Horticultural Control System for Adaptive Water Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current horticultural irrigation systems are inadequate for managing the diverse water needs of multiple plant species in close proximity, as they typically rely on single-source water supply and evapotranspiration models, which can lead to inadequate watering during droughts and water restrictions, especially in residential settings with varied plant species.

Innovation Solution

A horticultural control system comprising data storage devices, a planning process, and a processor unit that utilizes a knowledge base to identify and manage the specific needs of each plant species, allowing for precise water application from various water sources, including rain barrels and grey water, to optimize water use based on real-time conditions and restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-source water supply system is used for irrigation, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot meet the diverse water needs of multiple plant species during water restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to meet diverse water needs of multiple plant speciesVSAvoidcomplexity of water supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the water supply into multiple independent sources (municipal water, rain barrels, grey water systems) that can be selectively activated. Each water source is managed separately with its own storage and distribution infrastructure, allowing the system to adapt to different water availability conditions without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The irrigation system is designed to handle multiple water sources through a universal distribution network that can accept and distribute different types of water (potable, rainwater, grey water) to various plant zones. The system performs multiple functions including water storage, filtration, pumping, and distribution through a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If evapotranspiration models are used for water application, then the irrigation approach is simple and homogeneous, but it is inadequate for yards and gardens with numerous plant species in close proximity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage diverse plant species with varying water needsVSAvoidcomplexity of irrigation management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different irrigation strategies and water quantities to different plant zones based on their specific needs. Trees and shrubs in high-water-demand zones receive different treatment compared to plants in low-water-demand zones. Each zone is configured with specific plant species information, water requirements, and irrigation schedules tailored to local conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The irrigation management system dynamically adjusts water application based on real-time conditions including soil moisture sensors, weather data, and plant-specific requirements. The system can modify irrigation schedules, water quantities, and source selection in response to changing environmental conditions and plant needs, transitioning from static evapotranspiration-based scheduling to adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If water restrictions are implemented during droughts, then water conservation is improved, but plant water needs may not be met adequately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater conservation efficiencyVSAvoidreliability of meeting plant water needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects and stores rainwater in barrels and cistens during periods of water abundance and before restrictions are imposed. Grey water from household sources is captured and stored in advance for later irrigation use. This preliminary water accumulation ensures that sufficient water reserves are available when municipal water restrictions are implemented, maintaining plant water needs without violating conservation measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces alternative water sources (rain barrels, grey water systems) as intermediaries between the limited municipal water supply and the plants' water needs. These intermediary storage and distribution systems buffer the impact of water restrictions, allowing continuous irrigation during drought periods by mediating between restricted supply and sustained demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8321365B2Horticultural knowledge base for managing yards and gardens

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 DEERE & CO

AI summary

Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for performing horticultural tasks. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus is comprised of a number of data storage devices, a planning process, and a processor unit. The number of data storage devices includes a knowledge base. The processor unit executes the planning process and accesses the knowledge base on the number of data storage devices to identify a horticultural need for a plurality of plants.