Auger-Driven Subsurface Irrigation Stake for Root-Zone Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in reducing water evaporation losses and promoting deep root growth, as water delivery to plants often results in evaporation before reaching the roots and can lead to shallow root development.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface irrigation stake that connects to irrigation systems, regulates water pressure, and directs water below the soil surface through a tubular shaft with apertures, reducing evaporation losses and encouraging deep root growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If water is delivered to plants through surface-level irrigation systems, then water delivery to plants is achieved, but water evaporation losses increase and root growth depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level water delivery to subsurface water delivery by inserting irrigation stakes below the soil surface. The tubular shaft extends vertically into the ground, delivering water at depth rather than at the surface, thereby eliminating evaporation losses while maintaining ease of installation through simple insertion and connection procedures
2Quantity of substance
If water is delivered to the surface near plants, then water availability to plants is improved, but root growth remains shallow due to lack of deep water stimulus
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation stake delivers water vertically into the subsurface soil profile at depths where roots naturally extend. This vertical dimension of water delivery stimulates roots to grow deeper in search of water, transforming shallow surface-root systems into deep-rooted plants while maintaining adequate water supply
3Loss of energy
If subsurface irrigation stakes are installed, then water evaporation is reduced and deep root growth is promoted, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation stake is divided into distinct functional segments: a driver portion for insertion, a tubular shaft for water conveyance, and a flow distribution system with apertures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular shaft acts as an intermediary element between the water source and the subsurface soil. It conveys water from the surface connection point down to the flow distribution apertures, enabling subsurface irrigation while maintaining a simple, straightforward structure that does not compromise ease of installation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The subsurface irrigation stake effectively delivers water to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and enhancing deep root growth while being adaptable to various irrigation systems and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure regulator is structured and arranged to control the flow of water into the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The shaft has a plurality of flow apertures in the shaft wall, with the flow apertures being sized and configured to direct water from the interior area of the shaft to the soil
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface irrigation stake to deliver irrigation water to soil below a ground surface where a plant is or will be located to better direct the water to the root zone of the plant and reduce loss of water due to evaporation. The stake has a stake body, a pressure regulator and a conduit connector. The stake body has a head at an upper end of the stake and an elongated tubular shaft extending to a lower end of the stake. The shaft has one or more auger flights to screw the shaft into the soil and a plurality of flow apertures that discharge water into the soil. The regulator is connected to the head of the stake body. In one configuration, the regulator is removably connected to the head. The conduit connector, which is connected to or integral with the regulator, connects to a water distribution line.