Insert Container for Plant Pots with Integrated Water Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plant pot systems that separate a water storage space from the planting area are complex to produce and not accessible for independent watering in all cachepots.

Innovation Solution

A plastic, moisture-resistant insert container with a circular cross-section, designed to be easily manufactured and adaptable to any planter, featuring a water reservoir below the planting area and irrigation devices, allowing plants to draw water via pot-like depressions, and a water level indicator for efficient watering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If an intermediate base is inserted into the outer container to create a water storage space, then plants can supply themselves with water for a longer period, but the production becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply durationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert container combines the water storage function and the planting function into a single integrated component. The water storage space is formed by the insert container itself rather than requiring a separate intermediate base, thereby simplifying production while maintaining the ability to supply water for extended periods through the integrated water reservoir and irrigation devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the planting container, creates the water storage space, provides structural support, and includes integrated irrigation devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like intermediate bases, reducing production complexity while maintaining water supply capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a water storage space is created below the planting area, then plants can independently water themselves, but the system is not accessible for independent watering in all cachepots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent watering capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with all cachepots
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insert container is designed as a universal component that can be inserted into various cachepot types. It provides independent watering capability through its integrated water storage space and irrigation devices while maintaining compatibility with different cachepot configurations, thereby achieving both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into two separate components: the insert container (with water storage and irrigation functions) and the cachepot (outer container). This segmentation allows the insert container to be adapted to different cachepot types while maintaining its independent watering functionality, as the insert container self-contained water delivery system operates independently of the specific cachepot design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If irrigation devices are designed as pot-like depressions in the ground, then plants can let roots grow into the water reservoir, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater delivery reliabilityVSAvoidirrigation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation devices are integrated directly into the insert container structure rather than being separate components. The pot-like depressions are formed as part of the insert container's base structure, combining the water storage function with the irrigation delivery function. This integration maintains reliable water delivery to plant roots while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate irrigation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables plants to independently supply themselves with water, simplifying production and making the system accessible for any cachepot, ensuring effective and efficient watering through the use of a separate water reservoir and irrigation system.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate base is inserted, which delimits a water storage space between itself and the base of the outer container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater storage:

Implementation Method 2

irrigation devices, which are designed as pot-like depressions in the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater transfer through capillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2168428B1Insert container for plant pots
Publication Date: 2012.04.04 GEOBRA BRANDSTATTER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2168428B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2168428B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2168428B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The container (1) has a side wall (6) adjoining a base with a lower edge, where the side wall is formed with an upper edge (8) opened on top of the container and surrounds an interior side. A longitudinal axis of the container extends perpendicular to the base, where the container is made of plastic material. A set of downwardly projecting supports is arranged on the base and in a direction of the longitudinal axis. A water-permeable watering device is arranged on the base, where an indentation (11) extends in the direction of the axis and in the side wall.