Plant Cultivation System With Inductive Power Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation systems face challenges in cleaning due to fixed, corded power connections and lack of separation between water-carrying and electrical components, making thorough cleaning, such as using a dishwasher, impractical.
Innovation Solution
A plant cultivation system with a detachable watering vessel and wireless connection to the docking station, allowing for easy cleaning and separation of water-carrying components from electrical components, including an inductive coupling for energy transfer and optical coupling for sensor data exchange, enabling dishwasher-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is connected to the power grid with a fixed corded power connection, then the system can continuously operate with stable power supply, but the container cannot be thoroughly cleaned using a dishwasher and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a waterproof container with battery that can be detached from the docking station. This segmentation allows the container to be removed for cleaning while the electrical components remain stationary, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and cleaning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the container and docking station. The magnetic connection provides reliable electrical contact during operation but allows easy separation for cleaning, bridging the gap between stable power supply and cleaning accessibility.
2Device complexity
If electrical components are integrated into the water-carrying container, then the system structure is simplified, but the container cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher due to electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates electrical components (docking station, battery) from water-carrying components (container, irrigation system). This segmentation enables the water-carrying parts to be dishwasher-safe while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical components are extracted from the water-carrying container and placed in a separate docking station. The container becomes purely mechanical/water-related, making it suitable for dishwasher cleaning, while the electrical components remain in the stationary docking station.
3Reliability
If the container is permanently connected to the power source, then power supply is guaranteed, but the container cannot be easily moved to another location
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between container and docking station is made dynamic rather than fixed. The container can be easily attached and detached, allowing it to be moved to different locations while maintaining power supply when docked. The magnetic coupling enables quick connection/disconnection without permanent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station serves as an intermediary that provides power when the container is docked but allows easy removal when mobility is needed. This intermediary structure enables both guaranteed power supply during operation and location flexibility when required.
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
Facilitates easy cleaning of water-carrying components and allows for wireless operation of the system, preventing corrosion and enabling thorough cleaning without disconnection from the power source, enhancing user accessibility and system hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
wireless connection to the docking station, allowing for easy cleaning and separation of water-carrying components from electrical components, including an inductive coupling for energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
optical coupling for sensor data exchange, enabling dishwasher-safe operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plant cultivation system (10) with at least one irrigation vessel (14) into which at least one tray (20) can be inserted, wherein a capsule holder (28) can be received in the tray (20) and the capsule holder (28) has a plurality of recesses (30, 32, 34) into which a capsule (180, 182, 184) with a plant cultivation substrate (192) can be inserted and water (170) can flow back into the irrigation vessel (14) from the tray (20) by gravity through at least one bottom opening (42).According to the invention, water (170) can be pumped from the watering vessel (14) into the tray (20) for irrigating the capsules inserted in the recesses (30, 32, 34) by means of an electric pump unit (50) associated with the watering vessel (14), and the watering vessel (14) can be placed on a contactless docking station (60) for supplying the electric pump unit (50), and the docking station (60) can be connected to the power supply (122) via a connecting cable (120). As a result, the plant cultivation system (10) can be easily cleaned, for example in a dishwasher.