Potential of hydrogen (pH) value regulating and controlling device for soilless culture of potatoes

Abstract

The utility model provides a pH value regulating and controlling device for soilless culture of potatoes, which relates to the technical field of soilless culture of potatoes, and comprises a box body, a pH regulating mechanism, a mixing mechanism, a waste liquid treatment mechanism, a PLC (programmable logic controller), a pH detector and a liquid level measuring device, liquid injection is dispersed through multiple holes of the transverse liquid outlet pipe; according to the mixing mechanism, a servo motor drives a lead screw to drive a mixing plate and a scraper, and liquid convection and tank bottom cleaning are achieved. The waste liquid treatment mechanism can discharge and treat waste liquid regularly. The whole device is integrally controlled through a PLC, real-time monitoring, automatic adjustment and uniform mixing of the pH value of the nutrient solution are achieved, local accumulation and precipitation of the liquid are avoided, the growth environment stability and nutrient absorption efficiency of potato roots are improved, and the problems that a traditional device is uneven in regulation and control and low in mixing efficiency are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of soilless potato cultivation technology, and in particular to a pH control device for soilless potato cultivation. Background Technology

[0002] Soilless potato cultivation is a modern agricultural technology that differs from traditional soil cultivation. It abandons natural soil and uses nutrient solutions or other non-soil substrates rich in essential elements for plant growth and development to provide nutrition and support for potato growth, enabling potatoes to complete their entire life cycle normally. Soilless potato cultivation requires the control of the pH value of the nutrient solution. A suitable pH value can not only ensure the normal physiological function of the root system and optimize nutrient availability, but also inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and maintain the chemical stability of the nutrient solution, thereby ensuring healthy potato growth and efficient nutrient absorption.

[0003] An existing hydroponic pH control device can monitor and control the pH of water used in hydroponic potato cultivation, but it still has the following technical problems in practical applications:

[0004] 1) Liquid accumulation in concentrated areas: When existing devices inject acid-base adjustment solution at a single fixed point, the liquid only enters the culture tank from a specific location. The injected acid and base solution cannot quickly diffuse to the entire cultivation system, resulting in a sudden increase in liquid concentration in local areas, forming an accumulation effect, which leads to local damage to potato roots and imbalance of nutrient solution composition. The added acid and base solution may have uneven local concentration due to lack of stirring, affecting the accuracy of pH detection.

[0005] 2) Lack of stirring mechanism: After the acid and alkali solutions are injected into the existing device, they are not stirred to promote mixing. The diffusion of liquid molecules depends on natural diffusion, which is very slow. This results in a high concentration gradient area around the injection point. The detection probe may not cover this area, which can easily cause the detection value to deviate from the actual value. This can lead to over- or under-adjustment, affecting the potato's nutrient absorption efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention proposes a pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes. The device uses a pH adjustment mechanism to add acid and alkali solutions and nutrient solutions, and a mixing mechanism to stir the liquids, ensuring uniform mixing and preventing local accumulation, thereby achieving precise pH control and solving the problems in the background technology.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes, comprising a box, a first observation window fixedly disposed on the surface of the box, and a culture tank opened inside the box, characterized in that: a pH adjustment mechanism is disposed at the top of the box, a mixing mechanism is disposed at the bottom of the culture tank, a waste liquid treatment mechanism is installed on the right side of the box, a PLC controller is fixedly connected to the box, and a pH detector and a liquid level measuring device are fixedly connected inside the culture tank;

[0008] The pH adjustment mechanism includes a right-angle fixing plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the surface of the box, and the other end is fixedly connected to a top plate. A storage tank assembly is fixedly installed on the top of the top plate. A vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly is connected to the lower end of the storage tank assembly. A horizontal liquid outlet pipe is connected to the bottom end of the vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly. Both ends of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe are fixedly installed with sealing caps. Multiple liquid outlet holes are opened on the lower surface of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe.

[0009] The mixing mechanism includes a servo motor fixedly installed on the bottom of the outer side of the housing. The output end of the servo motor is fixedly connected to a lead screw, and the lead screw is threaded with a nut. Mixing plates are fixedly installed on both sides of the nut.

[0010] Preferably, the storage tank assembly includes an alkali storage tank, an acid storage tank, and a nutrient solution storage tank that are sequentially fixedly installed on the top of the top plate. The top of each of the alkali storage tank, acid storage tank, and nutrient solution storage tank is connected to a feed hopper. The upper end of the feed hopper is threadedly connected to a top cover. A sealing strip is fixedly connected inside the top cover. There are two right-angle fixing plates, which are symmetrically installed on both sides of the tank.

[0011] Preferably, the vertical outlet pipe assembly includes a first outlet pipe, a second outlet pipe, and a third outlet pipe connected sequentially to the lower ends of the alkali storage tank, the acid storage tank, and the nutrient solution storage tank. A first flow meter and a first solenoid valve are fixedly installed on the outside of the first outlet pipe from top to bottom. A second flow meter and a second solenoid valve are fixedly installed on the outside of the second outlet pipe from top to bottom. A third flow meter and a third solenoid valve are fixedly installed on the outside of the third outlet pipe from top to bottom. There are three horizontal outlet pipes, each of which is connected to the lower end of the first, second, and third outlet pipes respectively. Each sealing cap is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the culture tank.

[0012] Preferably, the other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the culture tank via a bearing. Vertical scrapers are fixedly connected to both sides of the mixing plate at a certain angle on one side away from the nut. A horizontal scraper is installed at the bottom of the mixing plate. Multiple through holes are opened inside the mixing plate. The waste liquid treatment mechanism includes a waste liquid tank. A second observation window is opened on the surface of the waste liquid tank. A drain pipe is fixedly connected to the left side of the waste liquid tank. The other end of the drain pipe passes through the tank body and extends into the culture tank. A fourth solenoid valve is fixedly installed outside the drain pipe. A connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the right side of the waste liquid tank. A fifth solenoid valve is fixedly installed outside the connecting pipe. The connecting pipe connects to an external treatment system.

[0013] Preferably, the input terminal of the PLC controller is electrically connected to the output terminals of the pH detector, the liquid level measuring device, the first flow meter, the second flow meter, the third flow meter, and the servo motor, and the output terminal of the PLC controller is electrically connected to the input terminals of the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the third solenoid valve, the fourth solenoid valve, and the fifth solenoid valve.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] 1. Distributed injection and dynamic mixing synergistic control: Liquid is injected in a dispersed manner through multiple outlet holes in the horizontal outlet pipe. Combined with the reciprocating scraper system and through holes of the mixing mechanism to generate turbulence, the mixing time of traditional single-point injection is shortened, the problem of potato root burn caused by local concentration accumulation of liquid is solved, and the pH adjustment uniformity is improved.

[0016] 2. Integrated design for preventing sedimentation and self-cleaning: The horizontal scraper at the bottom of the mixing plate maintains a 1-2mm gap with the bottom of the tank. While removing sediment, it works in conjunction with the 30° inclined shear flow of the vertical scraper to reduce the amount of sediment residue at the bottom of the tank. Compared with traditional stirring blades, it reduces sediment accumulation and lowers the risk of root hypoxia. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This utility model provides a perspective view of the main structure of a pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes.

[0018] Figure 2 This utility model provides a frontal perspective three-dimensional view of the adjustment mechanism in a pH control device for hydroponics of potatoes.

[0019] Figure 3 This utility model provides a bottom-view perspective view of the adjustment mechanism in a pH control device for hydroponics of potatoes.

[0020] Figure 4 This utility model provides a three-dimensional view of the internal structure of a pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes.

[0021] Figure 5 This utility model provides a three-dimensional view of the mixing plate assembly structure in a pH control device for hydroponics of potatoes.

[0022] Figure 6 This invention presents a perspective view of the waste liquid treatment mechanism in a pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes.

[0023] Legend: 1. Box body; 2. First observation window; 3. Culture tank; 4. pH adjustment mechanism; 41. Top plate; 42. Storage tank assembly; 421. Alkali storage tank; 422. Acid storage tank; 423. Nutrient solution storage tank; 424. Feed hopper; 425. Top cover; 426. Sealing strip; 43. Right-angle fixing plate; 44. Vertical outlet pipe assembly; 441. First outlet pipe; 442. Second outlet pipe; 443. Third outlet pipe; 444. First solenoid valve; 445. Second solenoid valve; 446. Third solenoid valve; 447. Flow meter 1; Flow meter 2; Flow meter 3; Flow meter 449; Flow meter 45; Horizontal outlet pipe; Sealing cap; Outlet hole; Mixing mechanism; Servo motor; Lead screw; Nut; Mixing plate; Through hole; Vertical scraper; Horizontal scraper; Waste liquid treatment mechanism; Waste liquid tank; Second observation window; Drain pipe; Fourth solenoid valve; Connecting pipe; Fifth solenoid valve; PLC controller; pH detector; Liquid level measuring device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways than those described herein, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0026] Please see Figures 1-5A pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes includes a housing 1, a first observation window 2 fixedly disposed on the surface of the housing 1, and a culture tank 3 disposed inside the housing 1. The device is characterized by: a pH adjustment mechanism 4 disposed at the top of the housing 1; a mixing mechanism 5 disposed at the bottom of the culture tank 3; a waste liquid treatment mechanism 6 installed on the right side of the housing 1; a PLC controller 7 fixedly connected to the housing 1; and a pH detector 8 and a liquid level measuring device 9 fixedly connected inside the culture tank 3. The pH adjustment mechanism 4 includes a right-angle fixing plate 43, one end of which is fixedly connected to the surface of the housing 1, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to a top plate 41. A storage tank assembly 42 is fixedly installed on the top of the container. A vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly 44 is connected to the lower end of the storage tank assembly 42. A horizontal liquid outlet pipe 45 is connected to the bottom end of the vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly 44. Both ends of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe 45 are fixedly installed with sealing caps 46. Multiple liquid outlet holes 47 are opened on the lower surface of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe 45. The mixing mechanism 5 includes a servo motor 51 fixedly installed on the bottom of the outer side of the box 1. A lead screw 52 is fixedly connected to the output end of the servo motor 51. A nut 53 is connected to the external thread of the lead screw 52. Mixing plates 54 are fixedly installed on both sides of the nut 53. There are two right-angle fixing plates 43, which are symmetrically installed on both sides of the box 1.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 The storage tank assembly 42 includes an alkali storage tank 421, an acid storage tank 422, and a nutrient solution storage tank 423, which are sequentially fixedly installed on the top of the top plate 41. The top of each of the alkali storage tank 421, acid storage tank 422, and nutrient solution storage tank 423 is connected to a feed hopper 424. The upper end of the feed hopper 424 is threadedly connected to a top cover 425, and a sealing strip 426 is fixedly connected inside the top cover 425.

[0028] It should be noted that the three sets of storage tanks are each equipped with an independent feed hopper 424, and the top covers 425 are distinguished by color codes: blue for the alkali tank, red for the acid tank, and green for the nutrient tank, to avoid liquid mixing due to misoperation.

[0029] Please see Figures 2-4The vertical outlet pipe assembly 44 includes a first outlet pipe 441, a second outlet pipe 442, and a third outlet pipe 443 connected sequentially to the lower ends of the alkali storage tank 421, the acid storage tank 422, and the nutrient solution storage tank 423. A first flow meter 447 and a first solenoid valve 444 are fixedly installed on the outside of the first outlet pipe 441 from top to bottom. A second flow meter 448 and a second solenoid valve 445 are fixedly installed on the outside of the second outlet pipe 442 from top to bottom. A third flow meter 449 and a third solenoid valve 446 are fixedly installed on the outside of the third outlet pipe 443 from top to bottom. There are three horizontal outlet pipes 45, each of which is connected to the lower ends of the first outlet pipe 441, the second outlet pipe 442, and the third outlet pipe 443. Each sealing cap 46 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the culture tank 3.

[0030] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The other end of the lead screw 52 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the culture tank 3 through a bearing. The mixing plate 54 is fixedly connected to vertical scrapers 56 at a certain angle on both sides of the end away from the nut 53. A horizontal scraper 57 is installed at the bottom of the mixing plate 54. Multiple through holes 55 are opened inside the mixing plate 54.

[0031] It should be specifically noted that the vertical scraper 56 of the mixing plate 54 is at a 30° angle to the horizontal plane, and generates shearing force during reciprocating motion, which can break the liquid stratification phenomenon; the horizontal scraper 57 maintains a 1-2 mm gap with the bottom of the culture tank 3, which removes sediment without damaging the tank.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The waste liquid treatment mechanism 6 includes a waste liquid tank 61. A second observation window 62 is provided on the surface of the waste liquid tank 61. A drain pipe 63 is fixedly connected to the left side of the waste liquid tank 61. The other end of the drain pipe 63 passes through the tank body 1 and extends into the culture tank 3. A fourth solenoid valve 64 is fixedly installed on the outside of the drain pipe 63. A connecting pipe 65 is fixedly connected to the right side of the waste liquid tank 61. A fifth solenoid valve 66 is fixedly installed on the outside of the connecting pipe 65. The connecting pipe 65 is connected to an external treatment system.

[0033] Furthermore, the input terminal of PLC controller 7 is electrically connected to the output terminals of pH detector 8, liquid level measuring device 9, first flow meter 447, second flow meter 448, third flow meter 449, and servo motor 51, and the output terminal of PLC controller 7 is electrically connected to the input terminals of first solenoid valve 444, second solenoid valve 445, third solenoid valve 446, fourth solenoid valve 64, and fifth solenoid valve 66.

[0034] Please see Figures 1-6The working principle of the entire device during specific use is as follows: Step 1, system initialization and parameter setting stage: After the device is started, the PLC controller 7 first performs a system self-test, and sequentially detects the working status of the pH detector 8, liquid level measuring device 9, each solenoid valve 444 / 445 / 446 / 64 / 66, flow meter 447 / 448 / 449 and servo motor 51 through the signal line;

[0035] Step 2, Liquid Level Monitoring and Nutrient Solution Replenishment Stage: The liquid level measuring device 9 monitors the liquid level in the culture tank 3 in real time. When the liquid level is too low, the PLC controller 7 automatically opens the third solenoid valve 446. The nutrient solution in the nutrient solution storage tank 423 is evenly sprayed into the culture tank through the third outlet pipe 443 and the outlet hole 47 of the horizontal outlet pipe 45 until the liquid level reaches the preset lower limit. When the liquid level is normal, the PLC continues to monitor and only triggers liquid level adjustment when pH is adjusted or waste liquid is treated.

[0036] Step 3: Real-time pH monitoring and adjustment: The pH detector 8 sends real-time pH data to the PLC. The PLC compares the current value with the preset target value. If the pH value is higher than 6.5, the PLC opens the second solenoid valve 445, and the acid in the acid storage tank 422 is evenly sprayed into the culture tank through the outlet holes 47 of the second outlet pipe 442 and the horizontal outlet pipe 45. If the pH value is lower than 5.5, the PLC opens the first solenoid valve 444, and the alkali in the alkali storage tank 421 is evenly sprayed into the culture tank through the outlet holes 47 of the first outlet pipe 441 and the horizontal outlet pipe 45. The flow meters 447 / 448 provide real-time feedback on the flow rate, and the PLC dynamically adjusts the valve opening to ensure accurate addition. Simultaneously with the addition of acid and alkali solutions, the PLC... The servo motor 51 is started to drive the lead screw 52 to rotate, which drives the nut 53 and the mixing plate 54 to move horizontally along the bottom of the culture tank. The through hole 55 of the mixing plate 54 promotes the vertical convection of the liquid. The vertical scraper 56 and the horizontal scraper 57 simultaneously scrape off the sediment on the tank wall and the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the acid and alkali solutions and the nutrient solutions are quickly and evenly mixed, and avoiding excessive local concentration.

[0037] Step 4, Waste Liquid Treatment and Circulation Stage: When the liquid level measuring device 9 detects that the liquid level exceeds the waste liquid discharge threshold, the PLC opens the fourth solenoid valve 64, and the waste liquid in the culture tank 3 flows into the waste liquid tank 61 through the drain pipe 63. The operator observes the liquid level in the waste liquid tank through the second observation window 62. When it reaches 80% capacity, the fifth solenoid valve 66 is opened, and the waste liquid is discharged into the external treatment system through the connecting pipe 65 for neutralization, filtration, and other treatments. After the waste liquid is discharged, the PLC automatically triggers the nutrient solution replenishment program to maintain a stable liquid level in the culture tank.

[0038] Overall, this invention employs a distributed injection and dynamic mixing synergistic control technology. Liquid is dispersedly injected through multiple outlet holes 47 of the transverse outlet pipe 45. Combined with the reciprocating scraper system and through-holes 55 of the mixing mechanism 5, turbulence is generated, shortening the mixing time of traditional single-point injection, solving the problem of potato root burn caused by localized liquid concentration accumulation, and improving pH adjustment uniformity. Furthermore, this invention effectively utilizes an integrated anti-sedimentation and self-cleaning design. The transverse scraper 57 at the bottom of the mixing plate 54 maintains a 1-2mm gap with the bottom of the tank. While removing sediment, the 30° inclined shear flow of the vertical scraper 56 reduces the amount of sediment residue at the bottom of the tank, reducing sediment accumulation compared to traditional stirring blades and lowering the risk of root hypoxia.

[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from the technical solution of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes, comprising a housing (1), a first observation window (2) fixedly disposed on the surface of the housing (1), and a culture trough (3) disposed inside the housing (1), characterized in that: The top of the box (1) is provided with a pH adjustment mechanism (4), the bottom of the culture tank (3) is provided with a mixing mechanism (5), the right side of the box (1) is provided with a waste liquid treatment mechanism (6), the box (1) is fixedly connected with a PLC controller (7), and the culture tank (3) is fixedly connected with a pH detector (8) and a liquid level measuring device (9). The pH adjustment mechanism (4) includes a right-angle fixing plate (43), one end of which is fixedly connected to the surface of the box (1), and the other end is fixedly connected to a top plate (41). A storage tank assembly (42) is fixedly installed on the top of the top plate (41). A vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly (44) is connected to the lower end of the storage tank assembly (42). A horizontal liquid outlet pipe (45) is connected to the bottom end of the vertical liquid outlet pipe assembly (44). A sealing cap (46) is fixedly installed at both ends of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe (45). Multiple liquid outlet holes (47) are opened on the lower surface of the horizontal liquid outlet pipe (45). The mixing mechanism (5) includes a servo motor (51) fixedly installed on the bottom of the outer side of the housing (1). The output end of the servo motor (51) is fixedly connected to a lead screw (52). The lead screw (52) is connected to a nut (53) by an external thread. Mixing plates (54) are fixedly installed on both sides of the nut (53).

2. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage tank assembly (42) includes an alkali storage tank (421), an acid storage tank (422), and a nutrient solution storage tank (423) that are fixedly installed on the top of the top plate (41) in sequence. The top of each of the alkali storage tank (421), acid storage tank (422), and nutrient solution storage tank (423) is connected to a feed hopper (424). The upper end of the feed hopper (424) is threadedly connected to a top cover (425). A sealing strip (426) is fixedly connected inside the top cover (425).

3. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of right-angle fixing plates (43) is two, which are symmetrically installed on both sides of the box (1).

4. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical outlet pipe assembly (44) includes a first outlet pipe (441), a second outlet pipe (442), and a third outlet pipe (443) connected sequentially to the lower ends of the alkali storage tank (421), the acid storage tank (422), and the nutrient solution storage tank (423). A first flow meter (447) and a first solenoid valve (444) are fixedly installed on the outside of the first outlet pipe (441) from top to bottom. A second flow meter (448) and a second solenoid valve (445) are fixedly installed on the outside of the second outlet pipe (442) from top to bottom. A third flow meter (449) and a third solenoid valve (446) are fixedly installed on the outside of the third outlet pipe (443) from top to bottom.

5. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three transverse liquid outlet pipes (45). Each transverse liquid outlet pipe (45) is connected to the lower end of the first liquid outlet pipe (441), the second liquid outlet pipe (442) and the third liquid outlet pipe (443), respectively. Each sealing cap (46) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the culture tank (3).

6. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the lead screw (52) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the culture tank (3) through a bearing. The mixing plate (54) is fixedly connected with vertical scrapers (56) at a certain angle on both sides of the end away from the nut (53). A horizontal scraper (57) is installed at the bottom of the mixing plate (54). Multiple through holes (55) are opened inside the mixing plate (54).

7. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waste liquid treatment mechanism (6) includes a waste liquid tank (61), a second observation window (62) is provided on the surface of the waste liquid tank (61), a drain pipe (63) is fixedly connected to the left side of the waste liquid tank (61), the other end of the drain pipe (63) passes through the tank body (1) and extends into the culture tank (3), a fourth solenoid valve (64) is fixedly installed on the outside of the drain pipe (63), a connecting pipe (65) is fixedly connected to the right side of the waste liquid tank (61), a fifth solenoid valve (66) is fixedly installed on the outside of the connecting pipe (65), and the connecting pipe (65) is connected to an external treatment system.

8. The pH control device for hydroponically grown potatoes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input terminal of the PLC controller (7) is electrically connected to the output terminals of the pH detector (8), the liquid level measuring device (9), the first flow meter (447), the second flow meter (448), the third flow meter (449), and the servo motor (51). The output terminal of the PLC controller (7) is electrically connected to the input terminals of the first solenoid valve (444), the second solenoid valve (445), the third solenoid valve (446), the fourth solenoid valve (64), and the fifth solenoid valve (66).

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