Modular capillary irrigation system for plant pots with integrated distribution plate and connectable water reservoirs

Abstract

Modular irrigation system for plant pots, consisting of - one or more water reservoirs with connection opening, - at least one connecting hose, - a flat base plate with integrated openings for capillary tubes, - and at least one capillary tube, characterized in that the base plate is provided with standardized connections which enable tool-free connection of several plate modules as well as the insertion and replacement of tubes, wherein the capillary tubes are positioned in the base plate in such a way that they ensure targeted irrigation of typical pot sizes in the area of ​​the outer root ball.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular, passively operated irrigation system for plant pots, particularly for use in private homes, on windowsills, balconies, or in indoor growing environments. The system uses gravity and capillary action to continuously supply plants with water. 2. State of the art

[0002] Conventional irrigation systems for residential use are based either on active pumps, complex controls, or simple watering methods without regulation. Standardized, modular systems that function without electronics and are easy to install and scale are lacking. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance and intuitively pluggable irrigation system that works by purely physical principles such as gravity and capillary action and can be used both individually and in series. 4. Solution

[0004] The invention consists of the following main components: • Water reservoir in various sizes (e.g. 0.5 l, 1 l, 2 l), made of transparent or semi-transparent plastic, with connection opening at the bottom. • Supply hose, flexible, with optional valve or dripper. • Base plate (distribution plate) in a square shape, in which capillary tubes are laid in a ring shape. • Capillary tubes that lead upwards through openings in the plate and end directly below the plant pot. • Click system (snap connection) for tool-free connection of hoses and plate modules. 5. Advantages • Completely passive (no current) • Tool-free assembly thanks to quick connections • Expandable through modular plug-in systems • Target group: Hobby gardeners, urban gardening, medical indoor cultivation • Environmentally friendly: can be optionally connected to a rainwater tank 6. Application

[0005] The system is placed at the edge of or below a pot. The water level in the reservoir creates hydrostatic pressure. Water is then channeled through capillary tubes via connecting hoses into the planting substrate. The reservoir can be raised or lowered by gravity to regulate the flow rate. 7. Expandability and targeted customization

[0006] The ClickPlant system is modular and designed for standard plant pot sizes (e.g., Ø 10 cm to 20 cm). The capillary tubes integrated into the base plate are pre-positioned to deliver water precisely to the typical outer edges of the root ball. This ensures effective, plant-friendly watering without the need for manual tube placement.

[0007] The base plate features standardized connectors and can be combined with additional plate modules using a simple click system. This allows for the support of any number of plant pots – ideal for use on shelves, propagation stations, or in grow boxes.

[0008] The system can be expanded in the future to include the following functions: • Dripping distributor with adjustable flow rate, tailored to the needs of different plant species • Automatic overflow drainage, e.g. through an integrated check valve for excess water • Filter units to protect against particles and sediments, especially when using rainwater or pond water

[0009] Through the combination of thoughtful design, standardized pot adjustment and modular construction, ClickPlant offers a simple but efficient solution for private plant cultivation with professional demands - completely without electricity or complicated technology. 8. Digitization and software integration

[0010] The ClickPlant system, even in its basic form, can be used entirely mechanically and without electricity. Furthermore, the invention is designed in such a way that a later expansion with digital components is easily possible.

[0011] As a software company, the applicant is able to develop targeted extensions for the automation and intelligent control of the system. These include, among other things: • Sensor modules for measuring soil moisture, light intensity or temperature • Control units with app connectivity that inform users about the water level or automatically regulate the drip frequency • APL-controlled water distribution, linked to time of day, weather forecasts or individual plant profiles

[0012] The reservoirs and plate modules used can be equipped with sensors or valves without requiring any changes to the basic system. This means that ClickPlant remains simple and robust in its basic version, but can be transformed into a fully smart irrigation system through software integration and digital upgrade kits.

[0013] This description serves to explain the invention as described in the utility model application. Modifications, further developments, or adaptations within the scope of protection are possible.

Claims

[1] Modular watering system for plant pots, consisting of - one or more water reservoirs with connection opening, - at least one connecting hose, - a flat base plate with integrated openings for capillary tubes, - and at least one capillary tube, characterized by , that the base plate is equipped with standardized connections which allow for tool-free connection of several plate modules as well as the insertion and replacement of hoses, whereby the capillary hoses in the base plate are positioned in such a way as to ensure targeted irrigation of typical pot sizes in the area of ​​the outer root ball. [2] (depending on claim 1): The system according to claim 1, characterized by, that it can be expanded to include digital sensors, automatic valves and a software-based control unit, which allows for individual adjustment of the water output to environmental conditions and plant needs.

Images