A modular vertical farming pot, a modular vertical farming assembly, and a method for irrigation / fertigation using the assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a modular pot for vertical farming comprising a body (1) having an upper end (10), a lower end (11), aright portion (12), a middle portion (13), and a left portion (14), wherein a first virtual vertical line (100) virtually separates the right portion (12) from the middle portion (13), and a second virtual line virtually (101) separates the middle potion (13) from the left portion (14); an anterior side (15) and a posterior side (16); a space gap (17) in the middle portion (13) configured to receive irrigation / fertigation water; a right pipe (120) passing through the right portion (12); and a left pipe (140) passing through the left portion (14), wherein the right (120) and left pipes (140) are configured to be in fluid communication with the space gap (17). The present disclosure also provides a modular vertical farming assembly, and a method of irrigating / fertigating plants in the assembly.

Description

[0001] A MODULAR VERTICAL FARMING POT, A MODULAR VERTICAL FARMING ASSEMBLY, AND A METHOD FOR IRRIGATION / FERTIGATION USING THE ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to system, assembly, and methods for farming, and more particularly to a vertical farming assembly, monitoring and controlling system. The structure of the system provides superior ventilation and irrigation circulation within the modular pots. The system incorporates advanced technologies for monitoring and control mechanisms that continuously assess and adjust environmental conditions.

[0004] BACKGROUND INFROMATION

[0005]

[0002] Traditional farming methods face significant challenges, including limited arable land, climate change, and water scarcity. While the global population is growing, leading to an increase for the food production demand. To address these challenges, innovative agricultural practices such as vertical farming have emerged. The technique of using vertical farming maximizes space utilization, and eliminates the problem related to unequally ventilation allowing for high production in regions with limited land availability. Previous innovations were disclosed in the prior art in the field of vertical farming due to the need for efficient and scalable systems to optimize plant cultivation.

[0006]

[0003] The United States patent application published under number US10856480 disclosed a system includes a tower structure with a vertical series of vessels configured to hold pots or containers, integrated with a pressurized irrigation system to ensure consistent fluid delivery to each vessel. Additionally, it features lighting systems, sensors, monitors, and controls to maintain ideal environmental conditions for plant growth. The design is scalable, allowing multiple tower structures to be installed on a scaffold system. Furthermore, the system can be expanded by incorporating multiple scaffolds affixed to a skeletal frame or compartment interior, enabling extensive vertical farming operations.

[0004] The United States patent application published under number US11026380 discloses a vertical assembly designed for growing plants efficiently. The system includes a panel assembly supporting multiple nutrient flow channels, which deliver nutrient-rich water to the plants. This design maximizes space utilization, making it suitable for urban farming and other areas with limited space. The system enhances nutrient and water distribution, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Additionally, it incorporates features for monitoring and controlling the growing environment, such as sensors and automated nutrient delivery mechanisms.

[0007]

[0005] Despite its potential benefits, vertical farming faces several technical challenges, including efficient space utilization, cost-effective infrastructure, and optimized resource management. Current vertical farming systems often rely on complex and costly assemblies that may not be accessible to all farmers or suitable for a wide variety of crops.

[0008]

[0006] The present disclosure aims to address these limitations by providing an improved vertical farming assembly that enhances space efficiency, reduces costs and energy, and promotes sustainable agriculture. The present disclosure incorporates technologies to facilitate scalable and adaptable farming solutions, and contributes to the advancement of urban agriculture, offering a viable alternative to traditional farming methods and supporting the global food supply chain.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010]

[0007] Therefor, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a modular pot for vertical farming may include a body having an upper end, a lower end, a right portion, a middle portion, and a left portion, wherein a first virtual vertical line virtually separates the right portion from the middle portion, a second virtual line virtually separates the middle potion from the left portion, an anterior side and a posterior side, a space gap in the middle portion configured to receive irrigation and / or fertigation water, a right pipe passing through the right portion, and a left pipe passing through the left portion, wherein the right and left pipes are configured to be in fluid communication with the space gap.

[0008] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the middle portion further comprises of an upper cut in the both anterior and posterior sides, in proximity to the upper end of the body.

[0011]

[0009] In some aspects, each of the upper cuts comprises of an annular support ring, each of the annular support rings extends inwardly from the upper cuts, in an inclined manner.

[0012]

[0010] In some aspects, one or two of the annular support rings is configured to hold a seedling receptacle.

[0013] [Oi l] In some aspects, a virtual central line of each annular support ring intersects with either the anterior, or posterior or exterior sides at an angle of about 45°.

[0014]

[0012] In some aspects, the middle portion may have a concavity space, in proximity to the lower end. The concavity space have a curved edge structure to mitigate pruning plant leaves, and to optimize plant growth size for the plants beneath.

[0015]

[0013] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the right pipe may have an open upper end, and an open lower end. The right pipe has a longitudinal cylindrical structure extending along the right portion protruding beyond the body lower end to an exterior portion thereby forming a right protrusion.

[0016]

[0014] In some aspects, the right protrusion is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between two modular pots of the present disclosure.

[0017]

[0015] In some aspects, the right pipe may have an upper lateral cut with a lower edge aligned with the virtual vertical line configured to drain extra water from the space gap to the lower modular pot.

[0018]

[0016] In some aspects, the upper lateral cut positioned at a predetermined distance from the body lower end, and the upper lateral cut is configured to maintain specific water level within the seedling receptacles.

[0019]

[0017] In some aspects, the lower edge of the upper lateral cut is positioned closer to the body lower end compared to annular support rings. This arrangement ensures that the water level is remain below the receptacle’s surface.

[0018] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the left pipe may have an upper open end, and a lower closed end. The left pipe is a cylindrical channel structure that extends from the upper end to the lower end of the left portion, and protrudes beyond the body lower end to an exterior portion forming a left protrusion.

[0020]

[0019] In some aspects, the left protrusion is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between the modular pots of the present disclosure.

[0021]

[0020] In some aspects, the structure of the left pipe configured to provide a strength to support a connected pipe from the upper modular pot.

[0022]

[0021] In some aspects, the body may have curved edges configured to eliminate any possibilities for forming residues.

[0023]

[0022] In some aspects of the present disclosure is to provide a vertical farming assembly comprising two or more modular pots interconnected to each other.

[0024]

[0023] In some aspects, the modular vertical farming assembly where the right and the left protrusions of two modular pots are connected and are integrated, thus allowing the modular pots to interlock seamlessly.

[0025]

[0024] In some aspects, the space between each modular pot of the assembly may range depending on protrusions dimensions.

[0026]

[0025] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the two or more modular pots are reversed assembled in which the anterior side and the posterior side are exchanged in reversed configuration linking a right portion of an upper pot with a left portion of the lower pot.

[0027]

[0026] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the reverse configuration of the modular vertical farming assembly is configured to provide a continuous irrigation / fertigation process through the modular pots.

[0028]

[0027] In some aspects, the irrigation and / or fertigation process flow in a meandering path through the assembly.

[0029]

[0028] In aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for irrigating and / or fertigating plants in the vertical farming assembly, the method includes the steps of: - Providing the modular vertical farming assembly;

[0030] -Introducing a mixture of water and fertilizers into an upper end of a left pipe within a first modular pot;

[0031] -Allowing the mixture to flow through seedling receptacles situated within a space gap of a modular pot;

[0032] -Continuously filling a seedling receptacle until a water level reaches an upper lateral cut of a right pipe;

[0033] -Draining excess water through an upper lateral cut of the right pipe; and

[0034] -Transferring drained water from a lower end of a right pipe to an upper end of a left pipe in a subsequent lower modular pot by means of gravity, thereby maintaining a continuous irrigation cycle throughout the vertically assembled modular pots.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]

[0029] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, without however restricting the scope of the disclosure thereto, and in which:

[0037]

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a front view of a modular vertical farming pot configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038]

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of a modular vertical farming pot configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039]

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross sectional diagram showing a left portion of a modular vertical farming pot configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section is taken along the line 100-100 of FIG. 2.

[0040]

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross sectional diagram showing a right portion of a modular vertical farming pot configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section is being taken along the line 101-101 of FIG. 2.

[0041]

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vertical farming assembly configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042]

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional diagram showing a modular pot reversed configuration of a vertical farming assembly configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section is taken along the line 102- 102 of FIG. 5.

[0043]

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for ferti gating plants of a vertical farming assembly configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045]

[0037] FIGS. 1-6 represent a modular pot for vertical farming configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular pot may include a body 1 with an upper end 10, a lower end 11, a right portion 12, amiddle portion 13, and a left portion 14. A virtual vertical line 100 virtually separates the right portion 12 from the middle portion 13, and another virtual line 101 virtually separates the middle potion 13 from the left portion 14. The body 1 may further include an anterior side 15 and a posterior side 16. The middle portion 13 may include a space gap 17 configured to receive irrigation / fertigation water. The right portion 12 has a right pipe 120 passing there through, and the left portion 14 has a left pipe 140 passing there through. The right and left pipes 120, 140 are configured to be in fluid communication with the space gap 17.

[0046]

[0038] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the middle portion 13 may have an upper cut 130a, 130b in the anterior and posterior sides 15, 16, respectively, in proximity to the upper end 10. Each of the upper cuts 130a, 130b may have an annular support ring 18a, 18b that may be configured to hold seedling receptacles (not shown). This would ensure that the roots of the cultivated plant extend into the space gap 17 while preventing root rot by maintaining the water level below the plant stems. The structure of the annular support ring 18a, 18b may allow for more efficient insertion and removal of receptacles during transplanting and harvesting,

[0047]

[0039] In embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the annular support rings 18a, 18b may extend inwardly from the cuts 130a, 130b, respectively, in an inclined manner.

[0048]

[0040] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a virtual central line 180a, 180b of the annular support rings 18a, 18b intersects with either the anterior side 15, posterior 16 side at an angle of 45°.

[0049]

[0041] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the 45° angle is configured to mitigate harvesting and / or transplanting challenges, enhances the stability of the assembly and eliminates the need for additional components to support plant seedling receptacles, thereby providing more space.

[0050]

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the annular support rings 18a, 18b may hold a single seedling receptacle providing harvesting of two seedling receptacles within the modular pot of the present disclosure.

[0051]

[0043] In other embodiments, only one of the annular support rings 18a, 18b can hold a single seedling receptacle providing harvesting of one seedling receptacle within the modular pot of the present disclosure.

[0052]

[0044] In some embodiments, the middle portion may have a concavity space 19, in proximity to the lower end 11. The concavity space 19 has a curved edge structure configured to mitigate pruning plant leaves, and to optimize plant growth size for the plants beneath.

[0053]

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the middle portion 13 is adjacent to the right pipe 120 of the right portion 12, and the left pipe 140 of the left portion 14. This configuration would facilitate a better circulation of air ventilation through the seedling receptacles, accordingly mitigate that plant disease caused by humidity.

[0054]

[0046] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the right pipe may have an upper end 121a, and a lower end 121b, wherein both ends 121a, 121b are open. The right pipe 120 may feature a longitudinal cylinder structure extending along the right portion 12 and protruding beyond the lower end 11 to the exterior portion forming a right protrusion 20.

[0047] In some embodiments, the right protrusion 20 is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between the modular pots of the present disclosure.

[0055]

[0048] In some embodiments, the right pipe 120 may have an upper lateral cut 122 with a lower edge 1220 aligned with the virtual vertical line 100 configured to drain extra water from the space gap 17 to the lower modular pot of the present disclosure.

[0056]

[0049] In some embodiments, the upper lateral cut 122 positioned at a predetermined distance from the lower end 11 to maintain specific water level within the seedling receptacles mitigating any pump / water failure thus lower energy and cost.

[0057]

[0050] In some embodiments, the lower edge 1220 of the upper lateral cut 122 is positioned closer to the lower end 11 compared to the annular support rings 18a and 18b. This arrangement ensures that the water level is remain below the receptacle’s surface.

[0058]

[0051] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the left pipe 140 may have an upper end 141a that is open, and a lower end 141b that is closed. The left pipe 140 may feature a cylindrical channel structure extending from the upper end 140a to the lower end 140b of the left portion 14 and may be aligned with the virtual vertical line 101, while protruding beyond the lower end 11 to an exterior portion forming a left protrusion 40.

[0059]

[0052] In some embodiments, the left protrusion 40 is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between the modular pots of the present disclosure.

[0060]

[0053] In some embodiments, the structure of the left pipe 140 is configured to provide a strength to support the connected pipe from the upper modular pot of the present disclosure.

[0061]

[0054] In some embodiments, the body 1 is configured to have curved edges in order to eliminate any possibility of forming residues, thus eliminating the need for cleaning materials or components after each harvest, and the cultivated plants will get their need of nutrients.

[0062]

[0055] In some embodiments, the modular pots of the present disclosure are configured to provide a vertical farming assembly, where the right protrusion 20 and the left protrusion 40 are integrated and connected vertically to each other allowing the modular pots of the present disclosure to interlock seamlessly, thereby eliminating the need for any external components in the assembly of the pots.

[0063]

[0056] In some embodiments, the space between each modular pot of the assembly may range depending on protrusions 20, 40 dimensions, providing possibilities for variety cultivated plant types.

[0064]

[0057] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular pots are reversed assembled as illustrated in FIGS.5-6, whereby the anterior side 15 and the posterior side 16 are exchanged in a reversed configuration, thus linking the right portion 12 of a an upper pot in the assembly with the left portion 14 of a lower pot in the assembly.

[0065]

[0058] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the reversed configuration of the modular pots is configured to provide a continuous irrigation / fertigation cycle through the modular pots.

[0066]

[0059] In some embodiments, the irrigation / fertigation cycle flow in a meandering path through the assembly.

[0067]

[0060] Reference now is being made to FIG.7 which illustrates a flowchart of a method for fertigating plants in the vertical farming assembly of the present disclosure according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of:

[0068] - Providing the assembly of modular pots, and inserting seedling receptacles in the annular rings (process block 7-1);

[0069] - Introducing a mixture of water and fertilizers into the upper end of a left pipe within a first modular pot (process block 7-2);

[0070] - Allowing the mixture to flow through seedling receptacles situated within the space gap of the modular pot (process block 7-3);

[0071] - Continuously filling the seedling receptacles until the water level reaches the upper lateral cut of the right pipe (process block 7-4);

[0072] - Draining the excess water through the upper lateral cut of the right pipe (process block 7-5); and

[0073] - Transferring the drained water from the lower end of the right pipe to the upper end of a left pipe in a subsequent lower modular pot by means of gravity (process block 7-7), thereby maintaining a continuous irrigation cycle throughout the vertically assembled modular pots (process block 7-8).

[0074]

[0061] In some embodiments, water and fertilizers are introduced from at least one tank or more.

[0075]

[0062] In some embodiments, the fertigation process may utilize three or more main tanks, including a water tank configured to store water until needed and is connected to a single pump and water level sensor; one or more liquid fertilizer tank, comprising different tanks (for acid and for liquid fertilizers), equipped with pumps; and a fertigation tank, where water is mixed with fertilizers and from which the irrigation cycle is pumped to vertical farming assembly and then returned. Micro tubes may be used to connect the tanks together and to transport the components from the liquid fertilizer tank to the fertigation tank to ensure precise quantities from the fertilizer tanks. A water cycle starts at the top of the vertical assembly and ending at the bottom, where the final pot is connected to a pipe returning the water to the fertigation tank.

[0076]

[0063] In some embodiments, the fertigation process starts at the top of the vertical assembly and returns to the fertigation tank.

[0077]

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vertical farming system assembly used in horticulture, agriculture, and urban gardening applications with improved plant growth conditions and ease of cultivation. The system of the present disclosure may have an assembly, and an interactive interface for monitoring and controlling the farming environment.

[0078]

[0065] In some embodiments, the interactive interface may be connected to sensors and cameras utilizing advanced technologies. Remote monitoring and controlling may be facilitated through the interactive interface, which provides operators with comprehensive visibility into farm operations and a complete control over all functions from any location. Moreover, the optimal condition elements such as but not limited to the temperature, humidity, ventilation, irrigation scheduling, lighting intensity and movement, fertilization, carbon dioxide percentage, and water pH are automated by self-correcting when sensors detect any deviations from pre-set ranges, and sending alerts and notifications to the user.

[0079]

[0066] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0067] The use of the term “and” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to a collective nature only. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0080]

[0068] While the present disclosure has been made in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various additions, omissions, or amendments can be made without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 29 of May 2025 (29.05.2025)1. A modular pot for vertical farming comprising a body (1) having: an upper end (10), a lower end (11), a right portion (12), a middle portion (13), and a left portion (14), wherein a first virtual vertical line (100) virtually separates the right portion (12) from the middle portion (13), and a second virtual line (101) virtually separates the middle potion (13) from the left portion (14); an anterior side (15) and a posterior side (16); upper cuts (130a), (130b) in the both anterior and posterior sides (15), (16) of the middle portion (13); annular support rings (18a), (18b) each extending inwardly from the upper cuts (130a), (130b); a space gap (17) in the middle portion (13) configured to receive irrigation / fertigation water; a right pipe (120) passing through the right portion (12); and a left pipe (140) passing through the left portion (14); wherein the right pipe (120) and left pipe (140) are configured to be in fluid communication with the space gap (17).

2. The modular pot of claim 1, wherein one or two of the annular support rings (18a), (18b) is configured to hold a seedling receptacle.

3. The modular pot of claims 1, wherein a virtual central line (180a), (180b) of each annular support ring (18a), (18b) intersects with either the anterior or the posterior sides (15), (16) at an angle of about 45°.

4. The modular pot of claim 1 , wherein the middle portion further comprises a curved edge concavity space (19) to mitigate pruning plant leaves, and to optimize plant growth size for the plants beneath.

5. The modular pot of claim 1, wherein the right pipe (120) comprises of an open upper end, and an open lower end, the right pipe has a longitudinal cylindrical structure extending along the right portion (12) protruding beyond the body lower end (11) to an exterior portion, thereby forming a right protrusion (20).

6. The modular pot of claim 5, wherein the right protrusion (20) is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between two modular pots.

7. The modular pot of claim 1 , wherein the right pipe ( 120) further comprises an upper lateral cut (122) with a lower edge (1220) configured to drain extra water from the space gap (17) to the lower modular pot.

8. The modular pot of claim 7, wherein the upper lateral cut (122) is positioned at a predetermined distance from a body lower end (11). The upper lateral cut (122) is configured to maintain a specific water level within seedling receptacles.

9. The modular pot of claim 7, wherein the lower edge (1220) of the upper lateral cut (122) is positioned closer to a body lower end (11) compared to annular support rings ( 18a), ( 18b) in order to ensure that the water level is remain below a seedling receptacle surface.

10. The modular pot of claim 1, wherein the left pipe (140) comprises an upper open end (140a), and a lower closed end (140b), the left pipe (140) is a cylindrical channel structure that extends from the upper end (140a) to the lower end (140b) of the left portion (14), and protrudes beyond the body lower end ( 11 ) to an exterior portion forming a left protrusion (40).

11. The modular pot of claim 10, wherein the left protrusion (40) is configured to provide a linkage and structural support between modular pots.

12. The modular pot of claim 10, wherein a structure of the left pipe (140) is configured to provide a strength to support a connected pipe from an upper modular pot.

13. The modular pot of claim 1, wherein the body (1) has curved edges configured to eliminate any possibilities for forming residues.

14. A modular vertical farming assembly comprising two or more modular pots of claim 1 interconnected to each other.

15. The modular vertical farming assembly of claim 14, wherein right and the left protrusions (20), (40) of two modular pots are connected and integrated, thus allowing the modular pots to interlock seamlessly.

16. The modular vertical farming assembly of claim 15, wherein a space between each modular pot of the assembly ranges depending on protrusions (20), (40) dimension.

17. The modular vertical farming assembly of claim 15, wherein the two or more modular pots are reversed assembled in which the anterior side (15) and the posterior side (16) areexchanged in reversed configuration linking a right portion (12) of an upper pot with a left portion (14) of a lower pot.

18. The modular vertical farming assembly of claim 17, wherein the reversed configuration of the modular pots is configured to provide a continuous fertigation process through the assembly.

19. The modular vertical farming assembly of claim 18, wherein the fertigation process flow in a meandering path through the assembly.

20. A method for irrigating and / or fertigating plants in a modular vertical farming assembly of claim 14, comprising the steps of:Providing the modular vertical farming assembly;Introducing a mixture of water and fertilizers into an upper end (140a) of a left pipe (140) within a first modular pot;Allowing the mixture to flow through seedling receptacles situated within a space gap (17) of the modular pot;Continuously filling the seedling receptacles until a water level reaches an upper lateral cut (122) of a right pipe (120);Draining excess water through the upper lateral cut (122) of the right pipe (120); andTransferring drained water from a lower end (120b) of the right pipe (120) to an upper end (140a) of a left pipe (140) in a subsequent lower modular pot by means of gravity, thereby maintaining a continuous irrigation cycle throughout the vertically assembled modular pots.

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