AU2017201036A1 - Growing Systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The result of this device, this design and configuration, is to allow for the effective, efficient and controlled growing of plants in diverse environments, minimising the input of labour and resources. The principles are ease of use, portability and appropriateness across differing environments. In order to achieve this, the standardised design to house the particular mechanics described below is cylindrical, however the configuration may easily be remodelled into a rectangular design, for example. The configuration is vertically integrated, with each of the three main sections described connected as one seamless progression. The purpose of this invention is to provide optimum growing conditions across the spectrum of plant growth, maintaining high efficiency, practicability, affordable simplicity in outcomes and applicability.

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE 2017201036 - There is 9 pages of Description the page numbering starts at 2 2 2017201036 22 Feb 2017

General Specifications/Description

Title: Growing Systems: An integrated system for plant production Technical Field: Engineering/Computer Science/Botany Background: Horticulture

Note: The accompanying drawing is for illustrative purposes only; please regard only this document as authoritative.

Summary

Technical Problem: (0001) Optimising plant growth in diverse environments, whilst minimising inputs and maintaining a high level of access for diverse requirements.

Solution to Problem: (0002) The result of this device, this design and configuration, is to allow for the effective, efficient and controlled growing of plants in diverse environments, minimising the input of labour and resources. The principles are ease of use, portability and appropriateness across differing environments. In order to achieve this, the standardised design to house the particular mechanics described below is cylindrical, however the configuration may easily be remodelled into a rectangular design, for example. The configuration is vertically integrated, with each of the three main sections described connected as one seamless progression. The purpose of this invention is to provide optimum growing conditions across the spectrum of plant growth, maintaining high efficiency, practicability, affordable simplicity in outcomes and applicability. (0003) The device is composed of three main sections, in order from the top to the base; 1. The growing space 2. The liquid storage system/container, comprised of two internal compartments 3. The battery and pump section/base of device

To give a sense of scale, dimensions to be envisaged here are: 3 2017201036 22 Feb 2017

Diameter: 30cm Height: 33cm;

Growing space: 18cm

Liquid container: 10cm

Battery and pump compartment: 5cm (0004) These three sections disconnect from one another via slide-in hinges which are released (when one wishes to detach) using round inset buttons (not indicated on application illustrations) on either side of each level (below the section interface). A rubber buffer/seal is fitted at the connecting interface between the top sections (inner layer - see below) to waterproof the internal mechanics of the system. Four circular steel brace rods lock into place at maximum extension via a lock-and-release mechanism (for both interfaces). The bars are stored in shafts above the interface and are let down and locked into holding ports protruding into the interlayer space (see below) below the interface. (0005) Both the top and bottom edges of this device are gently rounded.

Part 1 (0006) Each section is comprised of an inner and an outer layer, with the interlayer spaces housing insulation material to buffer temperature and sound (from pump and spray nozzle system), as well as piping and wiring. It is important to note that the interlayer spaces form one continuous space, essentially forming one hollow barrier encasing three distinct divisions within.

Width of interlayer/wall space throughout device: 3 cm (0007) The first component to be set out is a highly specialised liquid storage container, which is divided into two compartments (along the sideways diameter i.e. perpendicular to the diameter formed between the angular locations of the window and the display screen, described later). Both these compartments are accessible for easy refilling through the ejection of a section of the container out to the side. This is achieved via a slide-and-click mechanism, situated just above the maximum recommended liquid level. The refill access device is a tubular structure which opens out to become a tray with raised edges. The tubular end tightly fits into a circular opening in the inner wall; this inserting section is 4 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 coated with a layer of rubber. The access point section of this contraption measures 6 (angular distance) * 2 cm. The two access points are situated equidistant and in the top 2 centimetres of the liquid section. The maximum liquid level is indicated to the user by flow-back into the tray and is reached at around an 8 centimetre depth. (0008) Water inside both compartments is temperature controlled. This occurs via the integration of a simple heating system into the inner layer of the container; a set of two small elements, spaced apart, for each compartment, delivers more uniform heat distribution than one larger element. The heating elements consist of simple metal filaments set on metal plate. As alluded, a second, outer wall is present, also performing an insulation function. (0009) The outer layer of the container is constructed from thick and durable plastic. The inside layer is largely metal in order to accommodate the heating elements. Four aeration tubes (tube no. on drawings is not to be taken literally) are set into each liquid compartment, above the maximum water level (eight tubes, in sets of two, are set parallel (horizontally) through both the inner and outer layers of the device). The tube pairs are set equidistant, offset anticlockwise by one centimetre from the diameter of the liquid container dividing wall. They are integrated into the top 2 centimetres of the liquid storage section. Tubes are 5 millimetres in diameter, arranged at a distance of 1 cm from the other (for each set); the tubes span the interlayer space. This also prevents flooding of the growing space, by providing drainage. Declining water levels ensure an acceptable air inflow. The storage system is connected to a compact pump, one able to distribute liquid from both compartments. The pump is small, in proportion to the size of the device, whilst delivering sufficient power over a relatively short distance, simply up the vertical length of the device. (0010) The main hull of the growing environment has a metal exterior, likely steel, with a rectangular window input into this hull, which allows a view into the growing environment for aesthetic purposes. The window measures 9 (angular distance) * 10 (height) cm. This window is double-glazed glass. The subsurface growing environment is temperature controlled; importantly, the insulation functions described in these outlines also provides some buffering capacity against externally elevated temperatures. (0011) Temperature control is mainly affected through the delivery of liquid; however a basic heating system is integrated into the inner layer of the growing environment. The inner layer may be constructed of a plastic such as high density polyethylene or a biodegradable plastic such as polylactic acid (PLA). (0012) The inner layer of the growing environment accommodates simple heating elements which are integrated into the plastic layer through the use of aluminium plates which isolate the heating elements from the plastic component. Two heating elements consistent of several filaments covered by a metallic layer (likely steel, but aluminium/a cheaper metal 5 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 may be considered) in order to diffuse heat (important as the inside of the growth section is not be entirely liquid), running along the plastic layer and on two levels (between 3 and 5 and 13 to 15 cm from bottom), are included. (0013) Liquid is supplied into the growing space via a two-way mechanism; a wick running through a pipe which is set within a slightly larger pipe generates passive action. The space between the outside of the inner pipe and the inside of the outer pipe compliments the wicking action with attendant pumping action, utilised by the system only when the growing space water concentration is below the range of the selected environmental regime. (0014) Liquid is injected/wickd into the growing environment below the surface level of the growing medium, for aesthetic reasons and as a tool for controlling the sub-surface temperature. In order to affect this, eight omnidirectional spray nozzles are arranged at two different levels in the growing environment; four per level and equally spaced from one another. The levels are located at 6 and 12 cm from the bottom of the growing space. These nozzles are also set into the growing space by 6 cm, in order to achieve the necessary coverage. The two levels are offset by 45 degrees. In order to stabilise the nozzle piping, small inset pieces are integrated into the inner hull. (0015) The piping protruding into the space of the growing environment incorporates a measure of resistance to deformation, coupled with elasticity, in order to maintain the general position of the nozzles as the growing medium is filled into the space; this is achieved via high density plastic. This section of the piping is connected with the regular flexible piping through a specialised conjunction (doubling as the inset pieces alluded to). The inset elements are waterproof, in order to protect the interlayer space of the hull. Thus, these pieces are present only on the inner side of the inner layer, screwing into the plastic and encasing/supporting the plastic pipe for several centimetres. (0016) This system incorporates a battery function in addition to a wall connection and solar capability; portability and independence from the grid are important considerations. The battery is built into a separate unit under the structure of the water storage container; incorporated underneath in order to minimise any compromise to the functionality of the water storage and to maintain the broader functional and aesthetic integrity of the design. This requires the use of a casing also constructed of an inner and an outer layer, as is fitting with the entirety of the device (with the outer layer receiving a metallic overlay); sound buffering capacity is important with regards to the pumping system, with the pump located on the level of the battery - the interlayer space and the insulation eliminates the moderate sound from the pump. The battery sits on the floor of this casing, bedded on a layer of rubber, on which the pump is also situated. The casing incorporates an input for a charging cable, with this input stabilised and protected through the use of a rubber inset at the interface. An indicator light is integrated beside the charging input to indicate the status of the battery. 6 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 (0017) The solar cells are arranged in an arc of 240 degrees around the growing space, leaving a gap on the front side in which the window will be set. This strip is 10 cm in height. The cells are connected directly to the battery and operate continually. The software integrating all functions of this device modulates any running program so as to prioritise functions of relative greater importance in the life support platform when power is below normal levels. As the power level is restored, a program will revert to full functionality. Any likely or actual deviation from full power is integrated into the plan of user action within the management information displayed on the device monitor (user interface).

Part 2 (0018) Wiring running to the heating elements is bundled and run into the interlayer space of the water container (from the battery) and thus to the heating elements therein.

Separate wiring extensions, bundled as one, will run up through the interlayer space into the growing compartment and to the heating elements there. Gravity feeds liquid into the pump from both of the liquid compartments above, through the use of initially separate pipes, which join into one. The pipes are inset into the bottom of the compartments via valves. The liquid container may be removed from the battery and pump compartment, via a sliding click mechanism in the cylindrical design (described above) and a power-driven latch-and-lift/or adapted manual system in rectangular/extended devices. (0019) The vales are controlled via the interface (detailed below), determining which compartment feeds liquid into the pump, depending on the solution (or combination) which is appropriate at a particular time; both valves may be opened simultaneously and the two compartments used as one if desired. Simple physics regulates flow into the pump; the joined pipe is the same diameter as each of the two input pipes. Insulated wires from the two valves are fed into the interlayer space, from where the power wires are directed to the battery and the signalling/power wires directly to the CPU. (0020) Thermostats regulate both the liquid and growing space heating elements, with one for each. Both heating element sets are of a low-power profile, however the liquid is able to influence the temperature of the growing space more directly, which is why this thermostat is set first to the desired growing environment temperature. If this is not sufficient to maintain the programmed temperature, the second thermostat may also be set to the desired temperature. Temperature regulation occurs via a selected environmental regime or a manual override; the thermostats are either controlled via a pre-set or device-initiated program sequence or they may be manually adjusted. Selections are made on the digital display via a touch interface. 7 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 (0021) Thermometers are integrated into the centre bottom of both liquid compartments, with the signals directed to the thermostats integrated into the central processing unit. A thermometer is also installed into the growing space, offset from the bottom of the space by a third of its length, in order to receive the most representative reading of the temperature within the growing medium. Insulated wiring is directed up from the battery, through the interlayer spaces and along the inner base of the growing space to reach this sensor implement. (0022) A water concentration sensor (non-degrading) is integrated along with the thermometer in the growing space, on the same implement, but higher, so as to be positioned at half the length of this basin, from the bottom up. An electrical conductivity (EC) meter is positioned directly below this. Based on this information, the nutrient application rate may be adjusted. A computer processing unit controls the application rate, with definite water values stored in relation to energy output levels of the pump. Water concentration and EC readings are taken between application events, in order to gain useful readings. (0023) Three climate regimes (with sub-adaptations programmable for individual species or strains) will be either preprogramed or learned into the information technology component; dry-tolerant, temperate and wet, with the relevant program to be selected by the user on a small display (10 (angular distance) * 9 (height) cm) integrated at the back of the growing chamber above the plane of the power port, which is located directly beneath the display. Information may be uploaded into the system CPU via a Wi-Fi link or cable connection from an external computer. A communication port (USB) is located 3 centimetres to the right of the display on the level of the power port, 2 cm from the base of the device. The monitor is located on the same radius as the front window (it marks the back, whilst the window marks the front) and it is offset from the bottom of the device by 3 centimetres. All sensor and port wiring is directed through the interlayer space(s), connecting the mechanism with the battery and feeding information into the CPU. (0024) A pH monitor is integrated into the base of each liquid storage compartment with a simple digital readout displaying the pH of the relevant compartment. A precise action recommendation is issued based on the reading. When the compartments are used as one, the average of the two pH readings is used, though no spread between the two readings would be anticipated; as the compartments take liquid from the growing chamber above, this pH reading will reflect any changes in the growing chamber, though in the unlikely event of a pH irregularity (between readings in the two liquid compartments), this will be detected. A pressure sensitive water level indicator is also integrated into the liquid container sensor palates; along with the pH and temperature sensors (the three sensors are located in proximity around the centre of the base of each liquid compartment). A tilt mechanism determines into which, or both liquid compartments, percolating water is directed. A sliding lever at the back of the device and integrated at the interface between 8 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 the growing space and the liquid container is utilised to direct flow into the liquid container. Note: this feature is not indicated in provisional application illustrations. (0025) The bottom of the growing space features a carbon block filter sheet in order to prevent substrate/soil particles from exiting with the liquid. Immediately below this is a plastic plane, with a spacing of one centimetre to allow for a slight tilt, depending on the size of the design. This plane is controlled via a slightly curved sliding lever which changes the elevation of two elongated support bars, one over each liquid compartment. Depending on the tilt, liquid will be directed into one of the two compartments, or both. (0026) When the two liquid compartments are to be used as one, the tilt lever is set to the middle position, generating a horizontal plane; liquid will flow evenly into both compartments, as pressure drives it radially towards the edges of the plain, where a thin gap will allow it to flow through the compartment below. The area of the carbon block filter in the growing space above terminates a few centimetres short of the edge of the plane below, where the space between the plane and the inner layer (wall) is present, in order to prevent liquid inadvertently flowing into an unintended compartment. In essence, the filter is set into an impermeable plastic rim, which in turn is fitted into the inner wall. The carbon block filter slopes up at the edges (presenting more material for the water to traverse), in order to prevent any liquid flow irregularities, such as from water pooling at the edges. (0027) It has been established that many plants produce taste-inducing flavonoids in response to environmental stresses; an environment too uniformly regulated may affect the culinary quality of edible plants. For this reason, this device incorporates environmental mimic code (a simulation of environmental variability) into the information technology component. A set of environmental schedules corresponding to each different species is stored by the device; i.e. as modulations of the three main climate regimes.

In regards to the design, the following elements are entailed: 1. (0028) A digital display on the rear of the device incorporates all digital information, including the relevant environmental programme; data from the temperature gauges, the saturation, EC, pH and water pressure sensors are input into a small CPU, situated next to the battery. 2. (0029) The environmental mimic program is incorporated as a subset of whichever of the three climate regimes is selected; nutrient application rate and temperature optimisation are modulated at key growth intervals, such as during bud development and fruiting, however the overall growth conditions of the plant are maintained at optimum levels. This builds on the principles of regulated deficit 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 9 irrigation, which may even improve the final productivity of the plant; favouring fruiting bodies over the accumulation of stem and leaf biomass; (0030) In order to affect growth optimisation, the entire machinery of this invention is used as one integrated unit; application rates and temperature are interdependent, as well as with the (manual) selection of the particular liquid solution to be used (this effects the electrical conductivity (ion concentration)). Water saturation readings are an additional pivotal factor in regulating the liquid application rate and determining the relative priorities of the two temperature regulation mechanisms, and how these function; a higher application rate may call for a lower liquid temperature or a different setting on the growing space heating elements. The EC, pH and water level status are additional input factors into the liquid application rate set of calculations. This integrated, targeted unity is exclusively enabled by the design detailed in these pages. (0031) An important point to note is that any program running on this system uses the available sensors to adapt to the external environmental conditions in relation to the performance of the plant; information integration is the critical feature of this design, using a set of interrelated values/readings to craft a highly specific and autonomous program. This means that the system is able to learn from the data it collects; program variations that result in the greatest biomass are reinforced and run again, whilst sub-optimal sequences are discarded. (0032) This works via the system initially working to a set biomass benchmark. If this is not achieved given an existing program, the system responds by introduction variations via a set program variation arc and learning any resultant improvements. Those variations which were deemed facilitators of the improvements are extrapolated further on a periodic basis to test scope for additional improvements. Biomass may be deduced by the system via the measurement of water use given known environmental conditions and species information. Water use is calculated based on a water gauge (pressure sensor) integrated into each liquid compartment and the saturation information from the growing space. 2017201036 22 Feb 2017 10

Further Notes/Additional Background (0033) The IT system of this device is fully programmable by any authorised user, with any aspect of an environmental program able to be custom built through the user interface/external link. Whilst the system is directed by its software, this only represents a set of parameters into which data is fed; the operation of the system is data dependent, not software dependent. (0034) This device will connect to a home or other network; local weather (if applicable) is able to be received and correlated with all other available data, in order to create an estimate of how long a full supply of water may last (i.e. integrating information about future conditions, in order to create more accurate projections where future conditions are variable). (0035) Support struts (for certain larger plants) can be integrated as an optional add-on. This design incorporates four small equidistant impressions (upright rectangles approx. .5 (angular distance) *3 cm), five cm (from bottom) below the upper rim. These impressions make use of sliding levers on each of the narrow sides, in order to lock supports into place. (0036) The device includes four equally spaced (offset by approx. 3 cm from strut ports) horizontal (rectangle) port based on those for the support struts (twice the length), which allow the attachment of a dome to act as an optional greenhouse. In order to supply the dome growing space with air, two 2cm diameter ventilation shafts (not indicated on illustration) are set 180 degrees apart into the interlayer space (connected to liquid compartments), allowing circulation through the aeration tubes. (0037) Alternatively, as another optional add-on, in order to further reduce evaporative loss, a cover with one or several holes may be fitted onto the device, using the same mechanism as the dome. This mechanism may also serve as additional insulation for the system.

Description of Embodiments (0038) The model described herein is envisaged for personal use and/or institutional use.

Claims (4)

1. Growing Systems: Claims:

   1. The principles are ease of use, portability and appropriateness across differing environments; in order to achieve this, the standardised design to house the particular mechanics described below is cylindrical, however the configuration may easily be remodelled into a rectangular design, for example.
2. 2. The configuration is vertically integrated, with each of the three main sections described connected as one seamless progression; the purpose of this invention is to provide optimum growing conditions across the spectrum of plant growth, maintaining high efficiency, practicability, affordable simplicity in outcomes and applicability.
3. 3. This device is a unique controlled environment, its configuration of sensors integrated into the growing space as well as the liquid reservoir and use of both passive and active liquid distribution and efficient cycling and temperature regulation, allows unprecedented productivity.
4. 4. The device's configuration of sensors and precise responsiveness to incoming information allows unprecedented integration of information technology and artificial intelligence. Gabriel Thelen