Floating Regulator for Constant Water Discharge in Vegetation Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water reserve systems for vegetation cultivation, such as plant growing trays, face challenges in managing sudden and significant water inflows during storms, leading to potential flooding and overload of sanitation systems, as they lack efficient mechanisms for constant water discharge.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a floating regulator with a chamber having an upper inlet orifice and a lower calibrated outlet orifice, which allows for controlled water discharge at a constant flow rate until the water level drops below the inlet orifice, utilizing a flexible connecting tube and filtering stages to manage water flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water reserve systems use simple overflow mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain constant flow rate during storm events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a calibrated outlet orifice with specific dimensions designed to maintain constant flow rate. The orifice is sized and shaped to provide flow stabilization under varying water levels, transforming the overflow mechanism from a simple geometric opening to a precisely engineered flow control element that compensates for water level fluctuations during storm events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the floating regulator - that acts as a mediator between the water reserve and the outlet. This floating element responds to water level changes and adjusts the effective opening area dynamically, providing intermediate control that maintains constant discharge flow rate while simplifying the overall system design compared to complex mechanical valve systems
2Productivity
If the outlet orifice section is enlarged to increase discharge capacity, then the productivity of water discharge is improved, but the flow rate constancy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully optimizing the outlet orifice parameters - specifically the section area, shape, and position. The calibrated orifice is designed with precise dimensional parameters that allow sufficient discharge capacity for storm events while maintaining flow rate constancy. The parameters are tuned to balance between maximizing productivity and ensuring reliable constant flow, avoiding both excessive enlargement and overly restrictive openings
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the water reserve discharges water quickly during storms, then the loss of water reserve is increased, but the harmful effect of flooding and sanitation overload is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the floating regulator mechanism. The float responds to water level changes in real-time, automatically adjusting the outlet opening area. When water levels rise during storms, the float rises and increases discharge; when levels drop, the float descends and reduces discharge. This feedback mechanism ensures rapid discharge capacity during storms while automatically conserving water reserves during normal conditions, reducing both flooding risk and unnecessary water loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the outlet opening area variable rather than fixed. The floating regulator dynamically adjusts the effective opening based on water level conditions, allowing the system to optimize discharge rate continuously. This dynamic adjustment enables rapid water release during storm events when high discharge is needed, while automatically reducing discharge during normal conditions to preserve water reserves, thus resolving the contradiction between quick discharge and water conservation
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 system ensures a constant outflow rate during water surges, reducing the risk of flooding and maintaining a reserve for drought periods, while preventing overloading of sanitation systems and maintaining a usable water reserve.
Implementation Method 1
a floating regulator placed in the reserve for monitoring the water level therein
Implementation Method 2
at least one lower calibrated outlet orifice, of reduced section so as to slow down and restrain the flow
Implementation Method 3
the floating regulator makes it possible to define a constant water column height between the inlet in the chamber and its outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system, particularly for vegetation cultivation, including a water reserve, a device for controlling the flow towards the exterior of the volume contained in the reserve, including a floating regulator placed in the reserve to monitor the level thereof, which floating regulator defines a chamber having at least one upper inlet orifice in fluidic communication with the reserve volume, at least one lower calibrated outlet orifice of reduced section in communication with the exterior, such that the floating regulator allows a discharge of water towards the exterior via the outlet orifice at constant flow rate as long as the water level in the reserve is above the height of the inlet orifice and interrupts the discharge of water towards the exterior via the outlet orifice when the water level is below the inlet orifice to then define a water reserve. The invention also relates to the floating regulator, the use thereof and/or of the system, and a water reserve control method.