Hydroponic feed indication apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watering trees indoors is tedious and can lead to overfilling and spillage due to the breadth of tree branches, making it difficult for users to reach the tree stand and requiring frequent attention.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic feed indication apparatus with ergonomic design, electrodes, and sensors that indicate the water level, preventing overfilling and dehydration by illuminating when the desired level is reached or depleted, and optionally activating a pump for automatic replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is added to tree stands manually, then trees can be watered, but it is tedious and challenging due to the breadth of tree branches making it difficult to reach the tree stand
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic watering through a pump that autonomously transfers water from a reservoir to the tree stand when the water level sensor detects low water levels, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-servicing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical watering with an automated electromechanical system comprising a water level sensor, controller, and pump that automatically detect and respond to water level conditions, substituting human effort with automated mechanisms
2Quantity of substance
If water is added to tree stands, then trees can be watered, but users may overfill the tree stand resulting in water spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the water level in the tree stand, which then controls the pump operation to stop when the desired level is reached, preventing overfilling and spillage through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of water levels before overflow can occur, allowing the controller to preemptively stop water addition when the maximum level is approached, preventing the harmful effect of spillage before it happens
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
Facilitates convenient watering, prevents overfilling and spillage, and ensures trees remain hydrated by providing visual and auditory cues and automatic water replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
The distal body portion may include anode and cathode electrodes that may be connected to a fill level indicator disposed at a proximal body portion top end via insulated wires
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroponic feed indication apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a hollow body having a distal body portion and a proximal body portion. The distal body portion may be inserted into a tree stand, and the proximal body portion may receive fluid via a proximal body portion top end. The apparatus may further include an anode electrode and a cathode electrode disposed at a distal body portion exterior surface. The anode electrode may move along a distal body portion length via a first elongated slit disposed on the distal body portion. The cathode electrode may move along the distal body portion length via a second elongated slit disposed on the distal body portion. The apparatus may further include a fill level indicator disposed on the body. The fill level indicator may activate when the fluid shorts the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.