MODULAR ELECTRONIC VASE WITH AUTOMATED, DIGITAL CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEM, USED FOR AEROPONIC GROWTH OF PLANTS IN INNER AND OUTER ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for growing plants with aeroponics, in the form of a dismountable modular vase composed of superposed modules (4) linked by joining rings (2) and covered by a sealing lid (1) or (21). The modules have a plurality of mouthpieces (5) symmetrically distributed at angular positions, into which the accessories are introduced, such as the rooting basket (6), the micro-greenhouse (22), the seed capsule in the form of a foam cube for germination (23), the support disks (24), (26) or (27), the rod (28) and the grid (29). A tank in two parts (32) and (33) forms a base for the device and comprises an inspection and supply lid (7), a protective grid (8) an on/off switch (9), a connection (10) for the power cable, rollers (30), support legs (31) and an electronic panel (11) that displays information about the level of the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, timer control and automatic actuation functions of the electric components and electronic circuits. The device actuating components are housed inside, together with the float (15) which stores a mini-generator (16) of nutrient solution nanoparticles, a ventilation pump (17) with an air hose (18), a silencing capsule (19) and a ruler (20) with level sensors.

Claims

1. MODULAR ELECTRONIC VASE WITH AUTOMATED, DIGITAL CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEM, USED FOR AEROPONIC GROWTH OF PLANTS IN INNER AND OUTER ENVIRONMENTS wherein the top external portion has a sealing cap (1) and/or cap (21), which includes a lightning kit with three luminaires proper for plant growth, stackable growing modules (4), junction rings (2), a plurality of plant growing cups (5), symmetrically positioned at an angle where several accessories are attached such as rooting basket (6), micro-greenhouse (22), foam cube seed capsule for germination (23), support disks (24), (25), (26) and (27), plant guiding rod (28), support tray (29) and identification tags (34), completed by a water reservoir divided in two parts (32) and (33). The water inspection and supply lid (7), protective grid (8), on/off power switch (9), power input (10) for the power cable, rotating wheels (30), supporting legs (31), and, in particular, electronic panel with digital display (11) that displays information about the level of the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, timer control and automatic actuation functions of the components as presented in FIG. 4, where power cables of all electric components and electronic circuits are protected and housed inside, are in this portion, along with the floating buoy (15) that holds the mini-generator (16) of the nutrient rich solution nanoparticles, aeration pump (17) with air hose (18) and a noise reduction capsule (19), a sensor level ruler (20). The aero cultivation system of this electronic device can be coupled to other growing modules (4) thus increasing its vertical capacity of production without the need of the base expansion, as presented in FIG. 8. The invention is customizable, adjustable and comes in different colors. The growing modules (4) with plant growing cups (5) and junction ring (2), mentioned above, are welded or constructed in one piece and coupled to the two-part reservoir, affixed by fast fitting securing mounting clips (3). The design has specific shape, size, technical details with interconnection between components and accessories that are unique of this invention, as mentioned in the specification. The apparatus is programmable, with wi-fi communication to send alerts and reports via application or web platform to smartphone or similar. It comes ready for use, further including: pH, TDS/EC sensors, and standard fittings to be used with the specific software (firmware) and hardware (circuitry) assemble of this urban cultivation of plants system.

Description

[0019] For a better understanding, we describe and illustrate in the following figures all items that are part of this automated electronic vase for plant growing of and at the end we present a description with the possible alternatives of the system. Observe:

[0020] FIG. 1: Overview

[0021] FIG. 2: Top View

[0022] FIG. 3: Front view with placement of accessories

[0023] FIG. 4: Inside view of the reservoir and its components

[0024] FIG. 5: View of the main sequence for assemble

[0025] FIG. 6: Detailed view of the reservoir (upper and lower)

[0026] FIG. 7: Detailed view of the module and other accessories

[0027] FIG. 8: Detailed view of the support disks, plant guiding rod and seed capsule

[0028] FIG. 9: Illustration with modules of 20, 40, 60 and 80 plants.

[0029] On the overview as illustrated on FIG. 1, we identify the location of the sealing cap (1) installed on the top, to close the top section the growing module (4). Each growing module is approximately 25 cm tall and includes a sturdy junction ring (2) attached to the upper part, 20 plant growing cups (5), installed right against the 73 cm cylindrical body of the growing module, at an inclination of about 33 which is the ideal angle for balancing, fitting, supporting, spacing and development of plants and for the capture of light (natural or artificial). Plant growing cups (5) are connected in the growing module (4) and symmetrically allocated across the growing module's full length in four (4) fivefold structures alternated by the central axis at angles of approximately 36. Everything is made from high-quality, UV-stabilized, tinted, antifungal plastic. Growing modules can be interconnected to other growing modules (4) and to the base by using securing mounting clips (3) with double snap closure, made of stainless steel or equivalent, bolted to the sides by the upper part (female) and lower part (male) in an appropriate and reinforced area of the growing modules (4). Several accessories and other components may be added to the plant growing cups (5). FIG. 1 shows a customizable plastic tag attached to a bead chain or cord and identification tags (34) (tag) that displays planting date, plant species, and prediction in days of 1st harvest. The plant growing cups is sized to a perfect fit of the rooting basket (6), which is made of malleable and non-toxic plastic for carrying the roots of the plants and a support disk (24), (25), (26) and (27), shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The support disk is responsible for supporting and holding the roots of the plants in the air. They come in three (3) main versions that are made of a flexible, rubberized, resistant, non-toxic, washable and temperature resistant material and one extra version (24), made of a spongy material previously prepared for seed germination and planting plants. Support disks (24), (25), (26) and (27) may be used in conjunction with the rooting basket (6) or directly in the plant growing cups (5), which is determined based on the type of plants to be grown and preference of the user. The rubberized support disks (25) and (27) can be used in conjunction with the plant guiding rod (28) which main function is to guide and sustain stems and, if used with seed capsule in phenolic sponges or equivalent (23), for sowing and germination of plants. Other accessories of the planting growing cups (5)FIG. 1 include a micro-greenhouse (22)FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 made from a malleable and clear plastic, meant for use only in the first days of germination of some plants or for protection of small seedlings.

[0030] FIG. 1 further shows the lid for water inspection and supply at the top of the water reservoir located at the base of this invention (33)FIG. 5 (7) made from hard plastic that can be removed for adding water or the nutrient solution which stay in the bottom of the reservoir (32)FIG. 5 and/or for allowing maintenance, quality control of the nutrient solution, periodically, by manually using the appropriate measuring instruments or sensors like pH and EC/TDS meters. This overview also shows the ventilation system protective grid (8) that leads the air into the internal duct (12) directed by a micro-fan (13), which is situated diagonally at the end of the inner duct (12), shown in detail in FIG. 6. The micro-fan (13) has an adequate CFM air flow is water-proof and used for air circulation and air exchange, cooling and maximization of oxygen in the roots of the plants. This set composes the ventilation system which is also responsible for the expansion and conduction of the nutrient rich nanoparticles mist, which along with the aperture at the inner platform (14)FIG. 4 and the growing modules (4) form the dark chamber where occurs the irrigation of the roots of the plants that are accommodated in the growing modules (4) and suspended by one of the support disks (24), (25), (26)) and (27).

[0031] Next, the power switch (9) activates or interrupts the operation of the system and its electrical parts. Just below it is the connector of the power input (10) to the power cable (electric power) in conjunction with a dual control transformer, along with a plug and a standard triple pin plug (3-pin), included, in the system.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the position of the 3 (three) main sides and the main access and control items of the reservoir (32) and (33) viewed from above, highlighting the protective grid (8) of the air inlet of the ventilation system; the connection of the power input (10); the lid for water inspection and supply (7) and the electronic panel display (11). Note the light triangular twist and rounded edges of the base of the inverted triangular conical vase, its refined design and polished finish. The extended cylindrical section designed for cultivation (dark air chamber) is composed by the conjunction of the growing modules (4), with an all-around distribution of the plant growing cups (5) that overlap each other, and a sealing cap that can hold a three-way lighting system (21). The lighting system consists of 3 (three) flexible and moveable luminaires, protective cones and LED luminaires used for the development of plants, arranged to cover all sides of the reservoir. This item (21) is recommended for areas without the incidence of natural light, as it creates the same effect of sunlight, however, in an artificial way, and all the recommendations of the lamp manufacturer must be followed. Note the details of the lighting kit in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5.

[0033] The sealing cap (1) can be optionally substituted by a sealing cap with lights (21), or vice versa. Electric and connecting cables located in the inner part are waterproof and dustproof to avoid the risk of electrical shocks when in contact with water. Nevertheless, the whole system works with a low voltage of maximum 12 v-24 v, so it is harmless to humans (adults and children) and domestic animals. The entire device is protected, and the electric power conversion occurs via the power cable transformer (with a minimum length of 2.0 m), which is installed next to the outlet in a safe area, in accordance with ABNT standards. It is recommended that the power switch (9) is turned to the OFF position when handling the device and, if possible and to guarantee total safety, with the power cable disconnected from the outlet or power source. Notes and instructions for use and safety are attached to the device.

[0034] Further items of this invention are: the semi-circular shaped support tray (29) made of a plastic covered structure, which main function is to support larger plants, shrubs, fruits, vegetables or vines or tomatoes. The semi-circular shaped support tray (29) is optional and may be placed or removed according the preference of the user. It is placed on the plant growing cups (5) or junction ring (2) and positioned between the growing modules (4), staying on the side of the system as shown in FIG. 3; At the bottom of this invention, there are three (3) rotating wheels (30) shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, which are optional and can be quickly attached or removed from the nutrient reservoir base (32). By removing all 3 (three) rotating wheels (30), the sustention of this invention is converted to the supporting feet (31) that are distributed at the border of the nutrient reservoir base (32) for more stability of the entire device.

[0035] Situated in the middle of the reservoir top lid (33), and just below the primary growing module (4) is the electronic panel display with a digital menu (11) shown in FIG. 3 with Wi-Fi communication, colored LED lights that indicate the level of water and/or the nutrient rich solution; the room temperature; the relative air humidity (internal); controls the timer to change irrigation times and intermission according to desired guidelines or based on the sensors readings, local climate and the automatic triggering functions of the components displayed internally in FIG. 4, which finish the composition of the standard model system: the floating buoy with basket (15) that stores the mini-generator (16) which is capable of generating between 0.225 l/h and 1.975 l/h of the nutrient rich nanoparticles mist that is directly sprayed to the roots of plants. This prevents the solution from damaging the roots, keeping the temperature and humidity automatically controlled between 10 C. and 35 C. Other settings can be applied according to the user's need. Add to the project the aeration pump (17), that causes the oxygenation and provides circulation of the nutrient solution, mounted to the air hose (18), made from silicone or malleable plastic, inserted into the noise reduction capsule (19) that comes with a small hole in the upper part for air suction to ensure an operation free of vibrations and noises throughout the internal system which is immersed, secured and sealed inside the reservoir (32) and (33), disposed within in FIG. 4. The measurer of level sensors (20) is mounted on a flat, solid and thin plastic base with a sliding fit on the inner platform (14) where rustproof level sensors are attached to the colored LED lights in red (lower level), yellow (normal level), green (higher level) that are inserted into the electronic panel display (11) that sends, via Wi-Fi signals, alerts about activity and reports about controls and monitoring directly to the web, making it necessary to have available internet connection and compatibility between devices.

[0036] The cultivation system of this electronic device for plant cultivation can be coupled to other growing modules (4) thus increasing its vertical capacity of production without the need of the base expansion. You can add more growing modules (4) as needed, being the suggested amount one at minimum and 4 at maximum, plus the 2-part reservoir (32) and (33)FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 8. Each model is classified by the maximum growing capacity of plant growing cups, therefore model (A) supports 20 plants, model (B), considered the standard and used to illustrate this project, supports 40 plants, model (C) supports 60 plants and model (D) supports 80 plants. Note, as a remark, that models (A) and (B) use the type 1 low power mini-generator (15) and models (C) and (D) use the type 3 high power mini-generator of nanoparticles, and these models do not need rotating wheels (30) nor the sealing cap with lights (21) to maintain its structural stability and keep its high quality, ergonomics and safety.

[0037] The present invention is totally customizable and adaptable to most conditions of use and situations. The growing modules (4), plant growing cups (5) and junction rings (2) mentioned before, are assembled or constructed together in a single unit, and the water reservoir in the shape of a triangle with a twisted base is composed of a top lid (33) and the nutrient base (32) that are connected by quick-closure fittings, and have specific shape, size, technical details and interconnection between components and accessories that are unique of this invention its detailed description.

[0038] However, note that attempts to make alternative options by third parties are notorious, comprehensible and susceptible, in the following aspects: To change the shape of the reservoir that is connected by parts (32) and (33), to round, square, trapezoid, elongated, conical, star-shaped, domed, hexagonal, rectangular, so as well as in other shapes, as long as it is sealed at the top with an aperture to fit the growing modules (4) keeping its functions and integration to which may vary in sizing, the external cylindrical body, the number, layout and arrangement of the plant growing cups (5) which are elongated, located externally and integrated into the growing module at angles between 20 and 45, being 33 the ideal inclination, and containing, as a key part, an electronic digital panel with Wi-Fi connection and having all systems and sensors included and with same functionality of the electric device in accordance with this invention without changing the functionality, operation, applications, usage instructions, performance or the founding principles of the invention to which utilizes the generation and distribution of a nutritional nanoparticle mist inside the dark chamber for aeroponics cultivation formed by the junction of growing modules, whether it is connected by clamps, clasps, pressure clips, snap, fittings, bolted etc. or to enhance the manufacturing technique the by this patent applicant, by his heirs or any people/companies authorized in writing, duly legalized and properly documented in the competent agencies established to the inventor.

[0039] To illustrate examples of the design alternatives therein, simply reposition and maintain the same componentsthe growing modules, reservoir and accessories, represented as a typical vase, however, it is possible to change the shape of the nutrient solution reservoir, by replacing the nutrient reservoir (32), by cachepots or other known waterproof vases or containers commercially available that may be used to store the nutrient solution, which may vary in color, shape, make, model and capacity in liters, according to preference. This new alternative must have been previously sealed at the bottom, closed with a lid and with a hole near the top edge, above the water level, used as a cable outlet for all cables and connections of the control and monitoring systems, and may not exceed the height limit stipulated by the seamless inner platform base, keeping design and dimensions as close as possible to the original project, regardless of proportion. The electronic panel with digital display (11) equipped with timer, Wi-Fi, fans, sensors and level lights which are positioned between the plant growing cups or the growing modules should be kept at the base of the module or bottom of the reservoir. The extended cylindrical sections (dark air chamber) formed by the conjunction of the growing modules (4) is inserted into the mid part of the plastic cachepot (vase) part of any sealed waterproof container and supported against its partially submerged inner platform.

[0040] For closure, in substitution of the reservoir top lid (33) an lid located on the upper part, cut in the same shape as the upper aperture of each type of container may be used. Any rigid or rubberized material of proper thickness may be used for sealing. This lid may contain an attached micro-fan (13) and an inspection and supply lid slightly positioned horizontally.

[0041] These alternatives of the simplified model should be used directly on the floor, and the use of supports with rotating wheels or equivalent for stability and structural balance is not necessary as it become more stable when the water level is full.

[0042] All other components and accessories functions remain unchanged, in particular, those applied directly to the plant growing cups (5) and to the ones used internally within the reservoir, previously mentioned.

[0043] To conclude the solution presented by the present invention it is important to highlight the functionality, versatility, design, electronics and set of technical specifications for use in aeroponic plant cultivation, along with unique functionalities that integrate in a single device numerous solutions mainly for urban agriculture, that enables people to plant in a way that is simpler, safer and more economical, dynamic, comfortable, technological, modern and intelligent, of a system referred as: Modular electronic vase with automated control, digital control and monitoring system, used for aeroponic growth of plants in inner and outer environments, inspired by the advanced techniques of hydroponics and aeroponics destined for urban cultivation and, in case additional questions, the inventor is available for any subsequent clarification or information which may arise.