowers, and expand the agricultural planting area.

[0039] according to Figure 1 In one specific embodiment, a hydroponic body 1 contains a certain amount of liquid 8, and a planting body 2 is installed at its axially open upper end. The planting cavity of the planting body 2 is suspended within the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1. The planting cavity of the planting body 2 is used to accommodate plants and composite chains 4 that are in direct contact with the plant roots. A limiting floating net 3, capable of moving along the axial direction of the hydroponic body 1, is also provided between the outer wall of the planting cavity of the planting body 2 and the inner wall of the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1. Several interconnected composite chains 4 are selectively filled within the cavity of the hydroponic body 1. The composite chain 4, which serves as the nutrient and water supply layer and rooting layer for hydroponics, is suspended above the liquid 8 by the supporting module 5 and the floating module 6 located in the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1. This allows the composite chain 4 to automatically absorb the liquid 8 stored at the bottom of the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1 to replenish the water for hydroponics plants during their growth process, based on changes in the water content of the structural units that make up the composite chain 4 during plant growth. This ensures that even when plants lack regular watering with the liquid 8 for extended periods, the plants grown using this method can always maintain a healthy and humid environment conducive to growth, preventing them from withering and dying due to prolonged drought.

[0040] Preferably, the hydroponic body 1 can selectively adopt any cup-shaped container with an axially open upper end, allowing it to be configured with various volume sizes according to the size of the plants and the required planting volume. The main body chamber inside the hydroponic body 1 is selectively divided into multiple functional chambers. Specifically, a portion of the axial section near the bottom of the main body chamber can be configured as a storage chamber for storing liquid 8, which provides water and other nutrient solutions to the plants for extended periods; another portion of the axial section near the open end of the hydroponic body 1 can be configured as a plant cultivation chamber for installing the planting body 2 and accommodating the composite chain 4. Preferably, the storage chamber for liquid 8 and the plant cultivation chamber are separated by a floating module 6 suspended above the liquid 8, and the plant cultivation chamber is connected to the storage chamber for liquid 8 via a portion of the composite chain 4 penetrating the surface of the floating module 6. This allows a portion of the composite chain 4 to selectively extend into the storage chamber containing liquid 8, thereby delivering the nutrient solution to the plant cultivation chamber.

[0041] Preferably, the planting body 2 is installed on the opening at the upper axial end of the hydroponic body 1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the planting body 2 includes a baffle plate 21 and a planting cup 22. The surface of the baffle plate 21 is connected to the opening outline of the planting cup 22 in a manner that penetrates through its plate body, so that the opening provided through the baffle plate 21 around its center position can fit with the opening of the planting cup 22. Preferably, the surface area of ​​the baffle plate 21 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the hydroponic body 1, so that the baffle plate 21 can cover the opening of the hydroponic body 1. More preferably, the edge of the baffle plate 21 is also provided with a retaining edge 211. The baffle plate 21 is limited and engaged with the opening of the hydroponic body 1 by the retaining edge 211. The design of the retaining edge 211 allows the baffle 21 to be positioned and installed on the hydroponic body 1. This prevents the baffle 21 from shifting relative to the hydroponic body 1 and failing to effectively block the opening of the hydroponic body 1. It also conveniently defines the relative position between the planting body 2 and the hydroponic body 1, ensuring that the planted plant is positioned on the center line of the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1, allowing the roots growing in all directions to effectively and evenly absorb water and nutrients. Preferably, when the baffle 21 is installed on the opening of the hydroponic body 1, the planting cup 22, integrally connected to the baffle 21, is suspended within the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1, aligning with the axis of the hydroponic body 1. Preferably, the side wall of the planting cup 22 has a strip-shaped through hole parallel to its axis, allowing the inner cavity of the planting cup 22 to communicate with the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1. When a plant is planted in the planting cup 22, the inside and outside of the planting cup 22 are filled with composite chains 4 with different or the same unit structures, so that the plant can absorb the water and nutrients required for growth from the unit structure of the composite chain 4.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, the limiting floating net 3 includes a double-ring floating net 31 that is fitted onto the planting cup 22 and can move up and down relative to the planting cup 22, and floating net connectors 32. The double-ring floating net 31 can be made of a mesh surface with diamond-shaped holes, and its mesh surface has an annular hole at its center position that matches the cross-sectional size of the planting cup 22, so that the double-ring floating net 31 can be fitted onto the planting cup 22. Preferably, the double-ring floating net 31 is located at the end of the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1 near the baffle 21, that is, the double-ring floating net 31 is located above the filling layer formed by the composite chain 4 in the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1. Preferably, the surface of the double-ring floating net 31 away from the baffle 21 is also selectively provided with a number of floating net connectors 32 perpendicular to the mesh surface of the double-ring floating net 31. When the double-ring floating net 31 is supported on the filling layer formed by a portion of the chain body of the composite chain 4, the floating net connectors 32 are inserted into the filling layer of the portion of the chain body of the composite chain 4. The front end of the floating net connector 32 is also connected to the end of the composite chain 4 that extends into the liquid storage chamber containing liquid 8, away from the liquid 8. Preferably, the double-ring floating net 31 can move up and down along the axial direction of the planting cup 22 according to the water absorption and expansion and water loss and shrinkage of the composite chain 4 constituting the filling layer. Thus, the automatic quantitative water absorption of the filling layer is achieved through the linkage between the limiting floating net 3 and the composite chain 4, ensuring that the plants in the planting cup 22 can always absorb enough water and other liquids 8 for growth, and avoiding the plants from withering and dying due to severe water loss of the filling layer caused by the user not watering in time.

[0043] Preferably, the composite chain 4 includes a hydrostrictive unit 41, a plant slow-release fertilizer unit 42, a water-retaining and breathable unit 43, a water-absorbing and transporting unit 44, a counterweight 45, and a water-absorbing and stretchable net rope 46.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the composite chain 4 includes at least four types of structural chains, and several structural chains are selectively connected end-to-end to form a composite chain 4 with multiple structures and functions. Preferably, the specific structure of the structural chain is as follows:

[0045] First structural chain I:

[0046] The system, used for selectively inserting into the water stored in the lower axial section of the hydroponic body 1 for water absorption and transfer, includes a water absorption and transfer unit 44, a weight 45, and a shaping unit 47. One end of the water absorption and transfer unit 44, selectively inserted into the liquid 8, is connected to a weight 45 that ensures it is always subjected to its own weight, exerting a vertically downward force on the water absorption and transfer unit 44. Preferably, the shaping unit 47 is compatible with the water absorption and transfer unit 44, allowing the water absorption and transfer unit 44 of a certain length to maintain a specific shape under the constraint of the shaping unit 47. Preferably, the shaping unit 47 can constrain the main body of the water absorption and transfer unit 44 to be linear. Preferably, the water absorption and transfer unit 44 can be an absorbent thread capable of drawing liquid 8 from the hydroponic body 1 and further transporting the liquid 8 to other components of the composite chain 4. Preferably, the absorbent thread can be a water-absorbing thread made of any plant or mineral, such as hemp or sponge thread. Preferably, the end of the water absorption and transmission unit 44 that is away from the weight 45 and placed in the plant cultivation chamber is provided with a first connector 71 that can selectively connect with other structural chains of the composite chain 4.

[0047] Second structural chain II:

[0048] The hydrostrictive units 41 are inserted into the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 at uniform intervals. Specifically, two adjacent hydrostrictive units 41 in the same strip-shaped water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 can make surface contact with each other when they absorb water and expand. Preferably, the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 forms the chain sleeve of the structural chain, and the hydrostrictive units 41 form the chain insert of the structural chain, wherein the chain insert is embedded in the chain sleeve of the mesh strip structure. More preferably, the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 is made of a strip with a mesh surface and hollow channels, and the strip has a certain degree of stretchability, which can increase or decrease in diameter according to the water absorption, expansion and shrinkage of the hydrostrictive units 41, so that each hydrostrictive unit 41 is always confined to the set installation position. Preferably, the belt constituting the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 is further provided with structures such as cotton threads capable of transmitting water along its length along its grid lines, so that the liquid 8 drawn and transmitted to the composite chain 4 by the first structural chain I can be absorbed and stored by the hydrotropic units 41 at different positions through the transmission of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46. Preferably, the hydrotropic units 41 in the first structural chain I filled in the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1 can complete the transmission of water and other culture media in a manner that allows the hydrotropic units 41 with higher water content to automatically deliver water and other culture media to the hydrotropic units 41 with lower water content or other structural chain components that are in direct contact with them. Preferably, the two ends of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 constituting a single second structural chain II are respectively provided with a first connector 71 and a second connector 72, so that the second structural chain II can be selectively connected to other structural chains. Preferably, the connectors 7 provided at the ends of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 can selectively install different first connectors 71 and second connectors 72 as needed. Connector 7 can be made using commonly used Velcro.

[0049] Third structural chain III:

[0050] The hydrotropic units 41 and the slow-release fertilizer units 42 are arranged alternately within the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46. Preferably, the hydrotropic units 41 in a dehydrated and shrunken state are installed within the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 with a certain distance between them, so that the length of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 has gaps to accommodate the hydrotropic units 41 after water absorption and expansion. Preferably, the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 is made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity, similar to a foam sleeve for preventing fruit breakage, allowing it to deform accordingly according to the volume changes of the hydrotropic units 41 during water absorption or loss, and to fill the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1 in a spiral manner. Preferably, the hydrostrictive unit 41 in the structural chain can contact the plant slow-release fertilizer unit 42, allowing the plant slow-release fertilizer unit 42 to absorb water from the expanded hydrostrictive unit 42 and then neutralize the water with the fertilizer present inside it, before transporting the fertilizer-laden water to the structural chain closer to the plant roots. Preferably, the hydrostrictive unit 41 and the plant slow-release fertilizer unit 42 can contact each other to transfer water and other nutrient solutions, or they can be transported via a water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46. Preferably, the two ends of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 constituting a single third structural chain III are respectively provided with a first connector 71 and a second connector 72, allowing the third structural chain III to selectively connect with other structural chains.

[0051] Fourth structural chain IV:

[0052] Water-retaining and breathable units 43 are inserted into the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 at even intervals. The water-retaining and breathable units 43 can absorb and store water and other nutrient solutions from the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 or other structural units in contact with it within the structural chain. Preferably, the fourth structural chain IV mainly fills the planting cup 22, which can be used for planting plants. This allows the roots of plants requiring high aeration and water permeability to directly penetrate the gaps formed by the fourth structural chain IV, enabling the plant roots to directly absorb the water and other nutrient solutions needed for growth from the water-retaining and breathable units 43. Preferably, the two ends of the water-absorbing stretchable net rope 46 constituting a single fourth structural chain IV are respectively provided with a first connector 71 and a second connector 72, allowing the fourth structural chain IV to selectively connect with other structural chains.

[0053] Preferably, the hydrostrictive unit 41 can be made of materials commonly found in everyday life, such as crystal beads, which can repeatedly absorb water and expand and shrink upon water loss. The plant slow-release fertilizer unit 42 is made of compound fertilizer balls that can slowly dilute their components upon contact with water. The water-retaining and breathable unit 43 is ceramsite, commonly used in the planting industry. Ceramsite is used as a plant cultivation substrate, eliminating the need for soil, eliminating insects, keeping it clean and hygienic, beautifying the environment, and being environmentally friendly. It can be used for hydroponics of garden plants, flowers, vegetables, and grasses.

[0054] like Figure 7 The supporting module 5 shown is a supporting mesh that can be placed below the composite chain 4 and support the filling layer formed by the composite chain 4 spiraling inside the hydroponic body 1. The supporting module 5 prevents leakage of the composite chain 4 while providing a slightly uneven supporting bottom surface for its installation, allowing the second structural chain to be stably laid on the supporting module 5, effectively reducing the risk of slippage or misalignment of the composite chain 4. Preferably, a floating module 6 is also provided below the supporting module 5 away from the composite chain 4 to provide support for the supporting module 5 and separate the storage chamber of the liquid 8 from the plant cultivation chamber. Preferably, the floating module 6 is a foam or other floating sheet with high buoyancy. The floating module 6 can float on the liquid 8 and provide sufficient support for the supporting module 5 and the composite chain 4 located above the liquid 8, preventing the composite chain 4 from directly entering the liquid 8 under its own weight. This achieves separation between the liquid 8 and the plant cultivation area, avoiding direct immersion that could damage the plants or compromise their normal growth.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] This invention also provides a method for combining a hydrostrictive ball that expands when wet and shrinks when dry with ceramsite, a slow-release fertilizer ball for plants, a water-absorbing line, a weight, and a water-absorbing stretchable net rope to form a multi-material composite chain, and a planting method that uses this composite chain to achieve a self-controlled water balance for plants without electricity.

[0057] Preferably, one end of the first structural chain I passes through, in sequence, as shown in the figure. Figure 8 The floating module 6, with its bottom hole 61 and limiting hole 62, and the supporting module 5, is connected to the second structural chain II via a pairable first connector 71 and second connector 72. Multiple first structural chains I can be provided according to actual needs, allowing multiple first structural chains I to simultaneously transfer water and other culture media to the second structural chains constituting the filling layer. More preferably, the chain body of the first structural chain I is also fixedly connected to the end of the floating net connector 32 away from the double-ring floating net 31, enabling the first structural chain I to move synchronously up and down with the limiting floating net 3 in the axial direction of the hydroponic body 1. The connection between the first structural chain I and the floating net connector 32 can be adjusted in length by adjusting the position of the floating net connector 32 connected to the chain body. Preferably, the first structural chain I can be connected to the ends of multiple second structural chains II equipped with second connectors 72 via the first connector 71. Preferably, the second structural chain II can selectively connect multiple third structural chains III and / or fourth structural chains IV through mutually paired first connectors 71 and second connectors 72, so that the interconnected second structural chain II, third structural chain III and fourth structural chain IV are used together to fill the plant cultivation chamber containing the plant.

[0058] Preferably, when a certain amount of liquid 8 is filled into the hydroponic body 1, the floating module 6 and the supporting module 5, which pass through the first structural chain I, are placed into the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1 and suspended above the liquid 8. The second structural chain II, connected to the first structural chain I, is laid on the supporting module 5. A third structural chain III is also provided between the bottom surface of the planting cup 22 and the second structural chain II located on the supporting module 5, so that the water and other liquids transported by the second structural chain II on the supporting module 5 can dilute and mix the fertilizer in the third structural chain III and be absorbed by the plant roots, making the composition of the culture solution richer and more conducive to plant growth. Preferably, the remaining gap between the planting cup 22 and the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1 is also filled with a certain amount of second structural chain II, so that the liquid 8 absorbed by the first structural chain I can be gradually absorbed by the filling layer composed of the second structural chain II and further transported to the third structural chain III and the fourth structural chain IV. Preferably, the fourth structural chain IV containing the water-retaining and air-permeable unit 43 can be separately installed in the planting cup 22 for planting plants and providing the plants with a root-containing environment with good air permeability and moderate humidity.

[0059] Preferably, a limiting floating net 3 is provided above the second structural chain II in the space between the planting cup 22 and the main chamber of the hydroponic body 1. The distance between the double-ring floating net 31 and the supporting module 5 is limited by stacked hydrostrictive units 41, and the distance between the double-ring floating net 31 and the supporting module 5 is adjusted by the water absorption expansion and water loss shrinkage of the hydrostrictive units 41. Figure 2 and 6 As shown, when the water in the moist hydrostrictive unit 41 is gradually absorbed and evaporated by the plant, the hydrostrictive unit 41 shrinks due to water loss, reducing its volume. The double-ring floating net 31, as the hydrostrictive unit 41 shrinks, loses its upward support and moves downward. The first structural chain I connected to it, after descending into the liquid 8 under the action of the weight 45, begins to absorb water, enabling the first structural chain I to absorb the liquid 8 and transfer it to the second structural chain II connected to it. Figure 2As shown. When the second structural chain II absorbs water and expands, the double-ring floating net 31 moves upward, causing the first structural chain I and the weight 45 connected below it to move upward and detach from the immersion state in the liquid 8, thereby disconnecting the first structural chain I from the liquid 8. The hydrostrictive unit 41, due to the water source being cut off, no longer expands, and the system returns to its initial equilibrium state. Through the combined design of the limiting floating net 3, composite chain 4, bearing module 5, and floating module 6, and the linkage of some structures, the water balance is automatically and controllably adjusted. This prevents both plant dehydration and death, and also prevents the plant roots from rotting and dying due to excessive moisture in the growing environment. This application, by designing a planting system that separates the plant planting area from the liquid 8 storage area and allows for automatic and adjustable water delivery, ensures that the stored water and other nutrient solutions are not easily contaminated and deteriorate. This guarantees that plants can produce autonomously for extended periods without water shortage or death, effectively solving the problem of the need for frequent, timed watering of indoor potted plants in modern life.

[0060] Example 3

[0061] This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, and repeated content will not be described again.

[0062] Preferably, the side wall of the hydroponic body 1 is further provided with an injection component 11 for convenient loading of liquid 8. Preferably, the injection component 11 includes an injection channel 111, an injection port 112, and a sealing plug 113. The injection channel 111 is attached to the outer side wall of the hydroponic body 1 and can communicate with the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1. The upper axial end of the injection channel 111 has an injection port 112 for adding liquid 8 into the main cavity of the hydroponic body 1. The injection component 11 is designed to facilitate the direct injection of liquid 8 into the liquid storage chamber at the lower part of the main body chamber of the hydroponic body 1 when liquid 8 needs to be replenished. This allows for quick replenishment and avoids the contamination of the culture medium by the composite chain 4 and bacteria that may exist in the plants when injecting the culture medium directly from the opening at the upper end of the hydroponic body 1. This is because the culture medium needs to pass through the plant cultivation chamber filled with composite chain 4, which would otherwise lead to contamination. In addition, the filling material of the plant cultivation layer would greatly increase the time required for the culture medium to pass through the filled composite chain 4, plants, supporting mesh 5, floating module 6, and limiting floating net 3, which would be not conducive to the user's quick addition of culture medium and would increase the user's liquid addition operation time. Therefore, the independent injection component 11 provided in this application can facilitate the addition of culture medium. Preferably, the injection port 112 is also detachably provided with a sealing plug 113 that can selectively seal the injection port 112. The sealing plug 113 can seal the injection port 112 when the liquid is not being injected to prevent the nutrient solution from coming into contact with the external environment through the channel formed by the injection component 11 and causing liquid evaporation. This greatly improves the preservation time of the nutrient solution in the hydroponic body 1 and can also effectively prevent the nutrient solution from being contaminated by external microorganisms and deteriorating.

[0063] It should be noted that the specific embodiments described above are exemplary, and those skilled in the art can devise various solutions inspired by the disclosure of this invention. These solutions all fall within the scope of this invention and its protection. Those skilled in the art should understand that this specification and its accompanying drawings are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A non-electric, self-regulating water balance system for plant cultivation, comprising a hydroponic body (1) for holding a predetermined volume of liquid (8) and a planting body (2) suspended within the main body cavity of the hydroponic body (1) for planting plants, characterized in that, The gap between the hydroponic body (1) and the planting body (2) is filled with at least a portion of the composite chain (4), which is capable of delivering water and nutrients to the plant planted in the planting body (2); The filling layer formed by the composite chain (4) is provided with a limiting float (3) that can move with the composite chain (4). The composite chain (4) drives the limiting float (3) to move downward in the axial direction according to its water loss and shrinkage, so that the first structural chain I in the composite chain (4) can descend and extend into the liquid (8). When the composite chain (4) absorbs water and expands due to the moisture transmitted by the first structural chain I, the filling layer drives the limiting float (3) to move upward, thereby causing the first structural chain I connected to the limiting float (3) to leave the liquid (8), so that the composite chain (4) can maintain the water balance of the plant. The composite chain (4) is suspended above the liquid (8) by the bearing module (5) and the floating module (6) set in the main cavity of the hydroponic body (1); The storage chamber of liquid (8) and the plant cultivation chamber are separated by a floating module (6) suspended above the liquid (8), and the plant cultivation chamber is connected to the storage chamber of liquid (8) by a portion of the composite chain (4) penetrating the surface of the floating module (6), so that a portion of the chain (4) selectively extends into the storage chamber containing liquid (8) to transport the culture medium to the plant cultivation chamber; the composite chain (4) includes at least a water absorption and transfer unit (44), a weight (45), and a shaping unit (47), wherein, The water absorption and transmission unit (44) and the shaping unit (47) are assembled to form a chain body of a first structural chain I with a set shape, and one end of the first structural chain I is inserted into the filling layer and connected to the limiting float (3); the end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float (3) can selectively extend into the liquid (8) contained in the hydroponic body (1) as the limiting float (3) moves, and the end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float (3) is also connected to a device that can provide it with a water supply. The second structural chain II, which fills the space between the hydroponic body (1) and the planting body (2) of the composite chain (4), can be wrinkled by the water absorbed by the plant in the planting body (2), so that the volume filled by the second structural chain II becomes smaller, and the limiting floating net (3) supported on the filling layer formed by the second structural chain II moves down accordingly, so that the end of the first structural chain I connected to the limiting floating net (3) with the weight (45) can extend into the liquid (8); One end of the first structural chain I passes through the float bottom hole (61) and float limiting hole (62) on the floating module (6) and the bearing module (5) in sequence, and is connected to the second structural chain II through the first connector (71) and the second connector (72) that can be paired with each other; With a certain amount of liquid (8) in the hydroponic body (1), the floating module (6) and the supporting module (5) passing through the first structural chain I are installed into the main cavity of the hydroponic body (1) and suspended above the liquid (8), and the second structural chain II connected to the first structural chain I is laid on the supporting module (5).

2. The plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The composite chain (4) further includes a hydrostrictive unit (41), a plant slow-release fertilizer unit (42), a water-retaining and breathable unit (43), and a water-absorbing and stretchable net rope (46), wherein a plurality of the hydrostrictive units (41) are arranged in the water-absorbing and stretchable net rope (46) to form a second structural chain II.

3. The plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A number of the aforementioned hydrostrictive units (41) and plant slow-release fertilizer units (42) are arranged at intervals in the water-absorbing and stretchable net rope (46) to form a third structural chain III; A number of the water-retaining and breathable units (43) are arranged in the water-absorbing telescopic net rope (46) to form a fourth structural chain IV; The second structural chain II is selectively connected to at least one of the third structural chain III or the fourth structural chain IV.

4. The plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The planting body (2) includes at least a baffle plate (21) and a planting cup (22), wherein the baffle plate (21) can be installed on the opening of the hydroponic body (1) in such a way that the planting cup (22) integrally connected to it is suspended inside the hydroponic body (1).

5. The plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The planting cup (22) is filled with a fourth structural chain IV that can transfer water and nutrients to the plant and facilitate the plant's rooting. The outside of the planting cup (22) is wrapped by the second structural chain II and the third structural chain III.

6. The plant cultivation non-electric self-controlled water balance system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting floating net (3) includes at least a double-ring floating net (31) that can be supported on the composite chain (4) and a floating net connector (32) that is inserted into the composite chain (4) and connected to the first structural chain I.

7. A non-electrically controlled water balance method for plant cultivation, comprising a hydroponic body (1) for holding a predetermined volume of liquid (8) and a planting body (2) suspended in the main cavity of the hydroponic body (1) for planting plants, characterized in that, The gap between the hydroponic body (1) and the planting body (2) is filled with at least a portion of the composite chain (4), which is capable of delivering water and nutrients to the plant planted in the planting body (2); The composite chain (4) can reduce its volume as the plant produces and consumes more. When the filling layer it forms shrinks to a set volume, the first structural chain I in the composite chain (4) can extend into the liquid (8) stored in the hydroponic body (1), so that the composite chain (4) can absorb water and expand to restore its initial volume, thereby the composite chain (4) can maintain the water balance of the plant. The composite chain (4) is suspended above the liquid (8) by the bearing module (5) and the floating module (6) set in the main cavity of the hydroponic body (1); The storage chamber of liquid (8) and the plant cultivation chamber are separated by a floating module (6) suspended above the liquid (8), and the plant cultivation chamber is connected to the storage chamber of liquid (8) by a portion of the composite chain (4) that penetrates the surface of the floating module (6), so that a portion of the chain of the composite chain (4) is selectively extended into the storage chamber containing liquid (8) to deliver the culture medium to the plant cultivation chamber; The filling layer formed by the composite chain (4) is provided with a limiting float (3) that can move with the composite chain (4). The composite chain (4) drives the limiting float (3) to move downward in the axial direction according to its water loss and shrinkage, so that the first structural chain I in the composite chain (4) can descend and extend into the liquid (8). The composite chain (4) fills the space between the hydroponic body (1) and the planting body (2). The second structural chain II can be wrinkled by the water absorbed by the plant in the planting body (2), so that the volume filled by the second structural chain II becomes smaller. This causes the limiting floating net (3) supporting the filling layer formed by the second structural chain II to move down, and the end of the first structural chain I connected to the limiting floating net (3) with the weight (45) can extend into the liquid (8). The composite chain (4) includes at least a water absorption and transmission unit (44), a weight (45), and a shaping unit (47), wherein, The water absorption and transmission unit (44) and the shaping unit (47) are assembled to form a chain body of a first structural chain I with a set shape, and one end of the first structural chain I is inserted into the filling layer and connected to the limiting float (3); the end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float (3) can selectively extend into the liquid (8) contained in the hydroponic body (1) as the limiting float (3) moves, and the end of the first structural chain I away from the limiting float (3) is also connected to a weight (45) that can provide force to it. One end of the first structural chain I passes through the float bottom hole (61) and float limiting hole (62) on the floating module (6) and the bearing module (5) in sequence, and is connected to the second structural chain II through the first connector (71) and the second connector (72) that can be paired with each other; With a certain amount of liquid (8) in the hydroponic body (1), the floating module (6) and the supporting module (5) passing through the first structural chain I are installed into the main cavity of the hydroponic body (1) and suspended above the liquid (8), and the second structural chain II connected to the first structural chain I is laid on the supporting module (5).

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