In-Ground Liquid Capture Tray with Reservoir Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems and liquid capture technologies fail to effectively prevent agricultural liquids from passing through the root zone, leading to waste and potential contamination of groundwater, as they do not adequately address the issue of excess liquids flooding the root zone or provide sufficient coverage for large areas.
Innovation Solution
A tray system with interconnected cup-like structures positioned below the root zone to capture agricultural liquids, featuring drainage holes and overflow apertures to prevent inundation, allowing for easy expansion and adaptation to various growing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If liquid capture devices are placed below the root zone to capture agricultural liquids, then liquid loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture tray is divided into multiple cup-like structures arranged in a matrix pattern, where each cup acts as an independent liquid capture unit. This segmentation allows the system to capture liquids across a large area while maintaining simple, modular individual components that can be manufactured and installed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup-like structures are nested within the tray body, with each cup forming a reservoir that fits into the tray's overall structure. This nesting approach integrates multiple capture functions within a single tray unit, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective liquid capture capability.
2Loss of substance
If the tray captures all agricultural liquids below the root zone, then liquid loss is reduced, but root zone inundation occurs causing plant damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tray incorporates overflow apertures at specific locations on the cup structures, creating localized discharge points that allow excess liquid to escape at controlled positions. This ensures that while liquids are captured for reuse, excess amounts can safely overflow without inundating the root zone, balancing liquid retention with plant protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow apertures provide a feedback mechanism where the cup structures automatically regulate liquid levels by allowing excess liquid to escape when the root zone approaches dangerous moisture levels. This self-regulating system prevents root zone inundation without requiring external control mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If a single large tray is used to cover the growing area, then coverage is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed as an assembly of multiple identical or standardized cup-like structures arranged in a matrix. This segmentation allows the tray to cover large areas while maintaining simple, repetitive manufacturing processes for each cup unit, making production more efficient and installation more flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized cup structures serve multiple functions: they capture liquid, provide structural support, and create the overall tray geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different components needed, simplifying both manufacturing and installation while achieving comprehensive coverage.
4Strength
If the tray structure is made robust to withstand soil pressure, then structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cup-like structures utilize curved, dome-shaped geometries that naturally distribute soil pressure across their surfaces. This curvature provides inherent structural strength without requiring complex reinforcement elements, allowing the tray to withstand soil loads while maintaining a simple, elegant structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is divided into multiple discrete cup structures rather than a single monolithic shell. This segmentation allows each cup to independently bear localized soil pressure, distributing mechanical loads across multiple units and reducing the complexity required for any individual component while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
Significantly reduces the loss of agricultural liquids, optimizes water and chemical usage, and prevents contamination by allowing captured liquids to be reused by the plants, while preventing root damage and allowing for efficient monitoring and optimization of irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir matrix is structured and arranged to receive the agricultural liquids in one or more of the reservoirs when the agricultural liquids pass through the root zone
Implementation Method 2
The liquid capture tray comprises a plurality of drainage holes and one or more overflow apertures that are structured and arranged to prevent root zone inundation
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid capture tray and conservation system for capturing agricultural liquids which would otherwise be wasted and could contaminate groundwater. The liquid capture tray has a tray body and a reservoir matrix across the tray body. The reservoir matrix has a plurality of adjacent interconnected concave liquid capture cups, each with a sidewall and bottom wall defining an upwardly disposed reservoir. The tray is positioned below the root zone of a plant growing area to capture liquids that pass through the root zone into the reservoirs of the cups. Apertures in the tray body allow excess liquids to drain from the tray. A connecting mechanism can be utilized to connect two trays together. Cut-outs in the sidewalls of the cups allow liquid to move from one cup to another to disperse liquid across the reservoir matrix. The system includes a growing area, root zone, liquid and liquid capture tray.