Self-Watering Planter Tray with Daisy-Chain Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-watering solutions for planters are either expensive, complex, or aesthetically unpleasing, often requiring separate water lines and electrical connections for each planter, and lack a durable, cost-effective method to connect multiple planters to a standard garden hose or low-pressure irrigation system.
Innovation Solution
A self-watering tray with an integral irrigation system that connects to a standard garden water hose, allowing multiple planters to be watered from a single source through a daisy-chain configuration, without the need for special fittings or modifications, and can be mounted on various surfaces, featuring a tubular design with internal water manifolds and distribution channels for efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate water lines and electrical connections are provided for each planter, then reliable irrigation is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple planters into a single integrated system with a shared water distribution network. The manifold structure merges water flow from a single source to multiple planters simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate water lines and electrical connections for each planter while maintaining reliable irrigation across all planters in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal connectors and a modular manifold design that can accommodate multiple planters of different sizes and configurations. The single water source and control mechanism serve all planters universally, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality across diverse planter arrangements.
2Extent of automation
If a central controller with valve assembly is used, then automation is improved, but a multitude of tubes must be routed from origin to various plants
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water distribution into zones served by the manifold, with each planter receiving water through dedicated ports on the manifold structure. This segmentation allows automation through a single central valve while minimizing tubing length by distributing water radially from the manifold rather than requiring long runs to each individual planter.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary structure between the single water source and multiple planters. It receives water from one source and distributes it to various planters through integrated ports, eliminating the need for separate tubing runs from the origin to each planter while maintaining automated control through the central valve assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-operated mechanisms are used, then electrical power requirements are eliminated, but the mechanisms become excessively complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-regulating flow control features integrated into the manifold and valve assembly that automatically adjust water distribution based on system pressure and demand without requiring complex mechanical feedback mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for power while maintaining simple, reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex gravity-operated mechanical mechanisms with a simplified pressure-driven valve system that uses minimal moving parts. The valve assembly relies on pressure differential and spring-loaded diaphragms rather than complex gravity-based mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while eliminating electrical power requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If devices with close tolerance machining are used, then water flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adequate flow control precision through parameter optimization in the valve design, such as selecting appropriate orifice sizes and spring pressures, rather than relying on close tolerance machining. The manifold ports and valve components are designed with practical tolerances that provide sufficient flow regulation while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold incorporates porous or screened flow distribution features that provide inherent flow regulation through material properties rather than precise mechanical tolerances. This approach achieves satisfactory water distribution control while using standard manufacturing processes with relaxed tolerance requirements, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 efficient, economical, and aesthetically pleasing irrigation of multiple planters using a single water source, reducing the need for separate water lines and electrical connections, while allowing for a wide range of planter sizes and configurations, and integrating seamlessly with existing lawn/garden watering systems.
Implementation Method 1
A self-watering tray with an integral irrigation system that connects to a standard garden water hose, allowing multiple planters to be watered from a single source through a daisy-chain configuration
Implementation Method 2
featuring a tubular design with internal water manifolds and distribution channels for efficient water distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A self-watering tray device having an integral internal irrigation system, and a method of watering allowing water to be supplied by a garden water hose and a water faucet. A plurality of said self-watering trays capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a water faucet and a plurality of garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self-watering trays and non-self-watering planters positioned thereon.