Watering Reservoir With Integrated Light Source to Reduce Soil Clutter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden watering systems do not effectively illuminate plants in low light conditions, requiring separate lighting solutions that increase the number of objects inserted into the soil and do not provide a dual purpose of watering and illumination.

Innovation Solution

A watering device with an enclosed reservoir that incorporates at least one light source, where the light source is partially or wholly contained within a chamber attached to the reservoir, extending inwardly to provide both watering and illumination, reducing the need for separate lighting and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If separate lighting solutions are used to illuminate plants in low light conditions, then illumination is provided, but the number of objects inserted into the soil increases and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of plantsVSAvoidnumber of objects inserted into soil
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lighting function with the watering reservoir by integrating a light source into the reservoir structure. The reservoir contains both water for watering plants and a light source for illumination, merging two separate functions (watering and lighting) into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate lighting objects inserted into the soil, directly resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a watering device and a lighting device. The light source is integrated into the reservoir structure, allowing the same object to provide both water to plants and illumination in low light conditions, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is integrated into the reservoir, then both watering and illumination functions are provided, but the reservoir structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual purpose of watering and illuminationVSAvoidreservoir structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the light source directly into the reservoir structure, combining two functional elements (water storage and lighting) into a single unified device. This merging approach provides dual functionality while minimizing structural complexity by using the existing reservoir form factor rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source is nested within the reservoir structure, with the light source fitting inside or along the walls of the reservoir. This nesting arrangement allows the lighting function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or structural complexity of the reservoir, maintaining a compact and integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Illumination intensity

If the light source is contained within a chamber extending inwardly to the reservoir interior, then illumination is provided while maintaining water supply, but the chamber structure adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of plantsVSAvoidchamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber containing the light source is nested within the reservoir interior, with the chamber extending inwardly from the reservoir wall. This nesting configuration allows the light source to be positioned within the water-filled environment without compromising the water supply function, while the chamber structure remains integrated with the reservoir rather than being a separate addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber structure is localized to specific regions of the reservoir where lighting is needed, rather than requiring a complete structural redesign of the entire reservoir. The chamber extends inwardly only to the extent necessary to house the light source, maintaining local functionality without globally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device combines the functionality of a drip feed system with built-in illumination, enhancing garden beauty, reducing soil clutter, and allowing for flexible lighting options, including solar and LED sources, enabling garden enjoyment after dark without the need for additional lighting.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a lighting system in a unique and innovative way in order to enable the plants to be illuminated in low light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

automatic watering systems using sprinklers to drip feed systems using a reservoir, usually in the form of an inverted container which uses gravity and a watering spike to drip feed plants over a period of time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2757870B1Watering device incorporating a light source
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 ONYEKA GEORGE
  • EP2757870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2757870B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2A
  • EP2757870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A Watering device incorporating a light source (5) consisting of at least one inner chamber (2) attached to the exterior surface of the reservoir (1), said inner chamber (2) projecting or extending inwardly, said reservoir (1) having a mouth (3) which is able to be screwed or attached easily to commonly available drip feed devices or watering spikes (4), the inner chamber (2) wall at the exterior surface of the reservoir or extending outwardly from the reservoir exterior surface having a hole to accommodate fully or partially a light source or light sources (5) within the chambers), said light sources providing illumination of the reservoir (1), the plant, and surroundings or part thereof.