Root system microenvironment regulating device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of planting device, disclose a kind of root system microenvironment regulation and control device, including planting groove, the protective frame is fixedly installed on planting groove upper end, multiple evenly distributed planting components are inlaidly installed in the inside of planting groove, the mounting plate is fixedly installed in the left and right ends of planting groove, a pair of humidity control component and ventilation control component are respectively fixedly installed on the mounting plate, temperature control component is fixedly installed in the outside of planting groove, data is collected in real time by the help of temperature and humidity sensor, three major control components are combined with synergistic work, for temperature and humidity, ventilation synchronous control, each component can be flexibly set threshold under the control of main control module, realize differentiating control, compared with traditional mode more accurate matching root system demand, reduce the problem caused by environmental discomfort, provide high-quality root system environment for plant growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of planting device technology, specifically to a root microenvironment regulation device. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of plant growth, the root system, as the core organ for absorbing water, nutrients, and oxygen, directly affects the plant's growth status and development quality due to the stability of its microenvironment. Therefore, the effective regulation of key indicators such as temperature, humidity, and aeration within the root microenvironment has always been a core research direction in the field of plant cultivation. Traditional plant cultivation methods, whether in home potted plants or large-scale field cultivation, largely rely on manual experience to regulate the root microenvironment, lacking systematicity and precision, and failing to meet the specific needs of different plants at different growth stages for their root environment. Chinese Utility Model Publication No. CN222954593U discloses a substrate trough-type root zone temperature control and heating device, including a cultivation trough and a cultivation substrate bag placed inside the cultivation trough, as well as a heating component and a temperature control unit. The heating component is arranged inside the cultivation substrate bag, and the temperature control unit is electrically connected to the heating component. By placing the heating component inside the substrate, the roots of the plants planted in the cultivation substrate bag are heated, and the temperature control unit detects the temperature of the plant roots. Based on the detected root temperature, the heating component is controlled to meet the temperature requirements of the plant roots. This utility model has a simple structure, can regulate the root environment temperature, effectively improve the root zone temperature environment, and ensure normal plant growth. While the aforementioned patents include methods for regulating plant temperature and humidity, they cannot control the aeration of the root environment. Aeration primarily relies on the soil's own pore structure. When the soil becomes compacted or has excessive moisture, the pores are filled with water, drastically reducing aeration. If aeration conditions are not improved promptly, the roots will suffer from reduced vitality due to prolonged oxygen deficiency, affecting nutrient absorption efficiency. Some growers try to improve soil aeration by loosening the soil, but this method is labor-intensive, and frequent loosening can damage the roots and disrupt the soil structure, ultimately harming plant growth. For container cultivation, the aeration problem is even more pronounced. The drainage holes at the bottom of the container only serve to drain water and cannot actively replenish oxygen to the roots. This results in the soil's aeration being passively dependent on the external environment, especially for tea cultivation. Tea plants have shallow roots and are susceptible to waterlogging, making aeration and drainage structures crucial. Based on this, the present invention designs a root microenvironment regulation device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a root microenvironment regulation device. To achieve the above objectives, this invention employs the following technical solution: A root microenvironment control device includes a planting trough, a protective frame fixedly installed at the upper end of the planting trough, multiple evenly distributed planting components embedded inside the planting trough, mounting plates fixedly installed at both ends of the planting trough, a humidity control component and a ventilation control component fixedly installed on a pair of mounting plates respectively, and a temperature control component fixedly installed at the outer end of the planting trough. Furthermore, the planting component includes a planting frame with multiple drainage holes arranged in a ring array on the lower outer circumference of the planting frame. Temperature and humidity sensors are fixedly installed on the inner sidewalls of the drainage holes. The planting frame is used to plant plants, and the drainage holes can drain excess water in time to prevent excessive humidity in the root system from affecting respiration or even causing rot. The temperature and humidity sensors can monitor the temperature and humidity of the root environment in time for targeted regulation. Furthermore, the humidity control component includes a water tank, on which a water pump is fixedly installed. The water pump's inlet extends into the inside of the water tank, and the water pump's outlet is fixedly connected to a main water supply pipe, which extends horizontally above the planting trough. The lower end of the main water supply pipe is fixedly connected to multiple branch water supply pipes corresponding to the planting components, and the lower end of each branch water supply pipe is fixedly equipped with a nozzle. The water pump can transport water from the water tank to the main water supply pipe, and then spray it into the corresponding planting components through the multiple branch water supply pipes and nozzles, thereby regulating the humidity environment of the root system. Furthermore, a liquid level sensor is fixedly installed on the water tank, and a water inlet is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank. The liquid level sensor can monitor the water level in the water tank, and when the water is insufficient, it can be replenished in time through the water inlet. Furthermore, the ventilation control component includes an air tank, an air pump is fixedly installed at the lower end of the mounting plate, and the air inlet of the air pump is connected to the air tank. The air outlet of the air pump is fixedly connected to a main air supply pipe, which extends horizontally to the bottom of the planting trough. The upper end of the main air supply pipe is fixedly connected to multiple air supply branch pipes corresponding to the planting components, and the air supply branch pipes pass through the planting trough and extend to the inside of the planting components. The air pump can deliver the gas in the air tank to the main air supply pipe, and then deliver it to the inside of each planting component through the air supply branch pipes, ensuring the aeration of the root soil. Furthermore, a spherical air outlet is fixedly connected to the upper end of the gas supply branch pipe, and the spherical air outlet is located at the center of the bottom end of the planting component. The spherical air outlet has multiple oblique air holes arranged in a ring array. Through the oblique air holes on the spherical air outlet, the gas can be evenly delivered to various areas of the root environment, and it can also be used to accelerate the discharge of moisture to the temperature and humidity sensor. Furthermore, the temperature control component includes an outer frame fixedly installed at the outer end of the planting trough. Multiple semiconductor cooling chips corresponding to the planting component are fixedly installed along the length of the outer frame. Multiple heat-conducting columns are fixedly installed at the inner end of the outer frame, with one end of the heat-conducting column contacting the semiconductor cooling chip and the other end extending to the planting component. The temperature of the root environment can be controlled by the semiconductor cooling chip, and the heat conduction effect is achieved by the heat-conducting column, ensuring the accuracy of temperature control. Furthermore, a recycling tank is fixedly installed at the lower end of the mounting plate via a connecting plate, and the recycling tank is located directly below the planting trough, which can recycle excess water from the temperature and humidity sensor and avoid waste of water resources. Beneficial effects

[0004] This device uses temperature and humidity sensors to collect data in real time, and works in conjunction with three major control components to simultaneously regulate temperature, humidity and ventilation. Each component can be flexibly set with thresholds under the control of the main control module to achieve differentiated regulation. Compared with traditional methods, it more accurately matches the needs of the root system, reduces problems caused by environmental discomfort, and provides a high-quality root environment for plant growth. The ventilation control component in this device not only enables autonomous ventilation but also, in conjunction with the drainage holes on the planting component, accelerates water removal, preventing excessive humidity in the root environment that could impair respiration or even cause root rot from waterlogging. This device is highly integrated and divides the planting area, allowing for precise and targeted management, ensuring accurate control of the root environment, and is particularly suitable for large-scale planting. Attached Figure Description

[0005] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the main structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control component of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the humidity control component of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation control component of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planting trough of this utility model. The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Planting trough; 2. Protective frame; 3. Planting components; 301. Planting frame; 302. Drainage hole; 303. Temperature and humidity sensor; 4. Mounting plate; 5. Humidity control components; 501. Water tank; 502. Water pump; 503. Main water supply pipe; 504. Branch water supply pipe; 505. Sprinkler head; 506. Liquid level sensor; 6. Ventilation control components; 601. Air tank; 602. Air pump; 603. Main air supply pipe; 604. Branch air supply pipe; 605. Spherical air outlet; 606. Angled air hole; 7. Temperature control components; 701. Outer frame; 702. Semiconductor cooling chip; 703. Heat conduction column; 8. Connecting plate; 9. Recovery tank. Detailed Implementation

[0006] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments. In some embodiments, please refer to the appendix to the instruction manual. Figures 1-5 A root microenvironment control device includes a planting trough 1, a protective frame 2 fixedly installed on the upper end of the planting trough 1, multiple evenly distributed planting components 3 embedded inside the planting trough 1, mounting plates 4 fixedly installed on both the left and right ends of the planting trough 1, a humidity control component 5 and a ventilation control component 6 fixedly installed on a pair of mounting plates 4 respectively, and a temperature control component 7 fixedly installed on the outer end of the planting trough 1. The planting trough 1 and the protective frame 2 are integrally injection molded from food-grade polypropylene (PP) material. This material has good corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and biocompatibility, and will not release harmful substances even after long-term contact with soil and water. It also possesses sufficient structural strength to stably support the protective frame 2 and the internal planting component 3. The function of the protective frame 2 is to limit the top of the planting component 3, preventing soil or substrate from overflowing. The planting component 3 includes a planting frame 301. Multiple drainage holes 302 are arranged in a ring array on the outer circumference of the lower end of the planting frame 301. A temperature and humidity sensor 303 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the drainage hole 302. The planting frame 301 is used to plant plants. The drainage holes 302 can drain excess water in time to avoid excessive humidity in the root system, which may affect respiration or even cause rot. The temperature and humidity sensor 303 can monitor the temperature and humidity of the root environment in time for targeted regulation. The planting frame 301 is made of modified PP material, which has better air permeability than ordinary PP material, aiding root respiration. Its inner wall is smoothed to reduce soil adhesion, facilitating later cleaning and plant transplanting. The drainage holes 302 at the lower outer circumference of the planting frame 301 have a diameter of 3-5mm, with a 300-mesh nylon filter attached to the inner wall to filter soil particles and prevent clogging, ensuring smooth drainage of excess water. The temperature and humidity sensor 303 probe is made of 316 stainless steel, offering strong corrosion resistance and allowing long-term immersion in moist soil. The signal transmission line is a PTFE insulated wire, led out through a pre-drilled hole in the side wall of the planting frame 301, and connected to an external main control module. The main control module provides 5V DC power, collects soil temperature and humidity data in real time, converts analog signals into digital signals, and transmits them to the main control module, providing a basis for control decisions. The humidity control component 5 includes a water tank 501, a water pump 502 fixedly installed on the water tank 501, and the inlet of the water pump 502 extends to the inside of the water tank 501. The outlet of the water pump 502 is fixedly connected to a main water supply pipe 503, which extends horizontally above the planting trough 1. The lower end of the main water supply pipe 503 is fixedly connected to multiple water supply branch pipes 504 corresponding to the planting components 3. The lower end of the water supply branch pipes 504 is fixedly installed with a nozzle 505. The water pump 502 can transport water from the water tank 501 to the main water supply pipe 503, and then spray it into the corresponding planting components 3 through the multiple water supply branch pipes 504 and the nozzles 505, thereby regulating the humidity environment of the root system. Water pump 502 is a miniature DC centrifugal pump powered by 12V DC. Its start and stop are controlled by the main control module via a relay. When the temperature and humidity sensor 303 detects that the soil moisture is lower than a preset value, the main control module activates the relay, starting water pump 502 and drawing water from water tank 501 into the main water supply pipe 503. Both the main water supply pipe 503 and the branch water supply pipes 504 are made of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, offering good corrosion resistance and rigidity. The main water supply pipe 503 is fixed to the crossbeam of the protective frame 2 using pipe clamps. The branch water supply pipes 504 are connected to the main water supply pipe 503 using T-joints, and each branch water supply pipe 504 is equipped with a miniature flow control valve, allowing for individual adjustment of the water supply according to the humidity requirements of different planting components 3. The nozzle 505 is an ABS resin atomizing nozzle, producing fine spray particles that can be evenly sprayed onto the soil surface, preventing excessive localized water flow that could lead to soil compaction and reducing impact on the root system. A liquid level sensor 506 is fixedly installed on the water tank 501, and a water inlet is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank 501. The liquid level sensor 506 can monitor the water level in the water tank 501, and when the water is insufficient, it can be replenished in time through the water inlet. The ventilation control component 6 includes an air tank 601. An air pump 602 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the mounting plate 4, and the air inlet of the air pump 602 is connected to the air tank 601. The air outlet of the air pump 602 is fixedly connected to a main air supply pipe 603, which extends horizontally to the bottom of the planting trough 1. Multiple air supply branch pipes 604 corresponding to the planting components 3 are fixedly connected to the upper end of the main air supply pipe 603. The air supply branch pipes 604 pass through the planting trough 1 and extend to the inside of the planting components 3. The air pump 602 can transport the gas in the air tank 601 to the main air supply pipe 603, and then transport it to the inside of each planting component 3 through the air supply branch pipes 604 to ensure the aeration of the root soil. A spherical air outlet 605 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air supply branch pipe 604, and the spherical air outlet 605 is located at the center of the bottom end of the planting component 3. The spherical air outlet 605 has multiple oblique air holes 606 arranged in a ring array. Through the oblique air holes 606 on the spherical air outlet 605, the gas can be evenly delivered to various areas of the root environment. At the same time, it can also be used to accelerate the discharge of water to the temperature and humidity sensor 303. The air tank 601 is made of welded aluminum alloy and stores filtered clean air inside to prevent impurities from entering the soil and affecting root growth. An open design can also be used, with activated carbon or other filter materials installed inside the tank for real-time filtration of incoming air. The air tank 601 is equipped with a pressure gauge and a safety valve. The pressure gauge monitors the internal air pressure, and the safety valve automatically releases pressure when it is too high to ensure safety. The air pump 602 is a miniature, silent air pump powered by 12V DC and controlled by the main control module via a relay. When the temperature and humidity sensor 303 detects insufficient soil aeration, the main control module activates the air pump 602, drawing air from the air tank 601 into the main air supply pipe 603. The main gas supply pipe 603 and the branch gas supply pipe 604 are made of polyurethane (PU) hoses, which have good flexibility and aging resistance. The main gas supply pipe 603 is fixed to the bottom support of the planting trough 1 with pipe clamps. The branch gas supply pipe 604 is connected to the main gas supply pipe 603 with a straight connector. When the branch gas supply pipe 604 passes through the pre-set through hole at the bottom of the planting trough 1, the through hole and the pipe are sealed with a silicone sealing ring to prevent soil particles from leaking out. The spherical air outlet 605 is injection molded from PP material. The oblique air holes 606 on the surface are at a 45-degree angle to the horizontal direction, with a hole diameter of 1-2mm, so that the gas can be evenly diffused into the soil from multiple directions, ensuring sufficient oxygen around the roots. At the same time, the airflow carries excess water to the drainage hole 302, accelerating drainage and preventing water accumulation in the roots. The temperature control component 7 includes an outer frame 701 fixedly installed at the outer end of the planting trough 1. Multiple semiconductor cooling chips 702 corresponding to the planting component 3 are fixedly installed at the outer end of the outer frame 701 along the length direction. Multiple heat-conducting columns 703 are fixedly installed at the inner end of the outer frame 701. One end of the heat-conducting column 703 contacts the semiconductor cooling chip 702 and the other end extends to the planting component 3. The temperature of the root environment can be controlled by the semiconductor cooling chip 702, and the heat conduction effect is achieved by the heat-conducting column 703, ensuring the accuracy of temperature control. The outer frame 701 is constructed from aluminum alloy profiles. Aluminum alloy offers excellent thermal conductivity and structural strength, providing stable mounting support for the thermoelectric cooler 702 and aiding in its heat dissipation. The thermoelectric cooler 702 utilizes a ceramic substrate with bismuth telluride semiconductor material inside. It is small in size, has a fast cooling / heating speed, and high temperature control accuracy. Each thermoelectric cooler 702 corresponds to one planting component 3, enabling independent temperature control. It is powered by 24V DC and controlled by the main control module through a dedicated temperature control module. The temperature control module adjusts the operating current of the thermoelectric cooler based on the temperature data transmitted by the temperature and humidity sensor 303, switching between cooling and heating modes. The heat-conducting pillar 703 is made of oxygen-free copper, which has a high thermal conductivity and can quickly transfer temperature. Its outer surface is wrapped with a silicone insulating sleeve to prevent leakage and reduce heat loss to non-target areas. The end closest to the planting component 3 is in close contact with the outer wall of the planting frame 301, ensuring efficient heat transfer to the soil. The lower end of the mounting plate 4 is fixedly installed with a recycling tank 9 via a connecting plate 8. The recycling tank 9 is located directly below the planting trough 1, which can recycle excess water from the temperature and humidity sensor 303 and avoid waste of water resources. It should be noted that the main control module uses an STM32 series microcontroller as its core. This microcontroller features fast processing speed, rich interfaces, and low power consumption, and can connect to multiple sensors and actuators simultaneously. It is also equipped with a touch screen and buttons, allowing users to view data and device status in real time and set control parameters. The power supply system uses an external 220V AC power supply, which is converted to 24V DC through a 24V / 5A switching power adapter, and then regulated by a DC voltage regulator module to power each device. A 12V / 10Ah lithium battery is also provided as a backup power source, automatically switching over when the external power supply is interrupted to ensure the device can operate normally for a short period of time. Working principle: Before the device is put into operation, the user sets the soil temperature and humidity threshold, ventilation cycle, and water replenishment threshold of each planting component 3 through the main control module's touch screen. After the device is started, the temperature and humidity sensor 303 in the planting component 3 collects soil temperature and humidity data in real time and transmits it to the main control module. The main control module analyzes and processes the data: when the soil humidity of a certain planting component 3 is lower than the preset lower limit, the main control module determines that water needs to be replenished, controls the relay in the humidity control component 5 to activate, and starts the water pump 502. The water pump 502 draws water from the water tank 501 into the water supply main pipe 503, and sprays it onto the soil surface through the water supply branch pipe 504 and the atomizing nozzle 505. When the soil humidity rises to the preset upper limit, the main control module controls the water pump 502 to stop, and the excess water is discharged into the recycling tank 9 through the drain hole 302 for recycling. When the temperature and humidity sensor 303 detects that the soil temperature of a certain planting component 3 is higher than the preset upper limit, the main control module controls the corresponding semiconductor cooling chip 702 in the temperature control component 7 to enter the cooling mode. The low temperature on the cold surface is transferred to the soil through the heat conduction column 703 to cool it down. When the temperature drops to the preset lower limit, it switches to standby or heating mode. If the temperature is lower than the preset lower limit, the semiconductor cooling chip 702 enters the heating mode and transfers heat to the soil through the heat conduction column 703 until the temperature rises back to the preset range. In terms of ventilation control, the main control module starts the air pump 602 of the ventilation control component 6 according to the preset ventilation cycle or when it is judged that the soil permeability is insufficient. Clean air in the air tank 601 is drawn into the air supply main pipe 603 and diffused into the soil through the oblique air hole 606 of the spherical air outlet 605 via the air supply branch pipe 604 to replenish oxygen to the roots. The airflow also carries excess water to the drainage hole 302 to accelerate drainage. After the ventilation reaches the preset time or the permeability returns to normal, the air pump 602 stops. The control of ventilation is particularly important for tea. Regarding water level monitoring and replenishment in water tank 501, level sensor 506 monitors the water level in real time. When the water level falls below a preset threshold, it sends a signal to the main control module. The main control module then controls the electromagnetic water replenishment valve to open and replenish water. When the water level reaches the upper limit, the valve closes. Throughout the process, the main control module displays data and equipment status in real time via a touch screen. Users can view and adjust parameters at any time, achieving intelligent and precise management. The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A root microenvironment control device, comprising a planting trough (1), characterized in that: A protective frame (2) is fixedly installed on the upper end of the planting trough (1). Multiple evenly distributed planting components (3) are embedded inside the planting trough (1). Mounting plates (4) are fixedly installed on both the left and right ends of the planting trough (1). A humidity control component (5) and a ventilation control component (6) are fixedly installed on a pair of mounting plates (4). A temperature control component (7) is fixedly installed on the outer end of the planting trough (1).

2. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planting component (3) includes a planting frame (301), and a plurality of drainage holes (302) arranged in a ring array are provided on the outer circumference of the lower end of the planting frame (301). A temperature and humidity sensor (303) is fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the drainage hole (302).

3. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The humidity control component (5) includes a water tank (501), a water pump (502) is fixedly installed on the water tank (501), and the inlet of the water pump (502) extends to the inside of the water tank (501). The outlet of the water pump (502) is fixedly connected to a water supply main pipe (503), and the water supply main pipe (503) extends horizontally above the planting trough (1). The lower end of the water supply main pipe (503) is fixedly connected to a plurality of water supply branch pipes (504) corresponding to the planting component (3), and the lower end of the water supply branch pipe (504) is fixedly installed with a nozzle (505).

4. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor (506) is fixedly installed on the water tank (501), and a water inlet is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank (501).

5. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ventilation control component (6) includes an air tank (601). An air pump (602) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the mounting plate (4), and the air inlet of the air pump (602) is connected to the air tank (601). The air outlet of the air pump (602) is fixedly connected to a main air supply pipe (603), and the main air supply pipe (603) extends horizontally to the bottom of the planting trough (1). The upper end of the main air supply pipe (603) is fixedly connected to a plurality of air supply branch pipes (604) corresponding to the planting component (3), and the air supply branch pipes (604) penetrate the planting trough (1) and extend to the inside of the planting component (3).

6. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper end of the gas supply branch pipe (604) is fixedly connected to a spherical air outlet (605), and the spherical air outlet (605) is located at the center of the bottom end of the planting component (3). The spherical air outlet (605) has multiple oblique air holes (606) arranged in a ring array.

7. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control component (7) includes an outer frame (701) fixedly installed at the outer end of the planting trough (1). Multiple semiconductor cooling chips (702) corresponding to the planting component (3) are fixedly installed at the outer end of the outer frame (701) along the length direction. Multiple heat-conducting columns (703) are fixedly installed at the inner end of the outer frame (701), and one end of the heat-conducting column (703) contacts the semiconductor cooling chip (702) and the other end extends to the planting component (3).

8. The root microenvironment regulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the mounting plate (4) is fixedly installed with a recycling tank (9) via a connecting plate (8), and the recycling tank (9) is located directly below the planting trough (1).

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