Fluid Dispensing System for Custom Nutrient Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilization methods, such as dry-spreader and aqueous-dispersion techniques, face issues like inefficiency, nutrient imbalance, waste, and environmental concerns due to excessive watering, leading to fertilizer burn and nutrient runoff, and lack customization for varying plant conditions.
Innovation Solution
The Select/Slurry Solution method involves a computer-controlled system that custom-blends dry granular nutrients within a mesh screen size of #6-#100, maintaining them in suspension with pressurized agitation, allowing for precise application of low-salt, slow-release nutrients tailored to specific plant conditions, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If dry-spreader method is used to apply granular fertilizer, then fertilizer can be applied to lawns and plants, but significant amounts of active ingredients are lost due to atmospheric conditions such as heavy rain or high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of fertilizer from dry granular to liquid solution form, and changes the application method from aerial broadcasting to subsurface injection. This parameter change eliminates loss to atmospheric conditions (rain, wind) and enables precise control of application rate and location, directly resolving the contradiction between substance loss and operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic injection systems to deliver liquid fertilizer solutions subsurface through the turf. This hydraulic method replaces the mechanical dry-spreader approach, preventing fertilizer loss to atmospheric conditions and providing precise control over application location and quantity
2Productivity
If excessive watering is applied to achieve quick greening with dry-spreader method, then nutrients can be absorbed into the root system more rapidly, but nutrients leach well beyond the root system causing fertilizer burn and environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-dissolving nutrients in liquid solution form before application and injecting them directly to the root zone. This eliminates the need for subsequent excessive watering to activate nutrients, achieving quick greening without the harmful leaching and fertilizer burn that result from over-watering dry granular fertilizer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses liquid water as an intermediary carrier to dissolve and transport nutrients directly to the root zone through subsurface injection. This intermediary approach delivers nutrients precisely where needed without requiring excessive additional watering, preventing both fertilizer burn and nutrient runoff while maintaining rapid nutrient availability
3Ease of operation
If dry-spreader method is used for fertilization, then fertilizer application can be performed, but early morning applications when dew is present significantly increase the probability for fertilizer burn
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of fertilizer from dry granular to liquid solution, which fundamentally alters how the fertilizer interacts with plant surfaces. Liquid injection eliminates the fertilizer burn problem associated with dry granular particles contacting dew-covered foliage, while maintaining flexibility in application timing including early morning applications
4Ease of manufacture
If pre-blended granular fertilizer is used, then fertilizer can be applied conveniently, but up to 98% inert matter is wasted as it merely transports active ingredients with no other benefit to plants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the inert carrier materials from the fertilizer formulation, using only the active nutrient ingredients dissolved in water. This extraction eliminates waste of inert matter while maintaining convenient liquid application through the injection system, directly resolving the contradiction between application convenience and substance waste
5Area of stationary object
If mechanical broadcast type spreaders are used, then fertilizer can be applied over large areas, but a considerable amount of granular fertilizer is wasted on surfaces such as walkways, driveways, parking lots and patios instead of within the sub-surface of the turf
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic subsurface injection to deliver liquid fertilizer directly through the turf to the root zone. This method provides precise control over application location, eliminating waste on non-turf surfaces while maintaining efficient coverage of large areas through systematic injection patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates control systems that monitor and regulate the injection process, providing feedback to ensure fertilizer is delivered only to appropriate turf areas. This feedback control prevents misapplication to walkways, driveways, and other non-turf surfaces, eliminating waste while maintaining efficient large-area coverage
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 approach ensures precise, safe, and efficient nutrient delivery, minimizing fertilizer burn, optimizing nutrient uptake, and reducing environmental impact by customizing formulations for each site, promoting healthy plant growth while minimizing waste and ecological harm.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining them in suspension with pressurized agitation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing and mixing flowable materials that includes at least one hopper connected to a mixing chamber. The apparatus further includes at least one valve associated with the hopper. The valve operates to regulate the flow of material from the hopper to the mixing chamber. The apparatus also includes a controller that communicates with the at least one valve wherein the controller selectively controls the operation of the valve.