Automatic Timed Watering Planter with Programmable Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant watering systems often shock plants with inconsistent watering and humidity levels, making it difficult for growers to provide the right amount of water and humidity without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An automatic timed watering planter with a battery-operated pump and programmable control unit that delivers a measured amount of water to plants at scheduled intervals, mimicking rainfall and increasing humidity through overhead watering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is dispensed through capillary contact with soil, then water is continuously supplied to plants, but water pressure changes as water level drops and different soils transport water at different rates making it difficult to control the amount of water applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive capillary action mechanical system with an active electronic pump system controlled by a microcontroller. The pump delivers precise volumes of water based on programmed parameters, eliminating the uncontrolled capillary flow and variable soil transport rates. The system uses electronic control to regulate water delivery timing and quantity, providing measurable and repeatable watering amounts regardless of soil type or water level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic sensor detection and programmable timing that enables the watering system to operate autonomously without manual intervention. The microcontroller monitors conditions and automatically activates the pump to deliver precise water amounts, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for user judgment about when and how much to water.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If hand misting is used to boost humidity, then humidity levels increase and stomata remain open, but the effect does not last all day long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic misting cycles controlled by a programmable microcontroller that delivers humidity enhancement at scheduled intervals throughout the day. Rather than a single continuous misting event, the system performs repeated short-duration misting cycles that maintain elevated humidity levels and keep stomata open over extended periods. The periodic action ensures sustained environmental conditions beneficial to plant health.
3Ease of operation
If separate containers are used to pump water to plants, then water can be delivered to plants, but the system becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the water reservoir, pump mechanism, control electronics, and plant container into a single unified planter unit. The reservoir forms an integral part of the planter structure, and the pump is embedded within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate external containers and reducing the number of connections and components. This merged design maintains full water delivery functionality while significantly simplifying the overall system structure.
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 ensures plants receive the right amount of water without over or under watering, while maintaining optimal humidity levels, even when the grower is away, thus promoting healthy plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
A battery operated pump with a programmable control unit for an automatic timer is positioned in the water holding space
Implementation Method 2
An automatic timed watering planter with a battery-operated pump and programmable control unit that delivers a measured amount of water to plants at scheduled intervals, mimicking rainfall and increasing humidity through overhead watering
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic timed watering planter comprising an inner container with a flange at a top edge and an outer container with a ledge recessed below a top edge upon which the inner container is supported above a water holding space. A battery operated pump with a programmable control unit for an automatic timer is connected to tubing branches which are connected to symmetrically spaced water ports in the flange. Symmetrically spaced posts on the ledge are received in apertures in the flange outboard of the water ports and secured with a clip having a front side with a nozzle outlet connected to one of the tubing branches and rear side with a lip adapted to snap-fit on a bead along a top edge of the outer container.