Controlled-Release Fertilizer Coating for Hydroponic Nutrient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cultivation methods, such as flood irrigation and mass spraying, are wasteful of resources and harmful to the environment, and hydroponic cultivation has not been effectively used for perennial plants due to perceived cost inefficiencies and root system requirements.
Innovation Solution
A controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) formulation with a balanced N-P-K ratio, coated with polyolefin or polyurethane, is used in hydroponic systems to provide nutrients efficiently and effectively, reducing the need for frequent applications and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional flood irrigation and mass spraying are used, then plants can be grown in organized rows with established practices, but resources are wasted and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of growing medium from soil to hydroponic solution, enabling precise control of nutrient delivery and eliminating the need for flood irrigation and mass spraying, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of cultivation and resource waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inert media such as perlite, rock wool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite to support roots and automatically deliver nutrients through the hydroponic solution, eliminating the need for traditional cultivation practices and reducing resource waste
2Ease of manufacture
If flood irrigation is used to grow plants in soil, then plants can be cultivated using conventional methods, but water is lost through evaporation and migration below the root zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of water delivery from bulk flood irrigation to controlled hydroponic solution delivery, where water and nutrients are supplied directly to the root zone in precise amounts, eliminating evaporation losses and downward migration beyond the root zone
Solution Approach 2:
The inert growing media act as intermediaries that hold the hydroponic solution close to the roots, ensuring water and nutrients are delivered efficiently without loss through evaporation or migration, while still supporting plant growth
3Loss of substance
If hydroponic cultivation is used for perennial plants with large root systems, then nutrient delivery can be precise and efficient, but large planting containers would be required which are not cost effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the root system support function across multiple inert media components (perlite, rock wool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite) that can be contained in smaller, more manageable containers while still providing adequate support and nutrient delivery for perennial plants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite inert media systems combining multiple materials (perlite, rock wool, clay pellets, peat moss, or vermiculite) to provide both structural support for large root systems and efficient nutrient delivery in compact containers, resolving the contradiction between nutrient efficiency and container size
4Manufacturing precision
If controlled-release fertilizer with balanced N-P-K ratio is used in hydroponic systems, then nutrient delivery becomes precise and sustained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fertilizer formulation to controlled-release types with balanced N-P-K ratios, which automatically regulate nutrient delivery rates and composition, achieving precision nutrient delivery without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled-release fertilizer formulations self-regulate nutrient delivery based on environmental conditions and plant needs, providing precise and sustained nutrient supply without requiring complex external control mechanisms
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 CRF formulation allows for precise and sustained nutrient delivery, promoting healthier plant growth and increased yields while reducing water and chemical usage, and is suitable for both vegetables and medical cannabis, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) formulation with a balanced N-P-K ratio, coated with polyolefin or polyurethane
Implementation Method 2
The CRF formulation allows for precise and sustained nutrient delivery
Implementation Method 3
provide nutrients efficiently and effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A method of hydroponic growing of plants comprising hydroponically growing the plants in the presence of a controlled release hydroponic fertilizer composition. The hydroponic fertilizer composition comprises a polymerically coated controlled release fertilization nutrient formulation wherein the coated formulation has an N-P-K ratio wherein the N-K ratio is substantially balanced and further comprises micronutrients and optionally chelated iron.