阅读说明：本技术 控释肥料容器 (Controlled release fertilizer container ) 是由 黄金辉 于 2018-02-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于控制可溶性肥料释放的容器,包括用于收集和保持水并且具有开口顶部和实心底部的第一室(1),所述实心底部具有允许水以所需速率自由流动的孔口(12)；在第一室(1)下方的第二室(2),用于从第一室中接收水以溶解保持在其中的肥料,第二室(2)具有带有孔口(22)的实心底部和用于保持未溶解肥料的多孔板(21),肥料溶液可以以受控方式流动通过该孔口,板(21)设置在室(2)内并将室(2)分隔成上隔室和下隔室；在第二室(2)下方的第三室(3),第三室从第二室接收溶解的肥料,第三室(3)具有穿孔底部(31),所述穿孔构造成允许溶解的肥料通过同时防止外来固体颗粒进入容器。(A container for controlled release of soluble fertilizer comprising a first chamber (1) for collecting and holding water and having an open top and a solid bottom with an aperture (12) allowing water to flow freely at a desired rate; a second chamber (2) below the first chamber (1) for receiving water from the first chamber to dissolve fertilizer held therein, the second chamber (2) having a solid bottom with an aperture (22) through which a fertilizer solution can flow in a controlled manner and a porous plate (21) for holding undissolved fertilizer, the plate (21) being disposed within the chamber (2) and dividing the chamber (2) into an upper compartment and a lower compartment; a third chamber (3) below the second chamber (2), the third chamber receiving dissolved fertilizer from the second chamber, the third chamber (3) having a perforated bottom (31), the perforations being configured to allow the dissolved fertilizer to pass while preventing foreign solid particles from entering the container.)

1. A container for controlled release of soluble fertilizer comprising

A first chamber (1) for collecting and holding water and having an open top and a solid bottom with apertures (12) allowing water to flow freely at a desired rate;

A second chamber (2) below said first chamber (1) for receiving water therefrom to dissolve fertilizer held therein, said second chamber (2) having a solid bottom with an aperture (22) through which fertilizer solution can flow in a controlled manner and a porous plate (21) for holding undissolved fertilizer, said plate (21) being disposed within said chamber (2) and dividing said chamber (2) into an upper compartment and a lower compartment; and

A third chamber (3) below the second chamber (2) and receiving dissolved fertilizer therefrom, the third chamber (3) having a perforated bottom (31), the perforations being configured to allow the dissolved fertilizer to pass while preventing foreign solid particles from entering the container.

2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the chambers (1,2,3) are removable and stacked one on top of the other.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a perforated cover (11) above the first chamber (1) to prevent foreign solid particles from entering the container while allowing water to pass.

4. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow rate through the orifice (12,22) is according to the formulaArrangement wherein Q is the liquid flow rate through the orifice (12,22), C_dIs the discharge coefficient, A is the holeThe effective surface area of the ports (12,22), g is the gravitational force and h is the height of the liquid in the chambers (1, 2).

5. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the orifice (12,22) is trapezoidal, circular, square or rectangular.

6. The vessel defined in any one of the preceding claims further comprises means to anchor the vessel in the ground.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a plant breeding apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container for holding fertilizer, wherein the container is configured to control the release of fertilizer therein into a plant.

Background

Fertilizers are applied to the soil on a regular basis to supply or supplement one or more nutrients necessary for plant growth. In order to save labor or machine costs, it may be attempted to minimize the time required to reapply the fertilizer. For example, a larger amount of fertilizer is applied at a time or the time for re-application of fertilizer is intentionally extended. However, this may lead to problems of over-fertilization or under-fertilization. In the case of over-fertilization, this may result in soil conditions that are unfavorable for plant growth. On the other hand, unless measures are taken against these conditions, insufficient fertilization may eventually lead to the withering and death of the plant.

To overcome the above problems, slow or controlled release fertilizers have been developed so that nutrients can be gradually released into the soil over a period of time. Controlled release fertilizers are typically in particulate form, which may contain an insoluble matrix or semi-permeable jacket that prevents dissolution while allowing outward flow of nutrients. Although controlled release technology is well established in the art, its use only occupies a small portion of the industry. This is because such fertilizers are still easily washed away before their nutrients are completely released, especially in rainy seasons. In the long term, the use of controlled release fertilizers to some extent still does not reduce the time required to reapply the fertilizer and solve the above problems.

Another attempt has been made to achieve controlled release of fertilizers while the fertilizer is not easily washed away. One example is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 3757469. An apparatus for irrigating and feeding plants is disclosed, the apparatus having a reservoir for containing water, a controlled flow seepage apparatus, and a fluid conductor connected between the reservoir and the seepage apparatus for conducting water in the reservoir to the seepage apparatus, wherein the seepage apparatus may contain a material with high water retention properties and a soluble fertilising agent for raising plants. In use, the device is suitable for use on lawns or other low-ground-level cover plants. However, it is inconvenient to install such devices on a large scale for each plant, as the conduit needs to be placed around the root of each plant to enable it to function properly. Furthermore, it is difficult to maintain such devices and replenish water-retaining materials, especially in large plantations.

In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, it is desirable to invent an improved device for releasing fertilizer in a controlled manner, which is easy to install, durable and easy to maintain.

The present invention provides a solution to the problem.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container for containing soluble fertilizer and releasing the dissolved fertilizer in a controlled manner, which is more cost-effective.

At least one of the foregoing aspects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, wherein embodiments of the invention describe a container for controlled release of soluble fertilizer comprising a first chamber for collecting and holding water, the first chamber having an open top and a solid bottom, the solid bottom having an aperture that allows water to flow freely at a desired rate; a second chamber below the first chamber for receiving water from the first chamber to dissolve fertilizer held therein, the second chamber having a solid bottom with an aperture through which fertilizer solution can flow in a controlled manner and a porous plate for containing undissolved fertilizer, the plate being disposed within the chamber and dividing the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment; a third chamber below and receiving dissolved fertilizer from the second chamber, the third chamber having a perforated bottom, the perforations configured to allow the dissolved fertilizer to pass through while preventing foreign solid particles from entering the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chambers are removable and stacked one on top of the other to allow for the flexibility of refilling with soluble fertilizer and achieving different flow rates through each orifice.

Preferably, a perforated cover is provided over the first chamber, wherein the perforations are sized to prevent foreign solid particles from entering the container while allowing water to pass through.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow rate through the orifice is according to the formulaConfiguration wherein Q is the liquid flow rate through the orifice, C_dIs the discharge coefficient, a is the effective surface area of the orifice, g is the gravity, and h is the height of the liquid in the chamber. Preferably, the cross-section of the orifice is trapezoidal, circular, square or rectangular.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for anchoring a vessel in the ground is provided.

The preferred embodiments of the invention comprise the novel features and combinations of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it will be understood that various changes in the details may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Drawings

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood and appreciated that the invention, its construction and operation, together with many of its advantages will be readily understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container realized by one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a container implemented by a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an exploded transparent perspective view of a container implemented by a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a plant breeding apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container for holding fertilizer, wherein the container is configured to control the release of fertilizer therein into a plant.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described according to preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description and drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are merely for convenience in discussing the present invention, and it is contemplated that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention discloses a container for controlled release of soluble fertilizers, comprising a first chamber (1) for collecting and holding water, and having an open top and a solid bottom (solid bottom) with an orifice (12) allowing water to flow freely at a desired rate; a second chamber (2) below the first chamber (1) for receiving water from the first chamber to dissolve fertilizer held therein, the second chamber (2) having a solid bottom with an aperture (22) through which a fertilizer solution can flow in a controlled manner and a porous plate (21) for holding undissolved fertilizer, the plate (21) being disposed within the chamber (2) and dividing the chamber (2) into an upper compartment and a lower compartment; a third chamber (3) below and receiving dissolved fertilizer from the second chamber (2), the third chamber (3) having a perforated bottom (31), the perforations being configured to allow dissolved fertilizer to pass through while preventing foreign solid particles from entering the container.

In general, the container may be configured in any shape and size and made of any material. For illustrative purposes, the container in the following description will be described as a cylindrical container with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferably, the container comprises three chambers (1,2,3), one on top of the other, each chamber serving a different purpose and working together to give the container the ability to control the release of soluble fertilizer. The uppermost chamber (1), hereinafter referred to as the first chamber (1), is used to collect and hold water that flows freely at a desired rate to the lower chamber (2), hereinafter referred to as the second chamber (2). The second chamber (2) is for containing a pre-filled amount of soluble fertilizer which dissolves upon contact with a sufficient amount of overflow water. Likewise, the fertilizer solution flows in a controlled manner to the lowermost compartment (3), hereinafter referred to as third compartment (3), and is released from the third compartment (3) to the surrounding medium.

In one embodiment of the invention, the container has a top which is opened to receive water, in particular rain water. This is to ensure that the first chamber (1) always has enough water to dissolve the fertilizer in the second chamber (2). However, it is preferred to provide the container with a perforated lid (11) to prevent large foreign solid particles from entering the container while allowing water to pass through. The first chamber (1) has a solid bottom with an orifice (12), through which orifice (12) water flows to the second chamber (2). In the presence of the perforated cap (11), the risk of clogging the orifice (12) with solid particles can be minimized. The aperture (12) may be located anywhere on the base, but preferably towards the centre of the base. It is important that the orifices (12) are carefully configured to allow water to flow through in a controlled manner at a desired rate.

The second chamber (2) has a solid bottom with an orifice (22), through which orifice (22) the water flows to the third chamber (3). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a perforated plate (21) is arranged inside the second chamber (2) and across the second chamber (2), thereby dividing the second chamber (2) into two parts: an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The upper compartment contains soluble fertilizer supported by a perforated plate (21). It should be noted that the perforations are configured in such a way that only fertilizer solution can flow through the perforations to the lower compartment and undissolved fertilizer cannot flow through the perforations to the lower compartment. Although the term "perforated plate" is used, it does not limit the construction of the perforated plate (21) to a solid article having only holes of the appropriate size. Membranes with appropriate porosity or any other device with similar function can also be used. In light of the foregoing, it is important that the orifices (22) be carefully configured so as to allow water to flow therethrough in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the upper compartment may comprise a plurality of baffles (not shown) which divide the upper portion into a plurality of portions of desired size capable of containing a desired amount of fertilizer, such that when two or more types of fertilizer are used, the amount of each type of fertilizer can be accurately measured and metered. Other similar devices that allow accurate metering of the fertilizer in the upper compartment may be used in addition to the use of baffles.

The third chamber (3) has a perforated bottom (31) which allows overflow fertilizer solution from the second chamber (2) to pass through and be released to the surrounding medium. It should be noted that the perforations are configured in such a way that only fertilizer solution can pass through the perforations and prevent foreign solid particles from the surrounding medium from entering the container. The perforated base (31) may be any device with similar functionality, such as but not limited to a solid base with appropriately sized holes, a wire mesh, or a membrane with appropriate porosity.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orifices (12,22) of the first (1) and second (2) chambers are configured according to a formulaControlling the liquid flow rate, wherein Q refers to the liquid flow rate, C, through the orifice (12,22)_dRefers to the discharge coefficient, a refers to the effective surface area of the orifice (12,22), g refers to gravity, and h refers to the height of the liquid in the chamber (1, 2). C_dVaries according to the profile of the orifice (12,22), mainly including its height, cross-sectional shape and size. C of the orifice (12,22)_dCan be obtained in the literature or calculated by any available procedure in the art. Preferably, the cross-section of the orifice (12,22) is trapezoidal, circular, square or rectangular, wherein C_dAnd liquid flow patterns are well documented in the literature. The effective surface area (a) of the orifice (12,22) refers to the smallest surface area of the orifice (12,22) through which liquid can pass. According to this formula, the liquid flow rate through the orifice (12,22) can be controlled to a desired flow rate by varying the orifice (12,22) profile, the effective surface area (a) of the orifice (12,22), and the liquid level in the chamber (1, 2). It is difficult to ensure a constant level of liquid in the first chamber (1) unless an automatic irrigation system is installed or regular manual irrigation is performed, any of which is expensive. Thus, the flow rate of liquid through the orifice (12) of the first chamber (1) can only be controlled within a range of operational flow rates, rather than a single value of the required flow rate. Thus, the amount of fertilizer solution collected in the lower compartment of the second chamber (2) also varies, so that the liquid passing through the orifice (22) of the second chamber (2)The bulk flow rate also changes. Therefore, careful configuration of the orifice profiles (12,22) should be emphasized in order to maintain a viable liquid flow rate range at least most of the time. The range of possible or desired liquid flow rates described above depends on the type and conditions of the plant species, rainfall, soil conditions, or any other determinant.

Preferably, the height of the lower compartment of the second chamber (2) is greater than the height of the first chamber (1). This is to ensure that there is sufficient buffer space for the fertilizer solution in the second chamber (2) before flowing into the third chamber (3).

The foregoing description has focused on the container as a unitary article having three compartments (1,2,3) formed integrally therewith. This configuration may not be optimal since the container is not reusable. When the fertilizer is exhausted, it needs to be replaced with a new container containing pre-filled fertilizer. It is therefore advantageous to form the container from removable and stackable compartments (1,2, 3). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container comprises three detachable and stackable units, which are also a first compartment (1), a second compartment (2) and a third compartment (3). This arrangement also allows for greater flexibility in tailoring the flow rate of water and/or fertilizer solution. For example, if the flow rate of water needs to be changed while maintaining the flow rate of the fertilizer solution, the first chamber (1) can be simply replaced without changing the rest.

although the first (1) and second (2) chambers are described as comprising only one aperture (12,22) in each chamber, this should not be limiting and more than one aperture may be provided in each chamber. However, one orifice is preferred because it is easier to predict and control the flow rate and pattern through each orifice.

In use, the container is partially embedded in the ground so that the collection of water through the top of the first chamber (1) is not impeded. Preferably, the first chamber (1) is above ground and the rest is in ground. In order to maintain the position of the container, it is preferred to provide the container with anchoring means. Mechanisms and arrangements for anchoring objects in the ground are well known in the art and will not be described in detail.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and example, and not by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.