Movable Conduit Watering Control Using a Single Container Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant watering systems require multiple scales for each container and fixed flow regulation, leading to complex conduit networks and inefficient water management.
Innovation Solution
A single scale controls water flow and conduit movement across multiple containers, with adjustable flow rates and speeds based on container weight, optimizing water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scale is required for each potted plant to control water flow, then water control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scale functions into a single scale by implementing a movable conduit that sequentially serves multiple containers. The conduit moves between containers under scale control, allowing one scale to monitor and control water distribution across multiple containers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the water delivery mechanism and the moving element that accesses multiple containers. This universal design allows a single scale to control water flow to multiple containers through one conduit, eliminating the need for individual scales at each container location
2Reliability
If conduit branches extend to each potted plant, then water delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static conduit branches with a dynamic movable conduit that can reposition itself to serve different containers. This dynamic approach maintains reliable water delivery to each container while eliminating the need for complex fixed branching conduit networks, as the single movable conduit sequentially connects to each container
3Device complexity
If the scale merely switches the valve between on and off positions, then device simplicity is improved, but water management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable flow rate control through the movable conduit, allowing the system to adjust water delivery parameters based on container weight. The conduit's movement speed and water flow rate can be varied to optimize water distribution efficiency, moving beyond simple on/off valve control to enable proportional water management that responds to actual container needs
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
Reduces conduit complexity, saves water by minimizing excess drainage, and enhances watering efficiency through adaptable flow regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a scale associated with one of the containers for determining the weight of the associated container
Implementation Method 2
a regulator for regulating the flow of water along the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A plant watering system (10) includes: a plurality of containers (12) for containing plant growing medium and plants (20); a conduit (16) defining an outlet ((18) for, in use, conveying water along the conduit and discharging water via the conduit outlet; a regulator (22) for regulating the flow of water along the conduit; a scale (14) associated with one of the containers for determining the weight of the associated container; a controller (24) that controls the regulator, thereby to vary the flow of water along the conduit in response to the container weight determined by the scale; and means for moving the conduit outlet across the plurality of containers, in use to provide water to the plurality of containers.