Subterranean Root Irrigation Chamber with Auger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems, such as sprinklers, drip irrigation, and soakers, often result in water wastage due to evaporation and runoff, as they do not effectively deliver water directly to the root system of plants.
Innovation Solution
A root irrigation apparatus that includes a chamber with an irrigation aperture, a valve, and an attachment body with an auger, allowing for subterranean water delivery directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff through controlled flow and adjustable length for varying root depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional irrigation methods (sprinklers, drip irrigation, soakers) are used, then water can be delivered to plants, but water is wasted due to evaporation and runoff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the irrigation aperture from the surface level and positions it at the bottom of the chamber, allowing water to be delivered directly to the root zone through subsurface irrigation. This extraction of the water delivery point from surface level eliminates evaporation and runoff losses that occur with traditional sprinklers, drip irrigation, and soakers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of delivering water to the surface and relying on gravity and capillary action to move it down to roots (traditional method), the patent inverts the approach by delivering water directly to the root zone through subsurface apertures. This inversion of the water delivery sequence eliminates the intermediate exposure to air that causes evaporation and runoff.
2Area of stationary object
If sprinklers are used for irrigation, then water can be sprayed over a wide area, but strong water pressure is required and water is wasted due to evaporation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning irrigation apertures at specific locations (bottom and sides of chamber) rather than distributing water broadly across the surface. This localized subsurface delivery targets water precisely where roots are located, eliminating the need for high-pressure spraying and preventing water waste from evaporation and misalignment.
3Speed
If soaking hoses or drip irrigation heads are used, then water can be delivered slowly to plants, but evaporation and misdirected irrigation occur if not properly maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-positioning the irrigation apertures at the bottom and sides of the chamber during manufacturing. This preliminary placement ensures that water is always delivered directly to the root zone without requiring ongoing maintenance or adjustment, eliminating the reliability issues of misdirected irrigation that plague drip irrigation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A root irrigation apparatus includes a chamber including a first end, a second end, and, an irrigation aperture, a valve operably connected to the first end of the chamber, and, a cap configured to couple to the first end of the chamber.