Specialized irrigation and fertilization device for plants accompanied by thunderstorm simulation

Abstract

The Specialized Irrigation and Fertilization Device for Plants Accompanied by Thunderstorm Simulation, is within the technical field of smart irrigation systems. Plants' nutritional requirements depend on their species, age, height, season, soil type, weather conditions, and other factors. Many people, however, use the same fertilizer for all of their plants and pots. The proposed solution is an automated irrigation system for houseplants equipped with sensors to indicate each plant's condition. It provides precise information about environmental conditions and the overall status of the device, allowing optimization of watering and fertilization for each individual plant. In the fertilization section, separate fertilizer cartridges contain agents for elements N, P, and K individually, and in another dedicated cartridge, a different specific fertilizer is stored, which is mixed for each plant in specific percentages. In addition, rainy weather with thunder and lightning conditions is simulated through the use of its operators.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention : Specialized Irrigation and Fertilization Device for Plants Accompanied by Thunderstorm SimulationThe current invention is related to smart irrigation system for houseplants and automation in watering and fertilization.Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to the technical field of automatic plant irrigation equipment and irrigation automation for varying water flow rate, incorporating the capability to schedule irrigation start and stop times through the outputs of the supply channel. A01C21 / 00; A01C23 / 00; A01C23 / 04Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of technology and increased attention to environmental sustainability, extensive research and inventions have been made in the field of smart irrigation and fertilization systems. Some recent inventions include networking capabilities and internet connectivity. These features enable users to easily control irrigation and fertilization plans remotely and obtain real-time plant-related information. The following are a few of these inventions:

[0003] CN206402692U presents an intelligent drip irrigation and fertilization system. This system includes modules for storing, weighing, mixing, and distributing fertilizers through a drip irrigation pipeline. It uses microprocessor and microcontroller processing to match and weigh different fertilizers automatically. The system then applies the blended fertilizer, transformed into a powdered form, with water through the irrigation pipe for precise plant nourishment. This innovation reduces fertilizer waste, improves plant absorption, and addresses inefficiencies in traditional manual fertilization methods common in previous systems.

[0004] CN109511349A presents an intelligent precise fertigation device along with a real-time nutrient proportioning and control method. The device comprises a user operation unit featuring a touch control screen for user registration and login.Upon successful login, users input essential details including geographic position, soil characteristics, crop types, varieties, planting dates, land area, irrigation methods, and target yield. The system displays and checks site irrigation data, allowing automatic turn-based irrigation for various crops across multiple land parcels through real-time fertilizer proportioning. It achieves real-time nutrient proportioning tailored to different crop types, production stages, and soil nutrient levels, ensuring precise fertilization, water and fertilizer conservation, labor and time savings, improved fertigation efficiency, and an optimized growth environment for crops.

[0005] CN115399127A presents an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer irrigation method. The method involves constructing an intelligent irrigation device that integrates water and fertilizer. It includes the following steps: Firstly, preparing experiments based on a planting layer and monitoring crop stages — germination, seedling, growth, and picking — using sensors and environmental monitors. Secondly, establishing a control layer for the planting area, gathering information including soil indicators (moisture, nutrients, EC, and pH), water and fertilizer factors (irrigation amount, concentration, frequency, and sequence), crop indicators (photosynthetic rate, leaf area, transpiration rate, plant height), and environmental factors (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and illumination). This information undergoes computer analysis for optimized irrigation and fertilization. The invention features a well-designed, compact structure, and user-friendly design.

[0006] CN206227242U introduces a domestic plant management device comprising a water device, control box, and base. The water device connects to the base through the control box. Components of the water device include an intake subassembly, a water adjustment knob, a water jet set, and a sprinkling irrigation unit. The control box incorporates a display screen, temperature sensing and photosensitive devices, wireless communication tools, and charging ports. Inside the control box are a display unit, battery case, and master control set, arranged from top to bottom. Sensing probes are located on each side of the base bottom. This device enables automatic monitoring of soil moisture, fertilizer levels,ambient temperature, and light intensity, facilitating convenient and automated watering for vegetation, enhancing user convenience.

[0007] CN110073952A presents an intelligent balcony planting system consisting of several components: a water and fertilizer control machine, an emitter and pipeline, an environmental detection sensor, a plant fill light, a video monitor, and a mobile phone control app. The water and fertilizer control machine stores water and fertilizer, irrigates them separately or in a mixed ratio, and controls the output through its outlet. The mobile phone control app facilitates functions such as water and fertilizer control, plant fill light adjustment, video monitoring settings, data display, and warning alerts. Through Wi-Fi transmission, the app enables communication and interaction for water and fertilizer control, video transmission, environmental data transmission, and fill light control. Users can set irrigation and fertilization times on the mobile app, enabling automatic watering and fertilization by the control machine. The mobile app collects humidity, temperature, and lighting data via sensors, providing alerts through data analysis. This system effectively manages overall balcony cultivation needs.

[0008] CN106508629A presents the household plant management device comprises a watering device, a control box, and a base. The watering device connects to the base through the control box. It includes a water inlet component on the top right side, an adjusting knob at the front, a group of water injection nozzles at the back, and a spray irrigation device internally at the left end. The control box features a display screen at the upper front, a temperature sensing device at the upper right, a photosensitive sensor below the temperature sensor, a wireless communication device at the upper left, and a charging port below the wireless device. Inside the control box, there's a display unit, battery box, and main control device arranged from top to bottom. Sensing probes are located on both sides at the base's bottom. This device enables monitoring and analysis of soil humidity, fertilizer levels, environmental temperature, and plant growth illumination intensity. It facilitates automatic watering, providing greater convenience for users.

[0009] The patent document CN107509439B describes an intelligent watering and fertilization device designed to address the issue of conventional equipment not meeting plant watering and fertilization needs adequately. This device comprisesa fertilizer container, a water feeder, a controller, a water content sensor, and a fertility tester. The fertilizer container has a controlled fertilizer outlet, while the water feeder has a controlled water outlet. The water content sensor, connected to the water supply switch through the controller, activates the water supply when the sensed water content falls below a preset value. Similarly, the fertility tester, connected to the fertilizer supply switch through the controller, triggers the fertilizer supply when the sensed fertilizer content is below the set value. This intelligent device ensures plants receive appropriate watering and / or fertilization according to their needs, ensuring optimal water and nutrient supply for comprehensive plant growth care.

[0010] The patent CN111802045A introduces an intelligent water and fertilizer control system that relies on plant physiological and ecological data. This system includes components like a plant physiological and ecological information collection system, intelligent water and fertilizer control equipment, zoning irrigation system, fault warning system, and a cloud platform. The equipment comprises a support frame with fixed pipelines. Connected along these pipelines are various devices such as a pressure meter, pressure sensor, pulse electromagnetic valve, fertilizer mixing barrel, liquid level meter, flow rate meters, isolation valves, fertilization barrel, fertilizer injection pump, fertilization pump, Venturi fertilizer injector, disc filter, program control cabinet, strong current control cabinet, and an EC and pH collecting system. By utilizing plant physiological data and environmental information, this system intelligently determines water and fertilizer requirements. It enables precise control of amounts through the intelligent water and fertilizer control equipment and executes zoning irrigation via a LORA irrigation controller.

[0011] The CN109418144A patent introduces an intelligent plant management system equipped with various sensors including a soil moisture sensor, soil pH sensor, illumination sensor, and humiture sensor, along with modules such as drainage, watering, and fertilization. Integrated with a central server and a touch display, this system allows users to select plant species for cultivation. It collects data on soil temperature, humidity, pH, and light, which are analyzed by the central server for determining optimal conditions. Depending on the analysis, thesystem manages tasks like activating fluorescent lamps, performing fertilization, and regulating watering or drainage. This process forms a closed-loop feedback system ensuring an ideal soil moisture level conducive to plant growth.

[0012] The CN114946447A patent introduces a plant growth parameter decisionmaking method and system utilizing artificial intelligence in intelligent seedling cultivation. This method involves several steps: 1 ) adjusting the spectrum ratio and illumination intensity using an LED array by controlling the PWM duty ratio and current; 2) implementing dry-type capillary tube radiation for heating and cooling through multi-split control; 3) creating a database of leaf features indicating various nutrient deficiencies in vegetable seedlings and researching an Al-based plug seedling nutrient monitoring technology; 4) detecting environmental factors using sensors, accurately determining water and fertilizer supply amounts, and adaptively controlling irrigation using a combination of nutrient monitoring technology and water level sensors. The system enables self- adaptive light supplementation, reducing seedling growth cycles, achieving uniform temperature distribution, maintaining temperature differences below 1.5°C, and reducing energy consumption through its dry capillary radiation temperature control system.

[0013] The CN115471024A patent introduces an automatic water supply system and method for plant cultivation. This system comprises various components such as an automatic water supply device, main control module, sub-item control module, communication module, background server system, mobile phone app, applet, PC terminal, intelligent terminal devices, intelligent control system cloud platform, circuit integration module, chip module, and energy system. The system integrates intelligent terminal devices and a control platform to automatically irrigate plants as needed based on set instructions or actions. It allows the addition of nutrients required for plant growth into irrigation water and the purification of substances harmful to plant growth. Overall, this system enables scientifically controlled moisture supply for plants, facilitates automated management and distribution of water and fertilizer, promotes healthy plant growth, and reduces labor costs.

[0014] The CN114485772A patent presents an intelligent environment monitoring system applicable to environmental monitoring. This system comprises several units: a data collecting and processing unit, a plant network data acquisition unit, a plant image recognition unit, a regional weather real-time detection unit, a soil environment information acquisition unit, and a space environment information acquisition unit. It collects real-time data related to soil and external environmental conditions surrounding the plant. By utilizing plant image recognition, it determines the water evaporation rate and the necessary water and fertilizer for plant growth. This approach combines basic plant data acquired from a network with accurate water irrigation and fertilization calculations based on the plant's specific needs, considering soil conditions and external environmental factors. Moreover, it refers to regional weather data to accurately adapt to temporary weather changes. This method ensures precise plant environment data acquisition and is suitable for widespread application, offering better control over external drip irrigation and fertilization systems.

[0015] WO2019157444A1 presents an automated irrigation and / or fertigation apparatus consisting of a container housing multiple pumps, along with a controller connected to these pumps. Each pump is designed to dispense a distinct fertilizer, nutrient, or micronutrient into irrigation water. The controller manages the settings of these pumps, regulating the amount of each unique fertilizer, nutrient, or micronutrient to be released into the irrigation water within a set timeframe. The patent also details methods for fertilizing a field and creating the automated irrigation and / or fertigation apparatus.

[0016] US2017042101 A1 describes an automatic watering device specifically designed for houseplants, featuring customizable settings allowing users to adjust the water or nutrient solution flow rate, irrigation duration, timing, and frequency per day. The system involves a programmable timer that operates a solenoid valve connecting a reservoir to a water distributor. Gravity facilitates the outflow of water or nutrient solution from the water distributor to the planters through small hoses. Valves at the end of these hoses enable users to regulate the flow to individual planters. Additionally, a float control valve on the reservoir's upper part ensures a steady water supply to the reservoir.Summary of Invention

[0017] This invention is an Automatic Irrigation System for houseplants, utilizing sensors to indicate the conditions of each plant. It also provides accurate information about environmental conditions and the overall status of the device. This enables watering and fertilization optimization for each plant. This device includes various watering modes and a specialized fertilization system for each plant, preparing specific fertilizers for each plant. Furthermore, by simulating humidity, sound, light, and watering combined with nitrate fertilizer, it replicates the environmental conditions of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.Technical Problem

[0018] Studies have shown that improper watering and fertilization account for 85% of houseplant deaths. Insufficient care and maintenance causes nearly 30% of houseplants to die within the first year of life. The overwatering or under watering of plants can result in root rot, wilting, and death, while improper fertilization can lead to nutrient deficiencies or even toxicity. Approximately 60% of houseplant deaths are caused by overwatering, while approximately 20% are caused by under watering. There might be differences in the nutritional requirements of different plants even within the same species. Nevertheless, many individuals use the same fertilizer for all their plants and pots, taking advantage of the fact that every plant, at each stage of its growth and under different weather and soil conditions, requires a specific amount of nutrients. The longevity of plant species is also reduced because they live in indoor environments where they follow human life rhythms, despite their adaptation to periodic natural events.Solution to Problem

[0019] To address the stated problems and improve plant maintenance conditions, especially for apartment plants as shown in Fig. 1 , 2, and 3, a specialized irrigation and fertilization system has been presented. This system is designed in a vertical form across different levels. On the lowest level 1 , electric valves 7, water outlets 8, moisture sensor ports 9, on / off switches 10, charging ports 11 , and growth lamp power supply ports 12, along with the device's battery, are located. On the first level 2, there is a water reservoir 13, water TDS sensor 14, water pump 15, water inlet 16, and float valve 17, alongside a water levelindicator 18 and two riser channels (for passage of wires and water hoses between levels (not shown)). The second level 3 houses the fertilization section, containing at least four liquid fertilizer cartridges 19, indicated by level indicators 20, along with electric drip valves 21 , a collector 22, and a flow meter 23. At the top level 4, there is an electronic board and display unit 24, environmental temperature, light, and humidity sensors, and a humidifier 25, with an embedded water pouring sink 6, a one-way valve 27, and a rotating head 5 on the device as shown in Fig. 4, which holds a humidifier nozzle 26, a flash lamp 28, and a camera 29. Additionally, an application has been considered as a user interface besides the display. There is no claim regarding the software aspect of the design. Furthermore, a moisture sensor is installed in each pot, with its cable connected to the back of the device. The necessary number of sensor ports 9 and water outlets 8 have been provided for the pots.

[0020] In the fertilization level 3, as shown in Fig. 3, there are at least four liquid fertilizer cartridges 19, with three cartridges holding separate N, P, and K element agents, and a separate cartridge for another specialized fertilizer like humic acid. It is possible to add more cartridges and specialized fertilizers. Based on the control command from the board, which considers a specific fertilizer with different percentages for each plant (pot), a certain amount of each fertilizer is injected for blending. The operation works as follows: a collector in this level has one main input for pure water, one main output for water mixed with liquid fertilizers, and four secondary inputs for injecting liquid fertilizer. Electric drip valves 21 and drip counting mechanisms 30 are used to control the injection amount. Before water pumping starts, the fertilizer drops from each cartridge into the collector. Then, with the flow of water, these fertilizers are rinsed from the collector and delivered to the desired pot.

[0021] The watering process for a pot is as follows: the electronic board, considering default and customized instructions for each plant, pot, or a row of plants in a garden or greenhouse, determines specific amounts of water and a specified ratio of fertilizer containing N, P, and K elements, along with other specialized fertilizers. Initially, it commands the designated output electric valve 7 to open, then prepares the customized fertilizer for each plant using the electric valves ofthe cartridges 21 and water pump 15, as explained above. This prepared solution is delivered to the respective pot via the corresponding port 8 and connecting hose. The volume of water sent to each plant is measured by the flow meter 23 (located after the collector 13) and controlled by turning off the pump 15 after supplying the required amount of water.

[0022] Furthermore, it's possible to connect multiple pots that have similar plant species to one output and define in the device to consider the water and fertilizer amounts proportionally for the connected pots. This method reduces the occupancy of ports and covers more pots.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the water supply method for the device is through the water inlet 16, accompanied by the float valve 17, or through the sink 6. The water supply for the humidifier is organized such that on the top level 4, beside the (ultrasonic) humidifier device 25, a reservoir 31 is placed. Before reaching the fertilizer collector 22, the water pump 15 fills this reservoir by initially using a three-way passage 32 to fill the humidifier reservoir. This way, the humidifier reservoir 31 is always filled. Considering that the humidifier requires water with low TDS, if the water used for the plants has high TDS, the water charging path for the humidifier should be separate. Hence, a valve 33 is incorporated that diverts the water path from the pump 15 to the humidifier reservoir 31 , redirecting only the poured water from the sink 6 to the humidifier reservoir 31 , filling it. Moreover, a one-way valve 27 beneath the sink 6 is included to drain the water pumped from it.

[0024] The assessment of a plant's (or a row of plants') watering needs is determined through moisture sensors, considering the specific soil dryness or moisture levels required for each plant type. This information is pre-set in the software library and stored in the electronic board's memory for all pots. When the soil dryness reaches a predefined threshold, the irrigation process commences.

[0025] In other similar devices, to gauge a plant's requirement for fertilizer or nutrients, Nutrient sensors are employed, an electronic module measuring soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) levels. The optimal EC range in soil is typically between 110 to 570 milliSiemens per meter (mS / m). Lower EC levels indicate a lack of available nutrients, while higher levels suggest nutrient abundance.However, specialized nutrient sensors capable of analyzing separate elements, such as N, P, K, etc., measure all important elements individually. As this current device prepares specific fertilizers for plants, simple EC measurement sensors are not used. Instead, specialized nutrient sensors gather detailed information on each plant's elements, which is then imported into the device.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the rotating head 5 of the device is a movable part with one rotational degree of freedom, accommodating the humidifier nozzle 26, flash lamp 28, and camera 29. These components are rotated collectively using a single motor, providing a 360-degree working range. The motor is programmable, allowing control over its speed, direction, and stop angle. After each full rotation, the direction is reversed to prevent tangling of water hoses and wires. The installed camera 29 monitors the visual appearance of plant leaves through image processing, reporting events to the user and advising on new irrigation and fertilization decisions in risky situations.

[0027] Another feature of this device is a simulated thunder and lightning function, which might be beneficial for plant species accustomed to periodic natural events. It can also enhance the user experience. Activation of this feature can be synchronized with external weather conditions or controlled at the user's discretion. The operators for this simulation include creating intermittent light flashes via the flash lamp 28, generating thunder and rain sounds from the speaker, irrigating with nitrate fertilizer to all pots individually and sequentially, producing humidity through the humidifier 25, and infusing rain scent fragrances from its cartridge 34 into the humidifier reservoir 31 .Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0028] With its innovative features and capabilities over previous inventions in the field of smart irrigation device for houseplants, it represents an innovative step and a significant advantage. Among its features is NPK fertilization, which allows each plant to receive a customized ratio of N, P, and K elements. By doing this, it is ensured that not all plants receive the same fertilizer. Furthermore, plants require different nutrition throughout their lifecycle and during different seasons. Due to this, conventional EC sensors are not used, but rather specialized sensors for nutrient elements that can analyze elements separately.

[0029] The addition of a rain simulator accompanied by thunder and lightning offers several benefits; it effectively stimulates photosynthesis and creates a dynamic environment that mimics natural conditions. In particular, plant species accustomed to periodic natural events will benefit from it. Apart from its physiological benefits, it also provides audio-visual pleasure to users.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible to mention aspects such as comprehensive monitoring of environmental conditions, monitoring of the device and plants' health through various sensors, utilizing sensor data and its analysis, and providing new irrigation and fertilization programs. The use of cameras, image processing, and a misting nozzle, all on a rotating head, and the utilization of a motor for movement are among the other advantages of the device.Brief Description of DrawingsFig. 1

[0031] [Figure 1 ] Isometric view of the specialized irrigation and fertilization device for plants accompanied by thunderstorm simulationFig. 2

[0032] [Figure 2] Rear view of the specialized irrigation and fertilization device for plants accompanied by thunderstorm simulationFig. 3

[0033] [Figure 3] Block diagram of the device's components and fluid pathwaysFig. 4

[0034] [Figure 4] Rotating headDescription of Embodiments

[0035] The rotating head and four main levels of the device are shown in [Figure 1].

[0036] [Figure 2] shows the rear view, including water input and output ports, a humidity sensor port, and electrical ports.

[0037] The components, fluid pathways, and their interconnections are shown in [Figure 3].

[0038] An enclosed view of the nozzle and the components on it is shown in [Figure 4]-Examples

[0039] The first step is to connect the device's water source and power source. Then, we attach the hose and moisture sensor to each pot and connect their other ends to the ports at the back of the device. We charge the cartridge of N, P, and K fertilizers, as well as the specialized fertilizers. Through the device's application, we input the plant species of each pot and other information such as age and height. The program itself contains care information for various plant species and, if a plant species isn’t available or the user requires custom settings, they can be applied. After measuring soil moisture, the device begins irrigation. Additionally, using specialized nutrient sensors, we obtain the nutritional status of the soil in each pot and input it into the device. Based on this information, the device prepares specific fertilizer for each plant and administers it along with irrigation. For the device to have updated information, periodic nutrient measurements must be made using specialized sensors, and the application plots plant status graphs. Moreover, the application provides notifications and alerts, such as the recommended time for soil replacement. By adjusting the environmental humidity level in the device settings, the humidifier works within that humidity range. Another feature of the device was the rain simulator accompanied by thunder and lightning, which can be activated automatically, synchronized with weather conditions in a given geographic location, or manually. It is, however, announced to the user beforehand and initiated with their permission due to the high sound and light levels. The camera mounted on the rotating head monitors the plant leaves through image processing, reports events to the user, and advises them in making informed decisions about plant irrigation and fertilization when at risk.Industrial Applicability

[0040] It is applicable to houseplants used in residential, office, commercial, educational, therapeutic, lodgings, greenhouse plants, and generally within the domain of agricultural automation.

Claims

Claims

1. Specialized irrigation and fertilization device for plants is a device capable of producing specific fertilizer for each plant using cartridges containing NPK agent elements, along with rain simulation combined with thunder and lightning which is designed in a vertical form with different layers comprising: a) At the lowest layer, electric valves and water outlets, humidity sensor ports, charging ports, growth lamp power supply, and batteries; b) On the first level, a water reservoir, a water TDS sensor, a water pump, a water inlet, a float valve, a water level indicator, and two riser channels; c) In the second level (fertilization section), a liquid fertilizer cartridge, level indicators, electric drip valves and drip counting mechanisms, a collector, and a flowmeter; d) At the topmost level, an electronic board, a display, temperature, light, and environmental humidity sensors, a humidifier, and its reservoir; and e) At the device's top, a sink and a rotating head designed with a moisture nozzle, a flash lamp, and a camera.

2. A specialized irrigation and fertilization device according to claim 1 , in the fertilization level, there are at least four liquid fertilizer cartridges. In three cartridges, separate N, P, and K agent fertilizers are stored, while a fourth cartridge holds a different specific fertilizer; the number of cartridges can be increased according to the number of specific fertilizers added; the collector with a main input of pure water, a main output of water mixed with liquid fertilizer, and at least four subsidiary inputs for injecting liquid fertilizer.

3. A specialized irrigation and fertilization device according to claim 2, electric drip valves and drip counting mechanisms are used to control the injection amount; before water pumping begins, droplets of fertilizer from each cartridge are dispensed into the collector, washed by the water flow in the collector, and subsequently delivered to the desired pots.

4. A specialized irrigation and fertilization device according to claim 1 , the thunderstorm simulation employs the following mechanisms: intermittent flashing light to create lightning, thunder and lightning sounds from a speaker, simultaneous irrigation with nitrate fertilizer to all pots individually and consecutively, moisture production by the humidity generator, and the use of rain scent in the moisture reservoir

5. A specialized irrigation and fertilization device according to claim 1 , the device's rotating head is a movable piece with a single degree of rotational freedom fixed on the device which It houses the moisture nozzle, flash lamp, and a camera (for leaf appearance control), all driven by a single motor.

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