Ebb and Flood Plant Watering Tray with Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watering systems for plants, particularly those using ebb and flood methods, often lead to soil saturation issues due to lack of control over water supply, which can be detrimental to plant roots.
Innovation Solution
A tray-based system with an overflow container and a wick-based water delivery mechanism that allows for controlled ebb and flood watering, ensuring the soil is neither too dry nor waterlogged, using a wick to supply water from a reservoir while preventing excess water from accumulating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ebb and flood watering system is used without overflow control, then water supply to plants is simplified, but soil saturation occurs which is harmful to plant roots
Solution Approach 1:
An overflow container is introduced as an intermediary component between the water reservoir and the plant pot. This overflow container receives excess water from the reservoir and directs it through an overflow opening, preventing direct saturation of the soil while still allowing controlled water delivery to the plants through the wick mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow opening creates a feedback mechanism where excess water automatically drains when the reservoir reaches a certain level. This provides automatic regulation of water supply, preventing over-saturation of the soil while ensuring adequate moisture delivery to the plants through the wick.
2Reliability
If wick-based water supply is used without overflow control, then water delivery to soil is maintained, but excess water accumulates in the reservoir harming plant roots
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow container serves as a mediator between the water reservoir and the plant root zone. It intercepts excess water before it can reach the soil, allowing the wick to continue its reliable water delivery function while the overflow container manages excess water through its overflow opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The water management system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the reservoir for water storage, the overflow container for excess water management with its overflow opening, and the wick-based delivery system for controlled water supply to the soil. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others.
3Productivity
If multiple plant pots are accommodated in containers with ebb and flood system, then watering efficiency is improved, but control over individual plant water needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each plant pot is provided with its own overflow container, creating segmented water management zones. This allows the system to maintain the productivity benefits of batch watering while providing individual control for each plant through its dedicated overflow opening, enabling adaptation to different water requirements of individual plants.
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
This system provides a balanced and controlled watering method that regulates soil humidity effectively, preventing root damage from excess water while ensuring plants receive adequate moisture, enhancing the efficiency of ebb and flood watering systems.
Implementation Method 1
the wick is the main element to supply water from the reservoir to the soil in the plant pot
Implementation Method 2
the overflow allows simultaneous filing of many reservoirs of assembled plant pots in containers
Implementation Method 3
employ a wick to draw up water and employ a sucking up action to water plants
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly, comprising a plant pot, having a bottom and at least one side wall, extending from the bottom up to a top rim and at least one hole, which is arranged in or at least near the bottom, at least one wick extending from below the bottom and through the hole and a container, dimensioned to accommodate at least a bottom portion of the pot comprising the hole through which the wick extends out of the pot. The container and the pot in assembly define a fluid reservoir for the plant to be drawn up through the wick. The container comprises an overflow defining a free passage for entry and/or outflow of water into and out of the container, and the assembly further comprises a tray fillable by ebb and flood based watering system.