Integrated Fence Irrigation and Grow System with Modular Bed Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an integrated fence irrigation and grow system that allows for controlled drip irrigation and increased arability of decorative and edible flora in urban and suburban landscapes, while also serving as a border or boundary, which existing systems do not effectively provide.
Innovation Solution
The system consists of bed members disposed on either side of post members with a tubular body and irrigation system that allows for adjustable drip irrigation, featuring valves for controlled water flow, and includes trellis members for climbing plants, with solar panels for nighttime illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional fencing systems are used, then a boundary or border is provided, but arability and cultivation space are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fencing functionality with irrigation and cultivation capabilities by integrating bed members, irrigation systems, and support structures into a single unified system. The fence posts serve dual purposes as both boundary markers and support structures for beds and irrigation components, creating a multi-functional system that provides both boundary definition and agricultural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same structural elements to serve multiple purposes: post members provide boundary definition, support for beds, and mounting points for irrigation components; bed members serve as both plant containers and irrigation channels; the entire system functions as both fence and agricultural platform, maximizing utility per component.
2Ease of operation
If integrated irrigation systems are added to fences, then controlled water delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is segmented into modular components including individual bed members with integrated irrigation channels, separate valve assemblies for flow control, and distributed emitter points. This segmentation allows for independent control of each bed while maintaining overall system simplicity, as each module can be adjusted without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Valve assemblies serve as intermediary components between the water source and individual bed members, providing centralized flow control while maintaining simple connections to each bed. These intermediaries simplify the overall system architecture by providing a single control point per bed rather than requiring complex distributed control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If bed members with openings are used, then plant accessibility is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bed members incorporate openings at specific locations and orientations that provide plant accessibility while maintaining structural integrity. The opening pattern is designed to allow adequate light and air access to plants while preserving the necessary structural strength of the bed members to support soil and plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed members are constructed from composite or reinforced materials that provide both structural strength and openness for plant growth. This allows the bed members to maintain adequate strength despite the presence of openings, balancing structural integrity with plant accessibility requirements.
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 enables increased arability and effective above-ground cultivation of ornamental and edible flora, providing a decorative barrier with controlled irrigation and illumination, enhancing growth and yield in urban and suburban areas.
Implementation Method 1
Each pipe is disposed connected endwise to the irrigation system whereby water is deliverable through the irrigation system to outflow through each of a plurality of perforations disposed serried along each pipe. Thus, drip irrigation is enabled for infiltration interior to each bed member.
Implementation Method 2
A solar panel is disposed upon each capital member, whereby solar insolation incident each of the solar panel generates a potential difference storable as electrical energy appropriate for powering a light source
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fence irrigation and grow system is provided. The system includes one or more post members, one or more bed members disposed on the post members and an irrigation system coupled to a water supply and connected to each of the bed members to introduce water to each of the bed members. The bed members each include a tubular body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The tubular body is formed by a wall, and the wall defines an interior cavity in the bed member. The wall includes a plurality of openings disposed along a top surface of the bed members. When growing medium is disposed within the interior cavity of the bed members, plants planted in the growth medium in proximity to the openings grow therein, and foliage thereof is at least one of viewable and harvestable above the plurality of openings.