Modular plant cascade system with controlled water distribution across multiple plant containers and variable mounting for vertical arrangement

Abstract

A planting system (cascade system) consisting of at least one planting container (1) for receiving a substrate (7), characterized in that the planting container (1) has a water supply (2) and a water guidance device (3) arranged within the planting container, wherein the water guidance device (3) is designed to selectively influence a water flow within the planting container, in particular to actively control, direct, redirect, delay, store or dose it, and wherein the water guidance device (3) comprises at least one water brake which reduces or delays the water flow by means of a geometric design, in particular by means of a step, constriction, surface structure and / or change of direction, wherein the planting container (1) has at least one outlet (4) through which water is discharged from the planting container in a controlled manner, and wherein the system is designed such thatthat water is distributed from a central watering point within one or more plant containers.

Description

1. Title of the invention The present invention relates to a modular plant container system with a physically controlled, direction-independent water flow. The system is specifically designed for the cascading flow of water when using a single watering point. The goal is to enable an even and controlled distribution of water across multiple plant containers. 2. Technical field The invention belongs to the technical field of passive irrigation systems for plants. In particular, it concerns systems for controlling the flow of water within plant containers as well as between several interconnected containers. The invention can be used in the fields of horticulture, urban gardening, and modular planting systems. 3. State of the art In conventional planting systems, water distribution is largely uncontrolled. The water follows the path of least resistance and usually flows directly downwards through the substrate. This results in the upper areas becoming heavily saturated with moisture, while the lower areas remain dry. This problem is further exacerbated in stacked systems. Several watering points are required to ensure a reasonably even supply. Targeted control of the water flow within a single plant container is not provided for in the current state of the art. 4. Problem statement The task, therefore, is to provide a plant container system that enables targeted and even water distribution. The system should be able to operate with only one watering point. Furthermore, the water should be distributed within the plant container before being passed on. Additionally, the system should function independently of its spatial orientation. Furthermore, it should allow for modular adaptation to different plant species. 5. Basic principle of the invention The central principle of the invention is to actively influence the flow of water. The water is no longer guided solely by gravity, but directed by defined structures. These structures ensure that the water is distributed within the substrate. The water is only passed on after a certain dwell time. This allows for even moistening of the entire root area. 6. Technical Design The water guidance system can be designed in different geometric shapes. This includes in particular wedges, ramps, steps, curves and channel-like structures. Openings or passageways may also be provided. The specific shape is variable and can be adapted to the desired flow characteristics. The water supply system can be an integral part of the planter or designed as a separate inlay. If an inlay is used, it can be designed to be interchangeable. 7. Physical effect The controlled water flow slows down the water flow. This leads to an increased residence time of the water in the substrate. This allows the substrate to absorb more water. This leads to a more even distribution of moisture. At the same time, it prevents water from flowing away unused. The time delay ensures that downstream plant containers are supplied at different times. 8. Interaction with substrate The substrate acts as a storage and distribution medium for the water. The water guidance system ensures that the water is distributed in different areas of the substrate. This prevents local over-humidification and dry spots. The combination of water flow and substrate structure is crucial for the function of the system. The effect is independent of the specific composition of the substrate. 9. Water flow variations The water can flow in different directions. It can be arranged laterally, longitudinally, or diagonally. Several water guidance elements can be combined. Different geometries lead to different flow velocities. The position of the water guidance device can vary. This allows for adaptation to different applications. 10. Cascade system Several plant containers can be arranged in a cascade-like fashion. The water is transferred from an upper container to a lower container. The delay ensures that each container receives a defined amount of water. The transfer occurs drop by drop or as a continuous flow. The system can be implemented with three, five or more vessels. 11. Closed end cap In a preferred embodiment, the lowest planting container has no drainage hole. This prevents water loss. The water is fully utilized within the system. This significantly increases the efficiency of the system. 12. Mounting options The system can be mounted on a wall. Alternatively, it can be attached to a railing. The system can also be used freestanding. The function remains unchanged regardless of the mounting method. 13. Expansion options The system can be expanded with different inlays. These can be adapted to different plant species. For example, special inlays can be used for herbs, strawberries or salads. Different flow characteristics can also be implemented. 14. List of reference symbols 1 Planting container 2 Water supply opening 3 Water guidance system 4 Drain 5 Inlay 6 Cascade connection 7 Substrate area 15. Drawings Fig. 1 Fig. 1 shows a planting container (1) with a water supply opening (2), a water guidance device (3) arranged inside the planting container, a drain (4), and a substrate area (7). The water guidance device (3) is arranged so that a water flow introduced inside the planting container is specifically controlled and directed towards the drain (4). Fig. 2 Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the water guidance inside the planting container (1), in which the water guidance device (3) has an inclined structure with a higher section on the left and a lower section on the right. This directs the water flow from the higher side to the lower side in the direction of the drain (4). Fig. 3 Fig. 3 shows an interchangeable inlay (5) which can be arranged inside the planting container (1) and forms the water guidance device (3).The inlay (5) has an inclined structure and at least one water brake, which slows down the water flow and directs it to the drain (4) in a controlled manner. Fig. 4 shows a plurality of plant containers (1) connected to each other via cascade connections (6). The water is transferred from an upper plant container to a plant container arranged below it, creating a cascade-like water distribution. The water supply is provided via a central watering point. Fig. 5 shows a bottommost plant container (1), which is designed as a closed end pot. This has no drain, so that the supplied water remains completely within the plant container. Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of an inlay (5) with an integrated water guidance device (3), water brake, and drain (4). The illustration clarifies the course of the water flow within the plant container and the retarding effect of the water brake. Fig. 7Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the inlay (5), particularly independent of the installation direction, in which the water flows from back to front. The water guidance device (3) is arranged such that the water flow is directed in a direction opposite to the orientation shown in Figure 2. This illustrates the direction-independent function of the system. 16. Claims (in detail) See Annex Claims for Protection

Claims

Planting system (cascade system) consisting of at least one planting container (1) for receiving a substrate (7), characterized in that the planting container (1) has a water supply (2) and a water guidance device (3) arranged within the planting container, wherein the water guidance device (3) is configured to selectively influence a water flow within the planting container, in particular to actively control, direct, redirect, delay, store or dose it, and wherein the water guidance device (3) comprises at least one water brake which reduces or delays the water flow by means of a geometric design, in particular by means of a step, constriction, surface structure and / or change of direction, wherein the planting container (1) has at least one outlet (4) through which water is discharged from the planting container in a controlled manner, and wherein the system is designed such thatthat water is distributed from a central watering point within one or more plant containers. Planting system according to claim 1, characterized in that several planting containers (1) are arranged in a cascade, wherein water can be transferred from an upper planting container to at least one planting container arranged below, and wherein the transfer is in particular dripping, intermittent or continuous. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water flow within the planting container takes place in any direction, in particular from left to right, from right to left, from front to back, from back to front or in a combination of these directions. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water guidance device (3) is at least partially designed as an inclined structure, in particular as a wedge, wherein the inclination serves to control the water flow in a targeted manner and to direct it to the outlet (4). Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water brake is designed as an independent functional element which locally reduces the flow cross-section and / or redirects the water flow. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply device (3) is formed wholly or partially by an interchangeable inlay (5). Planting system according to claim 6, characterized in that different inlays (5) generate different water flow profiles, flow rates or delay times. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lowest planting container is designed without a drainage system. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planting containers are coupled to each other via defined cascade connections (6), wherein the connections enable a targeted forwarding of the water. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all plant containers are of identical construction and the function is determined by different inlays (5). Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate (7) has a structured permeability which, in combination with the water supply device (3), influences the water flow. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination of water supply, water guidance device and water brake achieves a defined, time-staggered water distribution over several planting containers. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water guidance device (3) is suitable, regardless of its specific geometric design, to selectively influence the water flow within the planting container, in particular to slow down, redirect, store or delay it in time. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water brake can be formed by any structure which causes a reduction in flow velocity, in particular by projections, depressions, roughness, pore structures or material transitions, regardless of its specific design. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inclined structure is not exclusively designed as a wedge, but can be realized by any geometric shape which enables directed water flow. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply device (3) can be designed both as an integral part of the planting container and as a separate component, in particular as an inlay (5). Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several water supply devices (3) can be arranged within a planting container. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water flow is gradually delayed by several water brakes arranged in series. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the plant containers is independent of the specific geometric design, provided that water transfer between the containers is enabled. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function of the system is ensured independently of the spatial orientation of the plant containers. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply is independent of the type of substrate used. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system can be made of any materials, in particular plastic, metal, ceramic or composite materials. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single watering point causes a controlled distribution of water to several plant containers. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply device (3) is arranged such that an uncontrolled direct flow to the outlet (4) is at least reduced. Planting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that functional elements of the system are interchangeable without impairing the overall function.

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