Capillary Wick Self-Regulating Liquid Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for long-term watering of plants and animal feeding troughs often lead to overwatering due to inadequate regulation, limited storage volume, and maintenance issues, resulting in root rot and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulating device with a storage vessel integrated into the requirement vessel, featuring a filling opening, ventilation, and outlet openings, including a capillary-capable wick and air ducts to prevent overwatering, allowing for continuous and uniform liquid supply without external intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a storage vessel is integrated into the requirement vessel with a filling channel open to the bottom, then the storage volume is increased and continuous supply is enabled, but air can penetrate into the filling channel causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A capillary wick is introduced as an intermediary element between the filling channel and the storage vessel. The wick allows liquid to pass through via capillary action while blocking air penetration, thus preventing the malfunction caused by air in the filling channel while maintaining the benefits of bottom-open filling for increased storage volume
Solution Approach 2:
The filling channel is designed with different properties at different locations: the lower part is closed to prevent air entry, while the upper part remains open for liquid filling. This local differentiation of channel properties resolves the contradiction between allowing liquid flow and preventing air penetration
2Ease of operation
If the outlet opening is arranged below the lower air duct opening, then controlled emptying is achieved, but the outlet opening is more prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A capillary wick is placed at the outlet opening to serve as a mediator that allows liquid to flow out while blocking contaminants from entering. This enables the outlet opening to be positioned below the air duct opening for controlled emptying while protecting against contamination through the wick's capillary action
3Productivity
If a double-walled container with open lower area is used, then water can be supplied continuously, but overwatering occurs due to rain or additional watering
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the lower air duct opening acts as a level sensor. When water rises to this opening, air pressure changes close the opening and stop further filling, preventing overwatering while maintaining continuous supply capability through the storage vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of air pressure within the storage vessel to control liquid flow. As water level rises, air pressure increases and closes the lower air duct opening, automatically regulating the fill level and preventing overwatering
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
Ensures sustained and uniform water supply to plants and animals over long periods without overwatering, reducing maintenance and operational costs, and can be retrofitted into existing vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet opening is additionally closed with a capillary-capable wick
Implementation Method 2
the pressure equalization of the compressed air caused by filling takes place via the planting material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for housing storing and self-regulating release of liquid to a user vessel, wherein a storage vessel (1) is arranged in the user vessel (2), the storage vessel (1) comprising a filling opening (3/1) which may be closed as needed, a ventilation opening (4/2) and an outlet opening (5) and otherwise closed storage vessel (1), the filling opening (3/1) being in positive-fit contact with a filling channel (3), a further air duct (4), open the top is arranged in the storage vessel (1) and the arrangement of the lower air duct opening (4/2) of the air duct (4) is arranged in the region of the required level of the liquid in the user vessel (2), an outlet opening (5) arranged as the lower air duct opening (4/2) in the vessel wall of the storage vessel (1), wherein the outlet opening (5) is arranged below the level of the arrangement of the lower air duct opening (4/2) and the outlet opening (5) is provided with a capillary wick.