Pressurized Growing System Air-Wick Water Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems for indoor green walls face issues such as mold and algae growth, health hazards from dirty catch basins, and inefficient air circulation, which hinder the air-cleaning potential of plants.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized vertical-horizontal growing system that uses air movement to facilitate water delivery through a modified wicking system, eliminating the need for capillary action and electronic equipment for moisture regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drip irrigation or ebb flow systems are used for vertical planting, then water delivery to plants is achieved, but dirt and debris flow into open catch basins causing mold and algae growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the open catch basin entirely from the system. Instead of collecting drainage water in an exposed reservoir, the system channels water through closed piping to a hidden sump pump location, eliminating the breeding ground for mold and algae while maintaining water delivery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sump pump acts as an intermediary device that handles water collection and redistribution in a concealed manner. It receives water from the planting system through hidden piping and recirculates it, preventing direct exposure of standing water to the indoor environment where it would promote microbial growth
2Ease of operation
If capillary wicks are used for moisture delivery, then water movement into substrate occurs, but electronic equipment is needed to control moisture levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the plants' own transpiration and root uptake as the control mechanism for moisture delivery. As plants consume water, the capillary wicks automatically adjust water flow without external control, creating a self-regulating irrigation system that responds to actual plant needs rather than requiring electronic sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic moisture sensors and automated control systems with passive capillary action physics. The wicks deliver water through capillary forces alone, and the system's moisture balance is maintained through the natural interaction between water supply, plant uptake, and evaporation rather than electronic regulation
3Reliability
If air permeable substrate is used in vertical systems, then air circulation is improved, but organic and dirt debris build up in containment reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional containment reservoir from the system architecture. Instead of allowing debris to accumulate in a static reservoir, water and debris are continuously moved through closed piping to a sump pump location where solids can be separated or the water recirculated, preventing buildup while maintaining air circulation benefits
4Ease of operation
If spray methods are used for watering plants, then water delivery is achieved, but soil and debris mix in irrigation water requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a sump pump with closed-loop hydraulic piping to deliver water to the planting system. This pressurized delivery method provides consistent water flow without the need for spray mechanisms that would aerosolize and distribute soil particles, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining effective water delivery
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 healthy roots and plants by maintaining a balanced water-to-air ratio, creating a microclimate for optimal growth, and reducing energy consumption by eliminating the need for separate water drainage systems and electronic monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
relies on air movement to create a 'negative' air pressure build up for drawing water into the soil substrate
Implementation Method 2
This system while using a capillary wick does not require capillary 'action' from the wick for moisture movement
Implementation Method 3
this is accomplished by the movement of air 'pushing' through the soil
Data Source
AI summary
A Growing apparatus for cleansing air and watering plant, wherein the apparatus includes a modular panel constructed for either vertical or horizontal planting systems, including connecting couplers and end caps for directing water flow from upper to lower channelschambers. Panel consist of 5 channelschambers per section with opposing conical top and bottom set at 45 degree45-degree angles (FIG. 9-23) for both channeling water and accepting irrigation nozzle. System can also use a horizontal channel system while the orientation is different but function is the same. Panels stack nesting consecutively on top of each other to make larger systems.