Fertigation Apparatus with Mesh Basket and Diverter
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertigation equipment is complex and time-consuming, leading to inefficiencies in applying fertilizers and pest control agents, resulting in wastage and runoff.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fertigation apparatus with a body, mesh basket, one-way valve, and diverter that allows for simultaneous application of fertilizers and pest control agents through an irrigation system, eliminating the need for multiple watering cycles and measuring, using pre-measured water-soluble tablets that are biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fertigation equipment is used, then fertilizers and chemicals can be applied to irrigation water, but the equipment construction is complex and the operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fertigation apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a body housing, a removable mesh basket for holding fertilizer tablets, a one-way valve mechanism, and a diverter assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to integrated traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates complex measurement and mixing mechanisms from traditional fertigation equipment. By using pre-measured fertilizer tablets that dissolve directly in the irrigation water flow, the system removes the need for separate measurement devices, mixing chambers, and dosage control mechanisms, significantly simplifying the device construction.
2Productivity
If traditional fertigation equipment is used, then fertilizers can be applied, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Fertilizer is prepared in advance as pre-measured tablets with specific nutrient compositions. These tablets are loaded into the mesh basket beforehand, eliminating the need for on-site measurement, mixing, and preparation. The system is ready for immediate operation, significantly reducing the time required for fertigation application.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus automatically dissolves the fertilizer tablets as irrigation water flows through the body. The one-way valve ensures unidirectional water flow that continuously dissolves and distributes the fertilizer without requiring manual intervention, timing adjustments, or monitoring, enabling the system to operate autonomously and efficiently.
3Quantity of substance
If fertilizers are applied through traditional methods, then nutrients can be delivered to plants, but wastage of fertilizers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical mixing and delivery systems with a dissolution-based mechanism. Pre-measured fertilizer tablets dissolve directly in the irrigation water flow through pure diffusion and convection, eliminating mechanical mixing losses, spillage, and inefficient distribution mechanisms that cause fertilizer wastage in traditional systems.
4Quantity of substance
If fertilizers are applied through traditional methods, then nutrients can be delivered, but runoff of chemicals to water bodies is significantly prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh basket acts as an intermediary device that controls the dissolution and release of fertilizer tablets. It allows water to flow through while containing the tablets, ensuring complete dissolution before chemicals enter the irrigation system. This intermediate containment and controlled release mechanism prevents premature release and reduces the risk of chemical runoff to water bodies.
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 apparatus saves water and time while reducing fertilizer and pest control agent wastage and runoff, enabling efficient and convenient simultaneous fertilization and weed/pest control.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve coupled to the inlet of the body
Implementation Method 2
a mesh basket encased within the body, the mesh basket configured to receive one or more fertilizers or other water-soluble products tablets
Data Source
AI summary
A fertigation apparatus that can be installed on a water supply line of an irrigation system. The fertigation apparatus includes a body that has an open top, an inlet near the open top, and an outlet near a bottom of the body, a cap configured to close the open top, and a mesh basket encased within the body, the mesh basket can receive one or more tablets of fertilizer and pest or weed control. A diverter can selectively switch the water between the direct water supply line or through the apparatus.