In-Line Soluble Media Delivery System for Automated Fertilizer Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in grounds maintenance is labor-intensive and inefficient, especially in arid regions where varied formulations are needed for different plants and structures, often leading to inadequate care due to the burden on maintenance providers.
Innovation Solution
An in-line soluble media delivery system that integrates with liquid transportation systems, featuring a housing with inlet and outlet ports, filters to retain undissolved media, and a refillable design, allowing soluble media to dissolve gradually and be distributed uniformly, with optional flow control and indicia for easy use and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides is used, then maintenance providers can apply specialized formulations to different plants and structures, but the process becomes labor-intensive and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing soluble media to automatically dissolve and distribute through the irrigation infrastructure without requiring manual mixing, handling, or application. The soluble media containers autonomously deliver nutrients and treatments as liquid flows through the system, eliminating the need for maintenance providers to manually apply specialized formulations to different plants and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical application methods with an automated dissolution and distribution mechanism. Instead of manually mixing and applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, the system uses the existing liquid flow infrastructure to automatically transport and distribute soluble media formulations to various locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized formulations are manually mixed and applied to different areas, then specific plant and structure needs are met, but the complexity of handling hazardous materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments different soluble media formulations into separate containers, each designed for specific plant or structure needs. Instead of manually mixing multiple formulations, the system distributes different soluble media types through separate containers that interface with the liquid flow system, maintaining formulation specificity while eliminating mixing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal liquid flow distribution infrastructure to deliver multiple different soluble media formulations. The existing irrigation system serves as a multi-functional platform that can transport various types of soluble media (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides) to different locations without requiring separate application systems for each formulation.
3Extent of automation
If soluble media is delivered through dissolution in liquid flow, then automated distribution is achieved, but filters are needed to retain undissolved media particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces filters as intermediary components between the soluble media containers and the liquid flow distribution system. These filters serve as mediators that allow dissolved nutrients and treatments to pass through while blocking undissolved media particles, enabling automated distribution without requiring complex separation or purification systems downstream.
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
The system automates the delivery of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, ensuring consistent and targeted application to various plants and structures over extended periods, reducing waste and maintenance burdens while maintaining soil health and pest control.
Implementation Method 1
A soluble media (e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, etc.) in the delivery system may be exposed to the liquid flow, and may dissolve in the liquid over time.
Implementation Method 2
At least one filter may allow the liquid flow, now comprising at least some of the gradually dissolving media, to exit the system without allowing the bulk of the soluble media to exit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an in-line soluble media delivery system. In at least one embodiment, the system may comprise a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port may accept a liquid flow (e.g., water). A soluble media (e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, etc.) in the delivery system may be exposed to the liquid flow, and may dissolve in the liquid over time. At least one filter may allow the liquid flow, now comprising at least some of the gradually dissolving media, to exit the system without allowing the bulk of the soluble media to exit. In at least one embodiment the system may comprise two filters with different porosity.