Modular Irrigation Device with Sensor-Controlled Water Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems are inflexible and inefficient in managing water resources, particularly during dry periods, as they fail to adapt to local needs and often result in water loss due to heavy rainfall, leading to soil drying and plant dehydration.
Innovation Solution
A modular irrigation and drainage device that collects and stores rainwater, utilizing sensors and actuators to control water release based on environmental data, including soil moisture and weather forecasts, to optimize water distribution and reduce evaporation, while incorporating a water purification system to maintain water quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heavy rainwater is allowed to accumulate on dry soil, then the soil can absorb some water, but most water evaporates or enters the environment before soaking through, intensifying soil drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning buffer tanks and storage reservoirs to capture and store rainwater before it can evaporate or run off. The system proactively collects water during rainy periods and stores it for later use during dry periods, preventing the water loss problem before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces buffer tanks and storage reservoirs as intermediary elements between the rainwater source and the soil/plants. These intermediaries capture, store, and regulate water delivery, allowing controlled release to the soil rather than direct exposure to evaporation or uncontrolled runoff.
2Quantity of substance
If existing urban infrastructure is used for rainwater distribution, then water collection is possible, but the system is inflexible and does not adapt to local irrigation needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irrigation system into modular components including distributed buffer tanks, storage reservoirs, and independently controlled irrigation zones. Each segment can be controlled separately based on local soil moisture conditions and plant needs, providing flexibility while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through sensors that continuously monitor soil moisture and weather conditions, with actuators that automatically adjust water distribution in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing local conditions rather than following a fixed distribution pattern.
3Quantity of substance
If water is released from storage during dry periods, then plants can be irrigated, but uncontrolled release leads to water waste and increased evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor soil moisture levels and weather conditions, then using this information to automatically control actuator operation. Water is released only when and where needed based on actual soil conditions, preventing both water waste and unnecessary evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces uncontrolled mechanical water release with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to regulate water flow. This substitution of mechanical control with sensor-actuator systems enables precise, demand-based water distribution that minimizes evaporation losses.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If buffers and storage reservoirs are used to store rainwater, then water is available for dry periods, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs buffer tanks and storage reservoirs that serve multiple functions: capturing rainwater during heavy precipitation, storing water for extended periods, providing controlled release during dry periods, and potentially serving as part of the irrigation distribution network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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
The system ensures efficient water management by providing controlled irrigation during dry periods, reducing soil drying, promoting plant growth, and lowering urban heat through evaporation, while maintaining water quality and minimizing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a water requirement is determined directly in the irrigation zones using a large number of networked sensors
Implementation Method 2
the evaporation of the water released also results in a reduction in heat, which is particularly valuable in inner-city areas
Implementation Method 3
based on the environmental data, using at least one actuator, for example a control valve, to make available for use a water volume flow from the buffer (tank) and/or from the storage reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an irrigation and drainage device and/or water storage device, preferably for managing water, in particular irrigation of (green) areas and/or plants, comprising the following:at least one water-collection device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) designed to collect and/or store water, wherein the water-collection device (10, 20, 30, 40, 64) is in direct or indirect fluid connection with a buffer (tank) (60) and/or a storage reservoir (80),wherein the buffer (tank) (60) and/or the storage reservoir (80) is/are designed to store water and to make the stored water available for use, for example to release it into an irrigation pipe network (85);at least one control unit (61, 130), which is designed to receive and/or acquire environmental data, in particular to acquire these data by means of at least one sensor (100), and based on the environmental data, using at least one actuator, for example a control valve (84), to make available for use a water volume flow from the buffer (tank) (60) and/or from the storage reservoir (80), for example to control it in the irrigation pipe network (85).