Irrigation Apparatus Angled Dispersion Root Growth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional watering methods for plants are inefficient, leading to uneven water distribution, wastage of resources, and damage to plants due to over or under-watering, especially in undulating areas and high-density plantings, and do not effectively support the natural growth habits of plants.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a body portion with a liquid containment vessel and aperture that disperses water and nutrients evenly to plants, using a gravity-fed system and flexible conduit for efficient water delivery, along with a funnel-shaped cavity for root growth and a plant support that mimics natural growth habits, reducing root bound issues and promoting healthy plant development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional watering methods (overhead spray, flood irrigation) are used, then water delivery is simple and covers large areas, but water is wasted excessively and waterborne diseases develop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater wasteVSAvoidwaterborne disease risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments water delivery by using individual body portions with multiple outlets positioned at different heights and angles, delivering water directly to each plant's root zone rather than spraying overhead or flooding areas, thereby eliminating water waste and disease risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by positioning outlets at specific heights and angles tailored to each plant's needs, with the liquid containment vessel delivering water precisely where required at the plant base, avoiding the harmful effects of traditional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If drip irrigation is used, then water delivery efficiency is improved, but emitters become plugged and high-density plantings in small spots cannot be watered effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater delivery efficiencyVSAvoidemitter clogging and coverage effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides water delivery into multiple outlets (e.g., 3-6 outlets per body portion) positioned at different heights and angles, preventing clogging by distributing water through multiple pathways rather than single emitters, while effectively covering high-density plantings in small areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each outlet is positioned at a specific height and angle tailored to the plant's root zone requirements, ensuring reliable water delivery to each plant individually even in high-density configurations, preventing the clogging issues of traditional drip irrigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If soaker hoses are used, then water delivery is improved over flood irrigation, but undulating terrain causes uneven water distribution leading to overwatering or underwatering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater delivery improvementVSAvoidwater distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses individual body portions with multiple outlets at varying heights and angles, each independently positioned to account for terrain variations, ensuring uniform water distribution across undulating terrain rather than relying on a continuous hose that cannot adapt to grade changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to undulating terrain by positioning each body portion with outlets at specific heights and angles relative to the plant's location, dynamically adjusting water delivery to compensate for terrain variations and achieve uniform distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If cone-shaped pots are used, then container plants are easy to grow, but plants become root bound quickly and die

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer growing easeVSAvoidplant lifespan before root binding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an inverted cone shape that is asymmetric compared to traditional pots, with the wider opening at the bottom and narrower at the top, allowing roots to grow downward into increasing space rather than being constrained by the narrowing walls of conventional pots, thereby extending plant lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system ensures consistent and targeted water and nutrient delivery, reducing resource wastage, promoting healthy plant growth, and preventing root bound conditions, while allowing plants to grow naturally, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Implementation Method 1

using a gravity-fed system for efficient water delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11793128B2Irrigation apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 KENDALL JOHN WILLIAM

AI summary

An irrigation apparatus to water, contain and support plants. The irrigation apparatus comprising a body portion comprised of a top portion and a bottom portion that join to form a liquid containment vessel that disperses liquid in a defined dispersal pattern through angled openings to at least one plant embedded in growth medium at grade or at elevation in a plant growth container.