Pot and method for growing plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a pot (10) for growing a plant, comprising a planting zone (18) and a root guiding channel (12) extending between a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16) and configured to guide root development downstream of the planting zone (18), said channel (12) being accessible to the roots of a plant planted in the planting zone (18), the channel (12) wrapping around a guide line (A) and forming more than one revolution around said guide line (A) between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Pot and Plant Cultivation Process technical field

[0001] This presentation concerns a pot for growing a plant and a method for growing a plant. This pot and method can be used for many types of plants, not only on Earth but also in space. Previous technique

[0002] Food self-sufficiency is a constant need for our societies. On Earth, this problem has been solved in many ways, thanks to the richness and variety of our environment. However, in certain constrained environments, specific solutions must be implemented, particularly for crop cultivation.

[0003] Typically, in space, hydroponics is generally used, a technique in which the absence of a solid nutrient substrate is compensated for by the fact that the plants are immersed in a nutrient solution. This technique, however, has several drawbacks.

[0004] On the one hand, the presence of a nutrient solution bath poses water management problems, with regard to both the large quantities of water required and the energy required to move or regenerate the nutrient solution.

[0005] On the other hand, the presence of a nutrient solution bath means space is taken up, while available space is generally limited. This space requirement is exacerbated by the fact that to ensure good plant reproduction, and therefore sustainable food self-sufficiency, it is necessary to allow the plants to develop to an advanced stage where they occupy a relatively large area.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a new type of pot and process for growing plants. Description of the invention

[0007] For this purpose, the present exposition relates to a pot for the cultivation of a plant, comprising a planting area and a root guidance channel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to guide root development downstream of the planting area, said channel being accessible to the roots of a plant planted in the planting area, the channel winding around a guideline and making more than one turn of said guideline between the inlet and the outlet.

[0008] For the purposes of this document, a plant generically refers to any plant at any stage of its development, including the seed stage, the pre-germinated seed stage, the germination stage, the pre-harvest stage, the post-harvest stage, etc. In this document, a plant has a root system capable of developing within the root canal and a vegetative system capable of developing from the planting zone. Specifically, a plant can be a food plant, that is, a plant whose leaves, stems, roots, and / or fruits are edible.

[0009] Without loss of generality, we will henceforth consider the fluid to be a nutrient solution for the plant, typically an aqueous solution.

[0010] Downstream is understood in a direction going from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, the outlet being further downstream than the inlet.

[0011] The guideline can be straight, curved, or a broken line comprising straight segments and / or conjunct arcs. The channel's winding around this guideline can follow a curved path, but it can also follow a broken line comprising straight segments and / or conjunct arcs. Thus, the channel makes more than one turn of the guideline between the inlet and outlet; this turn can have a generally circular, polygonal, piecewise curved, broken, or other shape. The turns may differ from one another, for example, in their shape or size.

[0012] In most cases, the channel therefore follows a three-dimensional path around the guideline. However, the winding can also be degenerate in the mathematical sense of the term, in cases where the path is not three-dimensional but two-dimensional. For example, if the channel path is restricted to a plane (or more generally a surface) containing the If the canal follows a guideline, it can meander around it, with segments (straight or curved) of the serpentine path following one another along the guideline. As another example, if the canal's path is restricted to a plane (or more generally, a surface) transverse to the guideline, then the canal can form a kind of spiral (with straight or curved segments).

[0013] In contrast, a one-dimensional channel is not considered to be winding around the guideline, because it merely follows the guideline, without any winding whatsoever.

[0014] Whether the winding is two-dimensional or three-dimensional, the channel extends over several floors, the footprint of each floor overlapping at least partially with the footprint of another floor in at least one direction, for example the direction of the guideline or a guideline transverse to the guideline.

[0015] The channel is designed to guide the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. In addition to the geometric constraints imposed by the channel itself, the plant's roots, attracted by this fluid flow and seeking to follow it, are guided by the channel from the planting area to the outlet, along the channel's winding shape. The pot therefore does not require a nutrient solution bath, but only a low flow rate. This reduces the pot's energy requirements, such as the electricity needed to power a pump.

[0016] Furthermore, such a channel configuration allows, with a relatively small amount of fluid, the roots to be guided along a compact path, which minimizes their bulk and therefore the overall bulk of the plant, even if the plant is cultivated to an advanced stage of growth.

[0017] In some embodiments, the planting zone is located along the canal, between the inlet and outlet. This allows all roots to be properly irrigated, even in their portion closest to the planting zone.

[0018] In some embodiments, the channel is equipped with means for retaining a water-soluble charge. The retention means may be a housing, an obstacle such as a grid, a support, or any component that allows the water-soluble charge to be retained, regardless of its dissolution. progressive, at the desired location. The water-soluble load can be a nutrient load.

[0019] In some embodiments, retention means are provided between the fluid inlet and the planting zone. This allows the fluid to absorb some of the water-soluble load before reaching the planting zone, and therefore the roots.

[0020] In some embodiments, the planting area is positioned closer to the guideline than to the outside of the pot. Proximity to the guideline can be assessed, in particular, in a direction transverse to the guideline. Thanks to these arrangements, the planting area is relatively centered within the overall dimensions of the pot. Consequently, the non-rooted portion (also called the aerial part, which may correspond to the vegetative parts) of the plant develops to its maximum extent within the pot's footprint, and the additional space created by the plant is limited.

[0021] In some embodiments, the channel is configured to allow gravity-driven flow of liquid between the inlet and outlet, particularly from the inlet to the outlet. Such flow, driven by gravity or surrounding microgravity, allows the fluid to irrigate all the roots with reduced energy cost. Furthermore, gravity promotes downward root growth, i.e., towards the outlet, and helps guide the roots through the channel.

[0022] Alternatively or in addition, the channel can form one or more basins between the inlet and outlet. These basins are capable of retaining fluid despite the flow between the inlet and outlet. Such basins allow for the retention of some of the fluid in case of flow interruption and / or promote the development of microorganisms, both of which contribute to plant growth.

[0023] In some embodiments, with reference to a radius-azimuth-elevation coordinate system whose axis is the guide line, the channel parameterization is such that the azimuth takes the same value several times and the elevation changes monotonically. The radius (r)-azimuth (0)-elevation (z) coordinate system, sometimes called a cylindrical coordinate system when the axis is straight, and which will subsequently be called a pseudo-cylindrical coordinate system in the general case, is such that the elevation axis is formed by the guide line. The radius r measures the distance (in the sense mathematical, i.e. the smallest distance) from a point to the axis, the azimuth 0 measures the angle with respect to a given direction of zero azimuth, and the z-coordinate measures the curvilinear abscissa along the guideline.

[0024] In such a frame of reference, the path followed by the canal, that is to say abstracting from the shape of the canal itself in cross-section, is such that the azimuth takes the same value several times, which reflects the fact that the canal winds around the guide line, while the elevation evolves monotonically, that is to say either increasing or decreasing according to the orientation of the axis, which reflects the fact that the canal has several levels in the direction of the guide line.

[0025] In some embodiments, the elevation changes in a strictly monotonic manner, which facilitates flow between the inlet and outlet. Conversely, when the elevation changes in a non-strictly monotonic manner, the presence of certain sections with no slope can contribute to creating the basins mentioned previously. However, even a monotonic elevation does not necessarily change regularly or even constantly. For example, a section at the channel's inlet may have a relatively steep slope with a rapidly changing elevation, while a section of the channel further from the inlet may have a less steep slope with a slower change in elevation. A steep slope allows the roots to be quickly guided into the pot so that they protrude as little as possible, while a less steep slope offers better compaction and allows the plant to be contained within a controlled environment, particularly in terms of humidity, as will be seen later.

[0026] In some embodiments, the channel has a general helical shape. In the pseudo-cylindrical frame of reference, a circular helix is ​​characterized by a constant radius r, an azimuth 0 = at, and a height z = bt, where a = -l or +1, b is any constant defining the helix pitch, and t is a parameter. Other helices are considered, such as elliptical, conical, spherical, or paraboloidal helices. More generally, the radius r may not be constant but monotonic or oscillate within a given range. Similarly, the azimuth 0 may not be monotonic but oscillate within a given range, or even alternate between two opposite values ​​in the case of a two-dimensional channel traversal. The guideline may be straight.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pot further includes a core extending along the guideline. The core may extend within the path followed by the channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the core supports the channel. Indeed, the core, with its relatively simple shape, can reinforce the channel, whose shape is dictated by its function of guiding the roots and maintaining a compact profile. Thus, the pot is more robust and easier to handle.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one end of the core has fastening means such as a thread or tapped hole. Other fastening means may be considered, such as an opening (for example, for the passage of a pin), a protrusion designed to cooperate with a corresponding shape, etc. The fastening means allow the pot to be easily handled using suitable tools, for example, an articulated arm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the channel has a porous base. In a gravity-fed environment, the base refers to the lower part of the channel, or more generally, the part of the channel designed to collect fluid flow. This base may be porous due to the structure and / or material of the channel itself, or it may consist of a porous lining. The pores allow the development of microorganisms, thus promoting plant growth. When the porosity is inherent to the channel material, not only is the base of the channel porous, but the channel itself may be porous, preferably entirely porous. Such porosity of the base, the channel, or the entire pot, in combination with the channel's coiling, allows for the trapping of ambient moisture and microorganisms, thereby extending the intervals between periods of active plant hydration—that is, the periods when fluid actually flows along the channel.Fluid utilization efficiency is therefore improved, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, periods of drought are detrimental to the plant; maintaining ambient humidity for longer periods also promotes plant growth.

[0031] In some embodiments, the channel has a closed cross-section. This allows the roots to be completely guided, and the final overall dimensions, including the roots, can be more accurately predicted. Furthermore, the roots are fully protected from potential radiation.

[0032] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the channel is open in cross-section opposite the bottom. Thus, the channel can take the form of a groove. An open channel facilitates root observation, measurement using sensors, and root cleaning once the plant has reached maturity, and requires less material for channel construction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pot further includes an instrument such as an image sensor, a lighting element, or a microfluidic chip. Such an instrument, or a different one, allows for monitoring or stimulating plant growth. The instrument can be integrated into the pot, optionally housed in a designated recess.

[0034] This presentation also concerns a method for cultivating a plant, comprising planting the plant in the planting zone of a pot as described previously, and supplying the channel inlet with fluid so that the fluid flows towards the outlet while reaching the plant's roots. Such a method allows for economical plant cultivation while benefiting from the advantages of the pot, detailed above. The pot may have any of the characteristics described previously.

[0035] In some embodiments, the power supply is intermittent. This allows the power supply to be adapted to the availability of energy, for example, to power a pump. Furthermore, when multiple pots are present, they can be powered alternately, which sufficiently stimulates plant growth while conserving energy.

[0036] This presentation also concerns a manufacturing process for a pot as described previously, the process including the production of the pot by additive manufacturing. The additive manufacturing processes used may depend on the material used to construct the pot and include, for example, fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS). Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other features and advantages of the object of this presentation will emerge from the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached figures.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates in perspective, seen from above, a pot for growing a plant according to a first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pot in Figure 1 along plane II-IL

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates in perspective, seen from below, the pot according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates in perspective, seen from above, a pot for growing a plant according to a second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pot in Figure 4 along plane VV.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a plant fixing accessory according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a process for cultivating a plant according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing a pot according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0046] A pot 10 for growing a plant according to a first embodiment is illustrated in figures 1 to 3. The plants concerned by this pot can be any plants intended for food or not, for example lettuce, radish, peas, beans, rapeseed, corn, wheat, tomatoes, etc.

[0047] The pot 10 extends overall along a guideline A. The guideline A is straight here, but in general, it could be curved or segmented, as explained previously. In this embodiment, the pot 10 extends longitudinally along the guideline A. The guideline A can be a median line of the pot 10.

[0048] The guideline A can be taken as the axis of the dimensions of a pseudo-cylindrical, or even cylindrical, coordinate system, as illustrated in Figure 1. As previously stated, for a given point, the radius r measures the distance from that point to the guideline A, the azimuth 0 measures the angle between a given direction of zero azimuth and a radius connecting the point and the guideline A, and the z-coordinate measures the curvilinear abscissa of the projection of that point along the guideline A, from an origin O arbitrarily positioned on the guideline A.

[0049] The pot 10 includes a channel 12 for guiding the roots of the plant intended to be placed in the pot. The channel 12 extends between a fluid inlet 14 and a fluid outlet 16, the fluid being able to flow through the channel 12 from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16. In this embodiment, the channel 12 has a shape and path that allow the gravitational flow of liquid between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16, as will be described later. The channel 12 is physically continuous here, but it is possible to provide a channel 12 with several discontinuous segments (straight or otherwise) arranged so that the fluid flows from one segment to the next by gravity. Such a configuration can be particularly useful for inserting components (sensors, chips, etc.) between the segments.

[0050] Pot 10 also includes a planting area 18. This planting area 18 is configured to accommodate the plant, including the proximal end of its roots. In this case, the planting area 18 is a section located along, or even directly within, the channel 12. Specifically, the planting area 18 is situated between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. However, alternatively, the planting area could be located upstream of the inlet 14, or even upstream of the channel 12.

[0051] The plant can be held in the planting zone 18 by means known per se, for example by germinating in a porous support such as foam or equivalent, this support then being held in the planting zone by simple friction or by suitable fastening means. In other embodiments, the planting zone 18 itself can be configured so as to retain the plant and / or its support.

[0052] Thus, channel 12 is accessible to the roots of the plant planted in planting zone 18, and channel 12 is configured to guide the development of these roots downstream of planting zone 18. These roots can, after a sufficiently long time, develop from planting zone 18 to outlet 16.

[0053] The path of channel 12, that is, its evolution in space independently of its own shape (typically independently of its cross-section to said evolution), can be described in the pseudo-cylindrical frame of reference: this is called the parameterization of channel 12. In the following, Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, the r-0-z coordinates refer to the path of channel 12 in the pseudo-cylindrical reference frame.

[0054] As can be seen particularly in Figures 1 and 3, channel 12 winds around the guideline A: channel 12 passes from one side of the guideline A to the other, in this case continuously. Channel 12 can bypass the guideline A as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. However, alternatively, channel 12 could meander around the guideline A and pass from one side of the guideline A to the other by crossing the guideline A, for example in a succession of segments inclined alternately in one direction and then the other.

[0055] Thus, when traversing channel 12 from input 14 to output 16, the azimuth 0 varies.

[0056] Furthermore, channel 12 makes more than one turn around the guideline A between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. In other words, the azimuth 0 takes on the same value several times, having taken at least one different value between any two occurrences of the same value. In this case, channel 12 makes six turns around the guideline A; however, any number of turns, integer or not, strictly greater than 1, is considered. The length of channel 12, and consequently the other parameters of pot 10, can be sized according to the plant to be grown in it. In particular, channel 12 can be made long enough to allow the plant to develop to the seed-setting stage.

[0057] In this example, the z-coordinate changes monotonically, here proportionally to the azimuth 0, giving the channel 12 a general helical shape, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, especially since the radius r is constant. The inventors determined that a general helical shape ensures not only good compactness of the channel 12 but also good balance and increased robustness of the pot 10. However, other general shapes of pot 10 are being considered, particularly in which the radius r might not be constant and / or the z-coordinate might change monotonically but differently, linked or not to the azimuth 0, or even non-monotonically, which would lead to other shapes of channel 12, each shape having its own advantages. For example, a non-strictly monotonic evolution of the z-coordinate would allow for the creation of pools, or liquid retention zones, between inlet 14 and outlet 16. According to another example, an evolution of the A piecewise linear slope would allow for sections of the canal to have different slopes, for example with a relatively steep slope on the side of the canal entrance, then a less steep slope on a section of the canal closer to the exit.

[0058] The cylindrical helix that guides the path of channel 12 shown in figures 1 to 3 has a pitch between 1 and 8 centimeters (cm), preferably between 2 and 4 cm, this pitch classically corresponding to the distance between two successive turns, measured along the guideline A.

[0059] In any case, the fact that channel 12 wraps around guideline A, making more than one turn, guides the plant's roots along a deliberately compact path, thus limiting the size of pot 10 while allowing for maximum plant development. For example, pot 10 in the first embodiment, with a height of 20 cm along guideline A, provides a path length (curvilinear abscissa of channel 12) of approximately 2 meters (m) for root development. Generally, the height of the pot can be less than 2 m, or even 1 m.

[0060] The cross-section of channel 12 can be seen more clearly in Figure 2. The cross-section of channel 12 is defined as its cross-section transverse to its length. In this case, channel 12 has a bowl-shaped cross-section. Channel 12 has a bottom 20, designed to collect the runoff from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16, and at least one lateral rim 22, here two such rims, framing the bottom 20 and configured to prevent fluid overflow and to concentrate the runoff onto the bottom 20, thus preventing roots from growing on only one side of channel 12. A radially internal rim 22 (i.e., the one closest to the guideline A) is shown here but may not be present, as the overflow prevention function is already provided by the core 30, which will be described later.

[0061] In this example, channel 12 is, in cross-section, open opposite the base 20. In other words, the radially external rim 22 (i.e., the one furthest from guideline A) has a free end, and the base 20 is accessible from outside channel 12. This simplifies cleaning channel 12 when a plant is removed from the pot, facilitates visual or instrumented monitoring of plant growth, promotes root oxygenation, and requires less material for the manufacture of pot 10. Furthermore, The inventors discovered that the roots were sufficiently attracted by the fluid flowing over the bottom 20 and developed naturally close to the bottom 20, without excessive overflow through the open upper part of the channel 12.

[0062] As an example, the width of channel 12 accessible to the roots can be between 2 and 10 cm, preferably between 3 and 6 cm.

[0063] The base 20 can be porous. The porosity of the base 20 can be achieved through the characteristics of the material forming the base itself, which characteristics may optionally result from a specific process, and / or through an additional layer, for example, 0.1 to 2 millimeters (mm) thick, preferably 0.5 to 1 mm thick, configured to form the surface of the base 20. The porosity can be microporous. The porosity can be homogeneous. The average pore diameter can be adapted to the desired application, for example, optimized for the growth of one or more specific microorganisms. The porosity can affect not only the base 20 of the channel 12, but also extend to other parts of the channel 12, such as the lateral rim 22, the core 30, or the reverse side of the channel 12 facing the base 20 of the immediately lower stage.

[0064] Such porosity allows the trapping of microorganisms, including microorganisms that fix nitrogen present in the air and transform it into ammonium that can be absorbed by the plant.

[0065] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the bottom 20 can be ribbed to promote the adhesion of bacteria and other microorganisms. The ribs can be parallel to the flow so as not to disrupt it. In this case, the ribs are formed by bosses projecting from the bottom 20 of channel 12, extending over all or part of channel 12.

[0066] To nourish the plant, nutrients can be added to the fluid entering through inlet 14, whether or not this fluid already contains nutrients. For this purpose, channel 12 can be equipped with means for retaining a water-soluble load. In the example shown in Figure 1, these retention means comprise at least one stop 24, in this case two such stops, projecting inward into channel 12 from the bottom 20 and / or from a rim 22. The stops 24 limit the cross-sectional area of ​​channel 12 to retain a load, particularly a solid load. The stops 24 are positioned downstream. from inlet 14. The water-soluble or equivalent feedstock is then progressively dissolved by the fluid flow from inlet 14. The feedstock may have a multi-layered structure; for example, it may be designed so that its outer layers, accessible from the start, contain nutrients useful to the plant during its early stages of development, while the inner layers, which are only accessible after some erosion of the feedstock, contain nutrients useful to the plant during its later development. The water-soluble feedstock itself may take the form of a multi-layered pipe, a mesh structure, or any other suitable shape.

[0067] In this embodiment, the planting zone 18 is located upstream of the supports 24. The load can then be placed upstream or downstream of the planting zone 18, with the nutrients contained in the load benefiting at least the majority of the roots in both cases. Independently of the supports 24, the load could be maintained by the plant itself.

[0068] According to one variant, the stops 24, or more generally the means of retention, can be provided between the entrance 14 and the planting area 18. Then, all the roots benefit from the nutrients released by the load.

[0069] As mentioned previously, the pot 10 may also include a core 30. The core 30 extends along the guideline A. Thus, the core 30 can be straight. In this case, the core 30 has a general cylindrical shape with a circular base.

[0070] The core 30 can support the channel 12 to reinforce the pot 10. As shown for example in figure 2, the inner rim 22 of the channel 12 can be fixed to the core 30. In the example shown, the core 30 and the channel 12 are made from a single piece and are made from the same material, as will be detailed later.

[0071] The core 30 can be provided with fastening means 32, in this case a threaded hole. The threaded hole can also form a coupling means. Although this threaded hole will be described later, the properties indicated extend to any fastening or coupling means envisaged.

[0072] The tapping may be provided at at least one end of the web 30, for example, its end on the inlet side 14 and / or its end on the outlet side 16. In this case, the tapping is provided along the entire length of the web 30 and may be through. The through nature of the tapping may to allow the passage, from one side to the other of the soul 30, of instruments such as a support, a cable, etc.

[0073] The fastening means 32 can be used to attach accessories to the core 30, and more generally to the pot 10. For example, it is possible to attach to the pot 10, via the fastening means 32, a handling handle, possibly operable by a robotic arm, a lighting system, a support, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, the fastening means 32 can be used to join several pots together, which makes it possible to manufacture the same pot 10 in several pieces, the fluid outlet of one pot then being able to be put in communication with the fluid inlet of the adjacent pot.

[0075] The core 30 may also include a supply conduit 34 to supply the fluid inlet 14. The supply conduit 34 may extend substantially along the entire length of the core 30, from its end on the outlet side 16 to its end on the inlet side 14. In the present embodiment, the supply conduit 34 opens into a cannula 36, ​​in this case radial, which connects the supply conduit 34 to the fluid inlet 14 of the channel 12. Thus, the fluid supply to the pot 10, via the supply conduit 34, and the fluid discharge from the pot 10, via a discharge conduit 38 into which the fluid outlet 16 opens, can be provided on the same side of the pot 10 (in this case the end on the outlet side), which limits the size of the ancillary systems. In addition, the fact that this side is the opposite side to planting area 18 allows space to be freed up for the growth of the aerial part of the plant.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, the pot 10 can also be mounted on a base 40. The base 40 is detachable from the pot 10. Although it is shown here as an individual base for a single pot 10, the base 40 can be larger and common to several pots 10.

[0077] The base 40 may include a support 42 for holding the pot 10, this support 42 cooperating, for example, with the aforementioned fastening means 32. In this case, the support 42 is a stud, for example unthreaded, which engages in the threaded hole of the web 30.

[0078] Furthermore, the base 40 may include fluid connectors 44, 46 intended respectively to supply the inlet 14, namely here the supply conduit 34, and to discharge the fluid from the outlet 16, namely here the evacuation conduit 38. Ad hoc seals 44a can be provided to achieve a seal between each connector 44, 46 and the respective conduit with which it engages.

[0079] The base can be opaque and / or radiation-shielding. Furthermore, the pot 10 can itself be placed in an opaque and / or radiation-shielding housing, for example, a cylindrical housing into which the pot 10 is inserted. For the purposes of this document, a radiation-shielding element is capable of stopping radiation or at least reducing its intensity by several orders of magnitude. The radiation in question could be, for example, ultraviolet radiation.

[0080] Optionally, the pot 10 can include an instrument such as an image sensor, a lighting element, or a microfluidic chip. These instruments, the list of which is not exhaustive, can be mounted on the pot 10 in a location corresponding to their function. For example, lighting elements can be attached to the reverse side of the channel 12, so that lighting mounted on one level illuminates the adjacent (here, lower) level. The lighting can be specific: fluorescence, black light, etc. According to another example, illustrated in Figure 2, the channel 12 can have a recess to house a sensor, in this case, a microfluidic chip. Furthermore, image sensors include, for example, RGB, monochrome, multispectral, infrared, etc.

[0081] Overall, the pot 10 can be rigid, meaning more rigid than the roots intended to develop in it. The material for the pot 10 can be chosen and / or the thickness of its walls can be sized accordingly. For example, the deformation of the pot 10 during plant growth may be negligible or imperceptible to the naked eye.

[0082] Pot 10 can be made from various materials, such as polymers or composites. In one embodiment, the material may include regolith; for example, the material may include a matrix comprising, or even composed of, regolith and a plastic such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Regolith-based matrices are known per se; it should be noted that regolith, on planets without atmospheres or natural satellites such as the Moon, refers to the layer of dust produced by meteorite impacts and the solar wind on the surface. Regolith can also be obtained synthetically. More generally, the pot material may be water-insoluble and optionally biodegradable. Typically, it's placed in bio-based compost, which allows the pot to decompose. Other materials being considered include, for example, "Teflon" (a registered trademark).

[0083] It is known that regolith can have detrimental properties for plant growth due to the formation of perchlorates under the influence of radiation. These perchlorates generate toxicity in the plant. This effect, if proven, can be mitigated by the fact that the surface layer of the substrate (20), optionally porous, can have a different composition that is non-toxic to plants. The surface layer of the substrate (20) then forms a physical barrier between the regolith and the roots. Optionally, as a supplement, anti-perchlorate compounds can be incorporated into this layer, especially when it is porous. For example, the anti-perchlorate compound can be chosen from an agent providing nitrates to limit perchlorate toxicity, an agent whose formulation allows the incorporation of bacteria that inhibit perchlorate reduction, and / or a molecule that inhibits nitrate reductase.

[0084] The pot 10 and / or the aforementioned surface layer can also be made using a composite material in which one of the components is water-soluble. Then, when fluid passes through, the water-soluble component dissolves and the composite material becomes microporous.

[0085] Figures 4 and 5 show a pot for growing a plant according to a second embodiment. In these figures, elements corresponding to or identical to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference symbol, to the nearest hundreds digit, and will not be described again.

[0086] The pot 110 illustrated in figures 4 and 5 differs from the pot 10 according to the first embodiment in that the channel 112 has a closed cross-section: a roof 128 is provided opposite the bottom 120. The roof 128 and the bottom 120 can meet on the one hand at the level of the external rim 122, on the other hand at the level of the web 130.

[0087] The space separating the bottom 120 from the roof 128 can be less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm.

[0088] In this embodiment, the planting area 118 is materialized by an opening provided in the roof 128, in order to allow the plant's vegetative parts, in particular the stem and / or leaves, to pass through. As illustrated In figures 4 and 5, the planting area 118 can be provided closer to the guideline A than to the outside of the pot 110. For example, the planting area 118 is closer to the core 130 than to the outer rim 122.

[0089] The means of retaining a water-soluble charge can take the form of a grid mounted in channel 112, transversely to channel 112, for example, just upstream of the planting zone 118. The water-soluble charge is then retained between the inlet 114 and the grid. However, stops or other means, as in the previous embodiment, are also conceivable.

[0090] Unlike the pot 10 of the first embodiment, the pot 110 of the second embodiment, regardless of its other characteristics, does not include any special means for supplying fluid to the inlet 114. In other words, the inlet 114 can be supplied externally, for example, by a hose with a fitting adapted to the shape of the inlet 114.

[0091] Similarly, the evacuation 38 of the first embodiment is replaced here by an external evacuation not shown.

[0092] In this embodiment, the bottom 120 can be smooth, in particular devoid of the previously described striations.

[0093] Furthermore, the base 140 is here made in one piece with the pot 110. Since the fluid supply and discharge do not pass through the pot 110, the base 140 can be simplified and serves essentially to support the pot 110. In addition, the core 130 can be thinned, which frees up more space for the channel 112.

[0094] As mentioned previously, instead of being held directly in the channel 12, 112, the plant can be held in the planting area 18, 118 by a fixing accessory 50, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 6. For the sake of brevity, the fixing accessory 50 will be described in the context of the pot 10 according to the first embodiment, but the fixing accessory 50 can also be used in other embodiments, such as the pot 110 according to the second embodiment.

[0095] As illustrated in Figure 6, the fastening accessory 50 can comprise several arms, here straight. A hook arm 52, forming the lower arm here, is configured to hook the fastening accessory 50 to the pot 10, in this case to the core 30. More precisely, the arm The hook arm 52 can cooperate with the previously described fastening means 32, for example be threaded to be screwed into the corresponding tapped hole in the web 30. A stop 53 can be provided to locate and check the correct insertion of the fastening accessory 50 into the web 30. The hook arm 52 can cooperate with the entire tapped hole, as illustrated, or be shorter than the tapped hole.

[0096] If necessary, the mounting bracket 50 can also include a support branch 54, forming the upper branch. The support branch 54 can be vertical when the pot 10 and mounting bracket 50 are in use, in order to support the plant. Furthermore, the support branch 54 can facilitate handling the pot 10 from above.

[0097] The fixing accessory 50 may further include a support arm 56, forming here a lateral arm. The support arm 56 includes a means for holding a pre-germinated plant, in this case an opening 58, designed to open opposite the planting zone 18. The space between the support arm 56 and the channel 12 can be used to manage the crowding of root development just around the seed at an advanced stage of development, if necessary. Furthermore, this space, calibrated by means of the stop 53, can be sized so that the roots are in contact with the fluid circulating in the channel 12 even though the seed itself is raised above the channel 12.

[0098] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a plant cultivation method according to one embodiment, which can use the pot according to any of the variants described previously, for example, pot 10. The method comprises planting 210 a plant in the planting zone 18 of pot 10, then supplying 212, continuously or intermittently, with fluid through the inlet 14 of channel 12. The fluid arriving through inlet 14 becomes enriched with nutrients, if necessary, upon contact with the water-soluble feedstock, then flows through channel 12 to outlet 16, irrigating the plant's roots along the way. The fluid is discharged at outlet 16 and may or may not be returned to inlet 14, optionally after one or more physical, chemical, and / or biological treatments.

[0099] The plant can thus grow until its growth is deemed sufficient. This may correspond to the moment when the plant has reached the seed-setting stage, and / or the moment when the plant or its fruit is considered as it has reached maturity for consumption, particularly by humans. Following its propagation and / or harvesting, what remains of the plant in the pot can be cleaned and removed during a 214 cleaning. This removed part of the plant can potentially be reprocessed to recover its nutrients. For example, this part can be reconditioned into a water-soluble feed that will be used for the growth of a subsequent plant.

[0100] In the case of the pot 110 according to the second embodiment, where the inside of the channel 112 is less accessible, cleaning can be carried out by screwing into the inside of the channel 112 a spiral whose shape is complementary to that of the channel 112, so that this spiral pushes the remaining debris towards the other end of the channel 112.

[0101] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a manufacturing process for a pot according to any of the variants described above, the process including the production of the pot by additive manufacturing. For example, the regolith / PHA matrix described above can be printed at a temperature between 200 and 300°C, which could destroy the perchlorates mentioned above and thus reduce or eliminate the toxicity of the regolith.

[0102] Additive manufacturing using a regolith-containing material has the advantage of being directly applicable in space, with materials found on satellites such as the Moon, or even other planets. However, applications also exist on Earth, optionally with other materials such as resins, for applications such as urban farms. Additive manufacturing makes it easy to produce pot 110, which has a closed channel 12 cross-section. However, pot 10 can be manufactured using other methods, for example, injection molding and / or machining. Furthermore, these pots are manufactured here as a single piece using additive manufacturing, but they could also be produced as multiple parts assembled using conventional manufacturing techniques.

[0103] Among the additive manufacturing processes mentioned previously, fused filament deposition allows printing of different materials, while stereolithography and selective laser sintering are currently single-material technologies.

[0104] Although this description refers to specific implementation examples, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. Pot (10, 110) for growing a plant, comprising a planting zone (18, 118) and a root guidance channel (12, 112) extending between a fluid inlet (14, 114) and a fluid outlet (16) and configured to guide root development downstream of the planting zone (18, 118), said channel (12, 112) being accessible to the roots of a plant planted in the planting zone (18, 118), the channel (12, 112) winding around a guideline (A) and making more than one turn of said guideline (A) between the inlet (14, 114) and the outlet (16), and the channel (12, 112) having a porous bottom (20, 120).

2. Pot according to claim 1, wherein the planting area (18, 118) is located along the channel (12, 112), between the inlet (14, 114) and the outlet (16).

3. Pot according to claim 1 or 2, in which the channel (12, 112) is provided with means for retaining (24) a water-soluble charge, preferably between the inlet (14, 114) and the planting zone (18, 118).

4. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planting area (118) is provided closer to the guideline (A) than to the outside of the pot.

5. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the channel (12, 112) is configured to permit gravity flow of liquid between the inlet (14, 114) and the outlet (16).

6. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, with reference to a radius (r) - azimuth (0) - height (z) frame having the axis of the direction line (A), a parameterization of the channel (12, 112) is such that the azimuth (0) takes the same value several times and the height (z) evolves monotonically.

7. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the channel (12, 112) has a general helical shape.

8. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a core (30, 130) extending along the guideline (A), and in which, preferably, the core (30, 130) supports the channel (12, 112).

9. Pot according to claim 8, wherein at least one end of the core (30, 130) has fastening means (32) such as a thread or a tap.

10. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the channel (112) has a closed cross-section, or wherein the channel (12) is, in cross-section, open opposite the bottom (20).

11. Pot according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an instrument (48) such as an image sensor, a lighting element or a microfluidic chip.

12. A method for growing a plant, comprising planting (210) the plant in the planting area of ​​a pot according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and supplying (212) the channel inlet with fluid, so that the fluid flows towards the outlet while reaching the roots of the plant.

13. A cultivation method according to claim 12, wherein the feeding (212) is intermittent.

14. Method of manufacturing a pot according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the production (310) of the pot by additive manufacturing.

15. Plant cultivation assembly comprising a pot (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a base (40) on which the pot (10) is mounted in a detachable manner.

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