Insert for wick irrigation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023720812
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional wick irrigation systems are complex to set up, mechanically fragile, and prone to root growth into the water reservoir, leading to inconsistent water supply and suboptimal plant growth.
An insert for wick irrigation featuring a sleeve with axial openings and a flange that securely holds the wick in place, preventing root growth and ensuring a consistent water supply by capillary action, with the flange also serving to fixate the insert in the plant pot and prevent water loss.
The insert simplifies setup, enhances mechanical robustness, and provides a well-defined water supply, reducing evaporation and root intrusion, resulting in optimal plant growth and water conservation.
Smart Images
Figure EP2023059999_24102024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Insert for wick irrigation
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates to an insert for irrigation by a wick, to a use of the insert, to an irrigable planter and to a method of sub-irrigating the planter.
[0004] Background Art
[0005] For an optimal growth of plants and for a rich harvest from the plants, e.g. vegetables, herbs or flowers, an appropriate water supply is a crucial parameter. In case of potted plants, the water supply is often achieved by irrigation, i.e. the artificial application of water to the soil in which the plants are growing. Irrigation may be done manually, e.g. with a watering can. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the soil from a water reservoir automatically or semi-automatically, e.g. by an irrigation system.
[0006] An advantageous irrigation system is wick irrigation: Water is supplied to the soil through a wick that has a capillary structure by capillary action. In case of irrigation of the soil from above or from the side, the capillary action may be supported by gravity, i.e. gravitational forces on the water flowing at least partially downwards, in the direction of gravity. In case of irrigation of the soil from below, called sub-irrigation, the water is transported from the water reservoir to the soil by capillary action only, in particular even upwards, i.e. opposite to gravity. Sub-irrigation has several advantages, e.g. in that it reduces evaporation, saves water, avoids water logging and can be implemented in a space-saving manner. These advantages are particularly crucial for potted plants on a balcony that may be exposed to high solar irradiation and high temperatures. Further balcony space is typically limited, and balcony plants may suffer from drought in the absence of the gardener, e.g. due to vacation.
[0007] Conventional wick irrigation systems suffer from several disadvantages, e.g. in that they are intricate to set up and / or not robust, in particular against mechanical damage. Further, known wick sub-irrigation systems, such as a wick lead through a simple hole in the pot, typically lead to an undesired growth of the plant roots along the wick into the water reservoir.
[0008] Disclosure of the Invention
[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is therefore to provide an irrigation system that overcomes these disadvantages. A particular objective of the present invention is that the irrigation system is simple to set up and / or mechanically robust. A further particular objective of the present invention is that the irrigation system provides a well-defined amount of water and / or leads to an optimal plant growth.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, this problem is solved by an insert for irrigation by a wick. The insert comprises a sleeve configured to at least partially enclose the wick in a radial direction. In particular, the wick extends within the sleeve predominantly in an axial direction when positioned according to its intended use. A shape of the sleeve may e.g. be essentially cylindrical, in particular if for use in connection with a wick having a circular cross section.
[0011] The sleeve comprises at least one first opening at a first axial end and at least one second opening at a second axial end. In this way, the wick in its intended use, i.e. placed in the sleeve, is able to transport water from the first end to the second end (and vice versa) by capillary action. In particular, in the intended use, the insert is positioned such that the first end of the sleeve faces a water reservoir, and the second end faces a plant pot, in particular soil in the plant pot.
[0012] The insert further comprises a flange protruding from the sleeve in the radial direction. Advantageously, the flange is arranged in a portion of the sleeve that is near the second axial end, i.e. for instance in an upper half of an axial length of the sleeve. In that case, the sleeve may be inserted in a hole in the plant pot from the outside, i.e. from the side of the water reservoir. This facilitates replacing the insert without interfering with the soil in the plant pot. In another embodiment, the flange is arranged at the second axial end of the sleeve. In this way, the sleeve may be inserted in a hole in the plant pot, e.g. a hole in the pot's bottom side, in particular from the inside of the plant pot. In general, the flange may serve to fixate the insert in the hole.
[0013] Such insert according to the invention has several advantages, in particular over merely leading a wick through a hole in the plant pot: It facilitates a simple assembly of the irrigation system by inserting or dropping the insert holding the wick in the hole. Further, the wick is held in place, in particular in contrast to a simple wick (without any insert) which may easily get out of place. This is particularly true since holes in the plant pot may not always have exactly the same size but rather vary due to manufacturing tolerances of e.g. + / - 1 mm, + / - 2 mm or + / - 3 mm.
[0014] Besides fixating the insert in the hole, the flange further serves as a closure of the plant pot against the water reservoir. This is particularly beneficial because it keeps the soil in the plant pot. Further, it prevents plant roots to grow through the hole into the water reservoir.
[0015] A further advantage of the wick insert is that it protects the wick and keeps the wick in place, both at the first end where contact with the water in the reservoir is essential and at the second end where sufficient contact with the soil in the plant pot is essential. This contributes to a crucial advantage of the wick insert for an irrigation system: It facilitates a well- defined water supply to the soil, e.g. of max. 1 ml / min in case of optimal contact with the soil.
[0016] Moreover, the insert allows a simple way of replacing the wick, e.g. in case the wick is clogged. For instance, the wick may be replaced together with the insert, and / or the wick may be pulled out of the sleeve and a new wick may be inserted as described further below.
[0017] A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of the insert for irrigation, in particular for sub-irrigation of a plant pot or a planter.
[0018] Sleeve openings
[0019] Advantageously, the at least one opening at the first axial end comprises a radial opening portion. The radial opening portion shall in particular be defined in that an area of the opening faces, at least partially, in the radial direction. This has the advantage that the wick, when placed in the insert, has a sufficient contact area to the water of the reservoir. In particular, in case of sub-irrigation, i.e. when the insert is oriented essentially vertically (i.e. parallel to gravity) , the radial opening portion is not affected by air bubbles preventing water contact since the radial opening portion is then also oriented vertically.
[0020] In an embodiment, the radial opening portion extends over at least 25 %, in particular at least 50 %, more particularly at least 75 %, of a circumferential dimension of the sleeve. This may e.g. be implemented by a sleeve that exhibits axial extension at the first axial end, as is shown below with respect to the figures. Such axial extension may additionally serve as a stop for arranging the wick at the correct position inside the insert, e.g. in that the wick is arranged flush with the extension or in that the extension provides a stop for the wick .
[0021] Further, the at least one opening at the first axial end may comprise an axial opening portion . The axial opening portion shall in particular be defined in that an area of the opening faces , at least partially, in the axial direction . Advantageously, the axial opening portion may be larger than a cross section of the wick . In this case , the wick may be inserted in the sleeve at the first axial end, in particular until an end of the wick is flush with the extension mentioned above .
[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment , an inner cross section of the sleeve perpendicular to the axial direction varies in the axial direction . Accordingly, in case of a cylindrical sleeve , an inner diameter of the sleeve may vary in the axial direction, in particular by at least 1 mm . Advantageously, the sleeve is configured to clamp the wick . In particular, the inner cross section or inner diameter of the sleeve , at least in the narrowest place , is equal to or smaller than a diameter of the wick in its uncompressed state . Hence , the sleeve clamps the wick and keeps it in place , thus facilitating repeatable irrigation properties .
[0023] Insert dimensi ons and ma terial
[0024] In an embodiment , a length of the sleeve in the axial direction is between 30 mm and 100 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 70 mm . In a further embodiment , an inner diameter of the sleeve is between 3 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 10 mm . Such dimensions have been shown to be advantageous for typical plant pots and planters , e . g . for use indoors , on a balcony or in a greenhouse . An appropriate water supply, e . g . depending on plants , soil , volume , humidity, temperature and insolation, may then be achieved by installing an appropriate number of wick inserts per plant pot or planter . Advantageously, the flange protrudes radially from the sleeve by at least 1 mm, in particular by at least 2 mm. Such dimension of the flange is sufficient to cover typical variations in the size of the hole in the plant pot, as e.g. mentioned above. Thus, the flange keeps the insert in place and prevents the plant roots to grow into the water reservoir.
[0025] In an embodiment, the sleeve and / or the flange are made from plastic, in particular from polypropylene. Advantageously, the sleeve and the flange are made in one piece. Further, the insert is advantageously made by injection molding. In general, the material of the insert is watertight, dimensionally stable, temperature-stable between -10 and +40°C, and / or biologically not degradable.
[0026] Wick
[0027] In its intended use, i.e. for irrigation, the insert advantageously further comprises the wick. The wick is configured to transport water by capillary action, in particular in a direction at least partially opposite to gravity, e.g. as in the case of sub-irrigation when the water reservoir is located below the plant pot.
[0028] Advantageously, the wick comprises a capillary structure, in particular a fibre material. In an embodiment, the wick comprises or is made of polyester fibres. Further, it is advantageous that the wick is temperature-stable between -10 and +40°C and / or biologically not degradable.
[0029] Irrigable planter
[0030] A third aspect of the invention relates to an irrigable planter. The planter comprises at least one insert as described above and a plant pot comprising at least one bottom hole. A size of the at least one bottom hole is between an outer radial dimension of the sleeve and an outer radial dimension of the flange. Further, the planter comprises a water reservoir that is arranged below the plant pot in an intended use . Further, the at least one insert is placed in the at least one bottom hole of the plant pot such that the at least one wick fluidically connects the water reservoir to the plant pot .
[0031] Such irrigable planter, depending on a volume of the water reservoir, is able to supply water to plants in the plant pot for several days or even several weeks . Due to the arrangement as a sub-irrigation system, wherein the water is supplied to the soil from below, evaporation is reduced and water is saved . Further, the planter is space-saving due to its compact arrangement . All of these factors make the planter ideal for use indoors , on a balcony or in a greenhouse .
[0032] Irriga ti on method, setup
[0033] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of irrigating the planter . In other words , the method comprises setting up and preparing the planter for irrigation . The method comprises the steps of
[0034] - placing the at least one insert in the at least one bottom hole of the plant pot : This may e . g . be achieved by dropping the at least one insert in the at least one bottom hole . In case of more than one bottom hole in the planter, one insert per bottom hole is used .
[0035] - filling the plant pot with soil : The soil may already comprise seeds or plants that are intended to be irrigated . Further, the soil is advantageously adapted to the plants to be grown and to the planter, in particular to sub-irrigation, e . g . by exhibiting at least two layers with di f fering soil properties .
[0036] - filling the water reservoir with water .
[0037] - placing the plant pot on the water reservoir such that the at least one wick extends into the water : In an advantageous embodiment , a vertical dimension of the water reservoir is adapted such that the at least one insert with the wick essentially reaches a bottom of the water reservoir . In this way, full use of the reservoir' s volume can be made .
[0038] In an embodiment , the insert and the wick may be delivered separately . In that case , the method further comprises as an initial step
[0039] - inserting the wick into the insert and sliding the wick in the sleeve in the axial direction such that the wick, in an intended use position, protrudes from the second axial end of the sleeve . Advantageously, the wick then protrudes by at least 2 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, for making suf ficient contact to the soil . In an embodiment of the insert with an axial opening portion of the sleeve , the wick may be inserted in the sleeve at the first axial end of the sleeve and then slid towards the second axial end . Advantageously, the intended use position of the wick is defined by the wick being flush with the first axial end of the sleeve , in particular by being flush with the axial extension of the sleeve .
[0040] Evidently, the features and advantages described in the context of one embodiment or one aspect of the invention may be reali zed and are meant to be disclosed also in the context of the other embodiments and aspects of the invention . Further advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims as well as in the description below .
[0041] Brief Description of the Drawings
[0042] The invention will be better understood and obj ects other than those set forth above will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof . Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings , wherein : Figs, la to Id show an insert for wick irrigation according to an embodiment of the invention in (a) a perspective view, (b) a bottom view, (c) a first side view, and (d) a second side view perpendicular to the first side view.
[0043] Figs. 2a to 2d show the insert of Figs, la to Id with the wick in place.
[0044] Figs. 3a to 3d show (a) a vertical cut, (b) a horizontal cut, (c) a perspective view, and (d) an exploded side view of a planter according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0045] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0046] Figs, la to Id schematically show different views of an insert 1 according to an embodiment of the invention as detailed above. The insert 1 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 2 with axial extensions 4 at the first axial end and a flange 3 at the second axial end. The flange 3 may be continuous in circumferential direction, or it may comprise indentations as illustrated. In general, the flange 3 may comprise an elastic latch as illustrated that is configured to fixate the insert 1 in a hole of the plant pot.
[0047] The extensions 4 may, in general, have an arbitrary shape. Their effect is to increase the surface area of the wick, when in the intended use position (see Figs. 2a to 2d) , that is in contact with the water of the water reservoir. In particular, the undesired effect of an air bubble accumulating at the first end of the sleeve and preventing water contact of the wick is significantly reduced .
[0048] In an embodiment, the extensions 4 may be mechanically connected by a bar (not shown) . In such embodiment, the wick is inserted into the sleeve 2 from the second axial end. Figs. 2a to 2d show the insert 1 of Figs, la to Id with the wick 5 in place. In particular, the wick 5 is shown in its intended use position, i.e. flush with the axial extensions 4 at the first axial end of the sleeve 2.
[0049] Further, as illustrated in Figs. 2a, 2c and 2d, the wick 5 protrudes from the second axial end of the sleeve. This, again, increases the surface area of the wick that is in contact with the soil in the plant pot.
[0050] Figs. 3a and 3b schematically show cuts through a planter according to an embodiment of the invention as detailed above. The planter comprises a plant pot 6 which, in the intended use, is filled with soil. The plant pot 6 is arranged on top of a water reservoir 8 which, in the intended use, is filled with water. In general, the plant pot 6 and the water reservoir 8 may comprise intertwining features, e.g. at their edges (as shown) , that keep the plant pot 6 in place on top of the water reservoir 8, in particular by preventing horizontal relative motions.
[0051] Further, the plant pot 6 has a number of bottom holes 7, e.g. eight bottom holes as shown, through which an equal number of inserts 1 with wicks 5 is inserted. In general, the number of holes, inserts and wicks is selected according to the desired water supply for irrigation, e.g. depending on the plant, soil, humidity, temperature, insolation, etc.
[0052] The flange of the insert 1 bears on the bottom side of the plant pot 6. This has a two-fold effect: Firstly, the insert is held in place, in particular facilitating an optimal water transport through the wick. Secondly, the flange locks the inside of the plant pot 6 up, which prevents soil from dropping into the water reservoir 8 and plant roots from growing into the water reservoir 8. Advantageously (and as shown) , the first (lower) axial end of the insert 1 is, at least almost (i.e. within a tolerance of max. 5 mm) , in contact with the bottom of the water reservoir 8. In this way, the wick 5 is able to transport the entire volume of water from the water reservoir 8 over time into the plant pot 6.
[0053] Fig. 3c schematically shows a perspective view onto the plant pot 6 with e.g. eight bottom holes 7. For the intended use, the inserts 1 holding the wicks 5 are inserted in the holes 7 from above as indicated by the black arrows.
[0054] Fig. 3d shows an exploded side view of the planter. The plant pot 6 with the inserts 1 and wicks 5 in place is placed on the water reservoir 8. In general, the water reservoir 8 may comprise a float valve 9 for controlling the amount of water in the water reservoir. In this way, water may be supplied to the water reservoir 8, e.g. by a hose, but the float valve prevents the water reservoir 8 from overflow.
[0055] In exemplary measurements with polyester wicks of 7 mm diameter and 64 mm length, the described wick inserts have been shown to be advantageous in terms of a reliable and well-defined water supply by sub-irrigation. In case of an optimal contact of the wick with the soil, water is transported by capillary action at a rate of max. 1 ml / min when the wick is placed in the shown insert. The standard deviation between different wicks and inserts is 0.06 ml / min, which corresponds to a rather small variation in water transport between the different wicks.
[0056] When not using the shown insert but merely leading the same wicks as used before through the same bottom holes as before, the variation in water transport is much larger. In that case (without inserts) , the standard deviation between the different wicks was 0.23 ml / min.
[0057] As is evident from the above, the planter with the inserts constitutes an advantageous sub-irriga- tion system, e.g. for use indoors, on balconies or in green-houses. In particular, such irrigation system is simple to set up and mechanically robust. Further, such irrigation system provides a well-defined amount of water over a long time, e.g. over days or weeks, and thus, leads to an optimal plant growth.
Claims
Claims1. An insert (1) for irrigation by a wick( 5 ) , comprising- a sleeve (2) configured to at least partially enclose the wick (5) in a radial direction, and- a flange (3) protruding from the sleeve (2) in the radial direction, wherein the sleeve (2) comprises at least one first opening at a first axial end and at least one second opening at a second axial end.
2. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first opening comprises a radial opening portion, in particular wherein the radial opening portion extends over at least 25 %, in particular at least 50 %, more particularly at least 75 %, of a circumferential dimension of the sleeve (2) .
3. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first opening comprises an axial opening portion, in particular wherein the axial opening portion is larger than a cross section of the wick (5) .
4. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a shape of the sleeve (2) is essentially cylindrical.
5. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner cross section of the sleeve (2) perpendicular to the axial direction, in particularan inner diameter of the sleeve (2) , varies in the axial direction, in particular wherein the sleeve (2) is configured to clamp the wick (5) .
6. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (3) protrudes radially from the sleeve (2) by at least 1 mm, in particular by at least 2 mm.
7. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (3) is arranged in a portion of the sleeve (2) near the second axial end, in particular at the second axial end of the sleeve (2) .
8. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following:- a length of the sleeve (2) in axial direction is between 30 mm and 100 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 70 mm,- an inner diameter of the sleeve (2) is between 3 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 5 mm and10 mm.
9. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (2) and / or the flange (3) are made from plastic, in particular from polypropylene, in particular wherein the sleeve (2) and the flange (3) are made in one piece.
10. The insert according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising- the wick (5) , wherein the wick (5) is configured to transport water by capillary action, in particular in a direction at least partially opposite to gravity .
11. The insert of claim 10, wherein the wick (5) comprises a capillary structure, in particular a fibre material, in particular wherein the wick (5) comprises polyester fibres.
12. Use of the insert (1) of any one of the preceding claims for irrigation, in particular for subirrigation of a planter.
13. An irrigable planter comprising- at least one insert (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11,- a plant pot (6) comprising at least one bottom hole (7) , wherein a size of the at least one bottom hole (7) is between an outer radial dimension of the sleeve (2) and an outer radial dimension of the flange (3) ,- a water reservoir (8) , in an intended use arranged below the plant pot (6) , wherein, in the intended use, the at least one insert (1) is placed in the at least one bottom hole (7) of the plant pot (6) such that the at least one wick (5) fluidically connects the water reservoir (8) to the plant pot ( 6 ) .
14. A method of irrigating the planter according to claim 13, comprising the steps of- placing the at least one insert (1) in the at least one bottom hole (7) of the plant pot (6) , in particular by dropping the at least one insert (1) in the at least one bottom hole (7) ,- filling the plant pot (6) with soil,- filling the water reservoir (8) with water,- placing the plant pot (6) on the water reservoir (8) such that the at least one wick (5) extends into the water.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising as an initial step- inserting the wick (5) into the insert (1) , in particular via the at least one first opening at the first axial end of the sleeve (2) , and sliding the wick (5) in the sleeve (2) in the axial direction such that the wick (5) , in an intended use position, protrudes from the second axial end of the sleeve (2) , in particular by at least 2 mm.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the intended use position is defined by the wick (5) being flush with the first axial end of the sleeve ( 2 ) .