Automatic Watering Valve Bracket for Hanging Planters

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hanging planters require time-consuming and physically demanding processes for watering, as they need to be removed or have the water source raised to reach the plants, especially when hung at heights.

Innovation Solution

An automatic watering assembly with a bracket and valve system that mounts to a support structure, featuring an actuator button and biasing tab to release water when the planter hook is inserted, allowing for hands-free watering of hanging plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual watering methods are used for hanging planters, then the plant can be watered, but the process is time-consuming and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewatering efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for watering

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service watering by allowing the planter itself to activate the watering function. When the planter hook is placed in the bracket, the hook's position automatically triggers the valve to open and water the plant, eliminating the need for manual activation and making the plant care for itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-configured with a biasing tab that exerts force on the hook to activate the valve. The system is prepared in advance with the valve closed and the biasing mechanism ready, so that simply placing the hook in position automatically initiates the watering action without requiring any additional manual steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If traditional manual watering methods are used for hanging planters, then the plant can be watered, but the process is physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wateringVSAvoidphysical effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service watering by allowing the planter itself to activate the watering function. When the planter hook is placed in the bracket, the hook's position automatically triggers the valve to open and water the plant, eliminating the need for manual activation and making the plant care for itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing tab acts as an intermediary between the hook and the valve actuator. Instead of requiring direct manual force to activate the valve, the biasing tab mediates the interaction by using spring force to amplify the small movement of the hook into sufficient activation force for the valve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If an automatic valve system is implemented, then watering becomes automated and convenient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of wateringVSAvoidcomplexity of watering device

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional components: the bracket for mounting and hook reception, the biasing tab for force application, the valve for water control, and the actuator button for valve activation. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and independent, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing tab acts as an intermediary between the hook and the valve actuator. Instead of requiring direct manual force to activate the valve, the biasing tab mediates the interaction by using spring force to amplify the small movement of the hook into sufficient activation force for the valve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and convenient watering of hanging plants without the need for manual handling, reducing time and effort required for irrigation.

Implementation Method 1

The bracket also includes a biasing tab. The biasing tab is positioned opposite the valve on the bracket. The biasing tab will bias a hook positioned in the opening towards the actuator button.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12069992B2Automatic watering valve assembly

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 TORRENT LLC

AI summary

An automatic watering valve actuator assembly comprising a bracket that is attached to the watering valve assembly to a support member and a valve. The bracket comprises a clip having an enclosed elongate rectangular shape. The clip receives a hook from a hanging planter. When the hook is positioned on the clip, the actuator button of the valve is engaged allowing fluid flow there through.