Patent Application
20230389495
The present subject matter relates generally to systems for gardening plants indoors, and more particularly, to systems and methods for hydrating plants within an indoor gardening appliance.
Conventional indoor garden centers include a cabinet defining a grow chamber having a number of trays or racks positioned therein to support seedlings or plant material, e.g., for growing herbs, vegetables, or other plants in an indoor environment. In addition, such indoor garden centers may include an environmental control system that maintains the growing chamber at a desired temperature or humidity. Certain indoor garden centers may also include hydration systems for watering the plants and/or artificial lighting systems that provide the light necessary for such plants to grow.
Conventional indoor gardens centers typically include a hydration system for providing a flow of water and nutrients onto plants stored therein to facilitate plant growth. For example, typical garden centers have a nozzle that sprays water onto the plants. Air within the hydration system can negatively affect performance of the hydration system but can be difficult to purge.
Accordingly, an improved indoor garden center would be useful. More particularly, an indoor garden center with a hydration system that facilitates priming of the hydration system would be particularly beneficial.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In an example embodiment, a gardening appliance includes a cabinet. A grow tower is rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The grow tower defines a plurality of apertures configured for receiving a plurality of plant pods. A hydration system is configured for hydrating the plurality of plants. The hydration system includes a mixing tank configured for containing a nutrient liquid, a misting nozzle oriented towards the plurality of plant pods, a misting pump fluidically coupled to the mixing tank and operable to pump the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank to the misting nozzle, and a bypass valve disposed between the misting pump and the misting nozzle on a flow path for the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank to the misting nozzle. The gardening appliance also includes a pressure sensor. A controller is in communication with the misting pump, the bypass valve, and the pressure sensor. The controller is configured for activating the misting pump in order to urge the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank towards the misting nozzle, receiving data from the pressure sensor corresponding to a pressure of the nutrient liquid between the misting pump and the misting nozzle, and, in response to the pressure of the nutrient liquid being less than a threshold pressure for a predetermined period of time, switching the bypass valve open and closed in order to purge air from the flow path for the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank to the misting nozzle.
In another example embodiment, a method for priming a hydration system of a gardening appliance includes: activating, with a controller of the gardening appliance, a misting pump in order to urge a nutrient liquid from a mixing tank towards a misting nozzle oriented towards a plurality of plant pods on a grow tower rotatably mounted within a cabinet; receiving, at the controller, data from a pressure sensor corresponding to a pressure of the nutrient liquid between the misting pump and the misting nozzle; and switching, with the controller, a bypass valve open and closed in response to the pressure of the nutrient liquid being less than a threshold pressure for a predetermined period of time. The switching of the bypass valve open and closed purges air from a flow path for the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank to the misting nozzle. The bypass valve is disposed between the misting pump and the misting nozzle on the flow path for the nutrient liquid from the mixing tank to the misting nozzle.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring now to the figures, a gardening appliance 100 will be described in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter. According to exemplary embodiments, gardening appliance 100 may be used as an indoor garden center for growing plants. It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are intended only for explaining aspects of the present subject matter. Variations and modifications may be made to gardening appliance 100 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to exemplary embodiments, gardening appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that is generally configured for containing and/or supporting various components of gardening appliance 100 and which may also define one or more internal chambers or compartments of gardening appliance 100. In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for gardening appliance 100, e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of gardening appliance 100. By contrast, cabinet 102 may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
As illustrated, gardening appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. The horizontal direction is generally intended to refer to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V (e.g., within a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). Cabinet 102 generally extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front as in
Gardening appliance 100 may include an insulated liner 120 positioned within cabinet 102. Liner 120 may at least partially define an internal temperature-controlled chamber, referred to herein generally as a climate-controlled chamber 122, within which plants 124 may be grown. Although gardening appliance 100 is referred to herein as growing plants 124, it should be appreciated that other organisms or living things may be grown or stored in gardening appliance 100. For example, algae, fungi (e.g., including mushrooms), or other living organisms may be grown or stored in gardening appliance 100. The specific application described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner.
Cabinet 102, or more specifically, liner 120 may define a substantially enclosed back portion 126 (e.g., proximate rear 114 of cabinet 102). In addition, cabinet 102 and liner 120 may define a front opening, referred to herein as front display opening 128 (e.g., proximate front 112 of cabinet 102), through which a user of gardening appliance 100 may access climate-controlled chamber 122, e.g., for harvesting, planting, pruning, or otherwise interacting with plants 124. According to an exemplary embodiment, enclosed back portion 126 may be defined as a portion of liner 120 that defines climate-controlled chamber 122 proximate rear side 114 of cabinet 102. In addition, front display opening 128 may generally be positioned proximate or coincide with front side 112 of cabinet 102.
Gardening appliance 100 may further include one or more doors 130 that are rotatably mounted to cabinet 102 for providing selective access to climate-controlled chamber 122. For example,
Although doors 130 are illustrated as being rectangular and being mounted on front side 112 of cabinet 102 in
According to the illustrated embodiment, cabinet 102 further defines a drawer 134 positioned proximate bottom 106 of cabinet 102 and being slidably mounted to cabinet 102 for providing convenient storage for plant nutrients, system accessories, water filters, etc. In addition, behind drawer 134 is a mechanical compartment 136 for receipt of an environmental control system including a sealed system for regulating the temperature within climate-controlled chamber 122, as described in more detail below.
As illustrated, environmental control system 140 includes a sealed system 142 that is generally configured for regulating a temperature and/or humidity within one or more regions of climate-controlled chamber 122. In this regard, as shown schematically in
During operation of sealed system 142, refrigerant flows from evaporator 146 and to compressor 144. For example, refrigerant may exit evaporator 146 as a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor. Upon exiting evaporator 146, the refrigerant may enter compressor 144, which is operable to compress the refrigerant and direct the compressed refrigerant to condenser 148. Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant may be increased in compressor 144 such that the refrigerant becomes a more superheated vapor.
Condenser 148 is disposed downstream of compressor 144 and is operable to reject heat from the refrigerant. For example, the superheated vapor from compressor 144 may enter condenser 148 and transfer energy to air surrounding condenser 148 (e.g., to create a flow of heated air). In this manner, the refrigerant condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. A condenser fan (not shown) may be positioned adjacent condenser 148 and may facilitate or urge the flow of heated air across the coils of condenser 148 (e.g., from ambient atmosphere) in order to facilitate heat transfer.
According to the illustrated embodiment, an expansion device or a variable electronic expansion valve 150 may be further provided to regulate refrigerant expansion. During use, variable electronic expansion valve 150 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. In this regard, refrigerant may exit condenser 148 in the form of high liquid quality/saturated liquid vapor mixture and travel through variable electronic expansion valve 150 before flowing through evaporator 146. Variable electronic expansion valve 150 is generally configured to be adjustable, e.g., such that the flow of refrigerant (e.g., volumetric flow rate in milliliters per second) through variable electronic expansion valve 150 may be selectively varied or adjusted.
Evaporator 146 is disposed downstream of variable electronic expansion valve 150 and is operable to heat refrigerant within evaporator 146, e.g., by absorbing thermal energy from air surrounding the evaporator (e.g., to create a flow of cooled air). For example, the liquid or liquid vapor mixture refrigerant from variable electronic expansion valve 150 may enter evaporator 146. Within evaporator 146, the refrigerant from variable electronic expansion valve 150 receives energy from the flow of cooled air and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high-quality vapor mixture. An air handler or evaporator fan 152 is positioned adjacent evaporator 146 and may facilitate or urge the flow of cooled air across evaporator 146 in order to facilitate heat transfer. From evaporator 146, refrigerant may return to compressor 144 and the vapor-compression cycle may continue.
As explained above, environmental control system 140 includes a sealed system 142 for providing a flow of heated air or a flow cooled air throughout climate-controlled chamber 122 as needed. To direct this air, environmental control system 140 may include a duct system 154 for directing the flow of temperature regulated air, identified herein simply as flow of air 156 (see, e.g.,
This temperature-regulated flow of air 156 may be routed through a cooled air supply duct and/or heated air may be routed through a heated air supply duct (not shown). In this regard, it should be appreciated that environmental control system 140 may generally include a plurality of ducts, dampers, diverter assemblies, and/or air handlers to facilitate operation in a cooling mode, in a heating mode, in both a heating and cooling mode, or any other mode suitable for regulating the environment within climate-controlled chamber 122. It should be appreciated that duct system 154 may vary in complexity and may regulate the flows of air from sealed system 142 in any suitable arrangement through any suitable portion of climate-controlled chamber 122.
Although an exemplary sealed system 142 and duct system 154 are illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to sealed system 142 and/or duct system 154 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, sealed system 142 may include additional or alternative components, duct system 154 may include additional or different ducting configurations, etc. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, evaporator 146 and evaporator fan 152 may be positioned at top 104 of cabinet 102 and refrigerant may be routed from mechanical compartment 136 and through cabinet 102 to evaporator 146. In addition, it should be appreciated that gardening appliance 100 may have one or more subsystems integrated with or operably coupled to duct system 154 for filtering the flow of air 156, regulating the concentration of one or more gases within the flow of air 156, etc.
Referring now generally to
In addition, grow tower 160 is generally rotatable about a central axis 168 defined by turntable 162. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, central axis 168 is parallel to the vertical direction V. However, it should be appreciated that central axis 168 could alternatively extend in any suitable direction, e.g., such as the horizontal direction (e.g., defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). In this regard, grow tower 160 generally defines an axial direction A, i.e., parallel to central axis 168, a radial direction R that extends perpendicular to central axis 168, and a circumferential direction C that extends around central axis 168 (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to central axis 168).
As illustrated, grow tower 160 may generally separate, divide, or partition climate-controlled chamber 122 into a plurality of grow chambers (e.g., identified generally by reference numeral 170). More specifically, grow chambers 170 are generally defined between grow tower 160 and liner 120 or between grow tower 160 and doors 130. In general, grow chambers 170 are intended to support the leafy growth of plants 124 (e.g., or other portions of plants 124 other than the plant roots). According to the illustrated embodiment, grow tower 160 divides climate control chamber 122 into three grow chambers 170, referred to herein generally as a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. As illustrated, these grow chambers 170 are circumferentially spaced relative to each other and define substantially separate and distinct growing environments. As such, each grow chamber 170 may receive plants 124 having different growth needs and the grow environment within each respective grow chamber 170 may be maintained as grow tower 160 is rotated within climate-controlled chamber 122.
In addition, according to the illustrated embodiment, grow tower 160 may generally define an internal chamber, referred to herein as a root chamber 172. In general, root chamber 172 may be substantially sealed relative to (or isolated from) grow chambers 170 and is configured for containing the roots of plants 124 throughout the growing process. As will be described in more detail below, grow tower 160 may generally define one or more apertures 174 that are defined through grow tower 160 to permit access between grow chambers 170 and root chamber 172. According to exemplary embodiments, these apertures 174 may be configured to receive plant pods 176 into root chamber 172.
Plant pods 176 generally contain seedlings, root balls, or other plant material for growing plants 124 positioned within a mesh or other support structure through which roots of plants 124 may grow within grow tower 160. A user may insert a portion of plant pod 176 (e.g., a seed end or root end) having the desired seeds through one of the plurality of apertures 174 into root chamber 172. A plant end (e.g., opposite the root end) of the plant pod 176 may remain within grow chamber 170 such that plants 124 may grow from grow tower 160 such that they are accessible by a user.
As will be explained below, water and other nutrients may be supplied to the root end of plant pods 176 within root chamber 172. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, root chamber 172 may be operably coupled with sealed system 142 for facilitating suitable climate control within the root chamber 172, e.g., to achieve desirable growing conditions. Similarly, a hydration system may be configured to provide a flow of hydrating mist including water, nutrients, and other suitable constituents for providing the desirable growth environment for plants 124. According to exemplary embodiments, apertures 174 may be covered by a flat flapper seal or seal cap (not shown) to prevent hydrating mist from escaping root chamber 172 when no plant pod 176 is installed and to facilitate improved climate control within root chamber 172 and grow chambers 170.
Although grow tower 160 described and illustrated above includes a single root chamber 172, it should be appreciated that according to alternative exemplary embodiments, grow tower 160 may further include one or more internal dividers (not shown) that are positioned within root chamber 172 to divide root chamber 172 into a plurality of sub-chambers or root chambers. Each of these root chambers may be partially or substantially isolated from the other root chambers to facilitate independent climate control, hydration, gas regulation, etc. In addition, each of these root chambers may be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of grow chambers 170 through the plurality of apertures 174.
Notably, it may be desirable according to exemplary embodiments to form a fluid-tight seal between the grow tower 160 and liner 120. In this manner, as grow tower 160 rotates within climate-controlled chamber 122, grow chambers 170 may remain fluidly isolated from each other. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, grow tower 160 may generally define a grow module diameter (e.g., defined by its substantially circular footprint formed in a horizontal plane). Similarly, enclosed back portion 126 of liner 120 may be substantially cylindrical and may define a liner diameter (not labeled). In order to prevent a significant amount of air from escaping between grow tower 160 and liner 120, and in order to fluidly isolate the various grow chambers 170, the liner diameter may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the grow module diameter.
As shown for example in
Notably, environmental control system 140 described above is generally configured for regulating the temperature and humidity (e.g., or some other suitable water level quantity or measurement) within one or all of the plurality of chambers 170 and/or root chambers 172 independently of each other. In this manner, a versatile and desirable growing environment may be obtained for each and every chamber 170.
Referring now for example to
Light assembly 184 may include any suitable number, type, position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, light assembly 184 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may each illuminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) depending on the control signal from controller 196. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, light assembly 184 may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc.
As explained above, light generated from light assembly 184 may result in light pollution within a room where gardening appliance 100 is located. Therefore, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to features for reducing light pollution, or to the blocking of light from light assembly 184 through front display opening 128. Specifically, as illustrated, light assembly 184 is positioned only within the enclosed back portion 126 of liner 120 such that only grow chambers 170 which are in a sealed position are exposed to light from light assembly 184. Specifically, grow tower 160 acts as a physical partition between light assemblies 184 and front display opening 128. In this manner, as illustrated in
Referring now specifically to
As used herein, “motor” may refer to any suitable drive motor and/or transmission assembly for rotating turntable 162 and grow tower 160. For example, motor assembly 186 may include a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, motor assembly 186 may include an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor. In addition, motor assembly 186 may include any suitable transmission assemblies, clutch mechanisms, or other components.
Referring again to
Additionally, gardening appliance 100 may include a display 194, such as a digital or analog display device generally configured to provide visual feedback regarding the operation of gardening appliance 100. For example, display 194 may be provided on control panel 190 and may include one or more status lights, screens, or visible indicators. According to exemplary embodiments, user input devices 192 and display 194 may be integrated into a single device, e.g., including one or more of a touchscreen interface, a capacitive touch panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or other informational or interactive displays.
Gardening appliance 100 may further include or be in operative communication with a processing device or a controller 196 that may be generally configured to facilitate appliance operation. In this regard, control panel 190, user input devices 192, and display 194 may be in communication with controller 196 such that controller 196 may receive control inputs from user input devices 192, may display information using display 194, and may otherwise regulate operation of gardening appliance 100. For example, signals generated by controller 196 may operate gardening appliance 100, including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnected devices, in response to the position of user input devices 192 and other control commands. Control panel 190 and other components of gardening appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 196 via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. In this manner, Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 196 and various operational components of gardening appliance 100.
As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 196 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 196 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.
For example, controller 196 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of gardening appliance 100. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller 196 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller 196.
The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller 196. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 196) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 196 through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 196 may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of gardening appliance 100, controller 196, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.
According to an exemplary embodiment, motor assembly 186 may be operably coupled to controller 196, which is programmed to rotate grow tower 160 according to predetermined operating cycles, based on user inputs (e.g., via touch buttons 192), etc. In addition, controller 196 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, positioned within the various chambers 170 for measuring temperatures and/or humidity, respectively. Controller 196 may then operate motor assembly 186 in order to maintain desired environmental conditions for each of the respective chambers 170. For example, as described herein, gardening appliance 100 includes features or subsystems for providing certain locations of gardening appliance 100 with light, temperature control, proper moisture, nutrients, and other requirements for suitable plant growth. Motor assembly 186 may be used to position specific chambers 170 where needed to receive such growth requirements.
According to an exemplary embodiment, such as where grow tower 160 divides climate-controlled chamber 122 into three grow chambers 170, controller 196 may operate motor assembly 186 to index grow tower 160 sequentially through a number of preselected positions. More specifically, motor assembly 186 may rotate grow tower 160 in a counterclockwise direction (e.g., when viewed from a top of grow tower 160) in 120° increments to move chambers 170 between sealed positions and display positions. As used herein, a chamber 170 is considered to be in a “sealed position” when that chamber 170 is substantially sealed between grow tower 160 and liner 120. By contrast, a chamber 170 is considered to be in a “display position” when that chamber 170 is at least partially exposed to front display opening 128, such that a user may access plants 124 positioned within that chamber 170.
For example, as illustrated in
Gardening appliance 100 and grow tower 160 have been described above to explain an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, according to alternative embodiments, gardening appliance 100 may be a simplified to a two-chamber embodiment with a square liner 120 and a grow tower 160 that divides the climate-controlled chamber 122 in half to define a first grow chamber and a second grow chamber. According to such an embodiment, by rotating grow tower 160 by 200 degrees about central axis 168, the first chamber may alternate between the sealed position (e.g., facing rear side 114 of cabinet 102) and the display position (e.g., facing front side 112 of cabinet 102). By contrast, the same rotation will move the second chamber from the display position to the sealed position.
According to still other embodiments, gardening appliance 100 may include a three chamber grow tower 160 but may have a modified cabinet 102 such that front display opening 128 is wider and two of the three grow chambers 170 are displayed at a single time. Thus, the first grow chamber may be in the sealed position, while the second grow chamber and the third grow chamber may be in the display positions. As grow tower 160 is rotated counterclockwise, the first grow chamber is moved into the display position and the third grow chamber is moved into the sealed position.
Starting at supply pump 250, liquid may be drawn from waste liquid tank 270 by supply pump 250. Supply pump 250 may be connected to mixing tank 210. Thus, supply pump 250 may pump liquid from waste liquid tank 270 to mixing tank 210 during operation of supply pump 250. As an example, controller 196 may selectively activate supply pump 250 to pump water from waste liquid tank 270 to mixing tank 210. Filter 255 may be disposed between supply pump 250 and mixing tank 210, and filter 255 may remove particulates from water flowing to mixing tank 210 from supply pump 250. Moreover, filter 255 may be configured to reduce a total dissolved solids within the liquid flowing to mixing tank 210 from supply pump 250. Filter 255 may be replaceable to allow replacement of filter 255, e.g., prior to or after filter 255 is saturated with removed solids.
Mixing tank 210 may be configured for containing a nutrient liquid, such as a mixture of water and nutrients. For instance, nutrient packets or containers (not shown) may be installed in fluid communication with nutrient pump(s) 260, and nutrient pump(s) 260 may be operable to flow the nutrients into mixing tank 210. Controller 196 may selectively activate nutrient pump(s) 260 to flow the nutrients into mixing tank 210. As another example, a user may manually load the one or more nutrient packets or containers directly into mixing tank 210. The nutrients may include one or more of calcium, nitrogen, magnesium, potash, phosphate, iron, etc. that support growth of plants 124. Water may be added to mixing tank 210 to form the nutrient liquid within mixing tank 210. As noted above, supply pump 250 may flow the water into mixing tank 210 to assist with forming the nutrient liquid. Additionally or alternatively, a user may manually add water to mixing tank 210 to assist with forming the nutrient liquid in mixing tank 210.
Misting pump 230 may be fluidically coupled to mixing tank 210, and misting pump 230 may be operable to pump the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. For example, controller 196 may selectively activate misting pump 230 to flow the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. Misting pump 230 may be a diaphragm pump in certain example embodiments.
Check valve 265 may be disposed on the flow path for the nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220, e.g., between misting pump 230 and accumulator tank 215. Check valve 264 may be configured to limit or prevent backflow of the nutrient liquid into mixing tank 210. Mixing valve 235 may also be disposed downstream of misting pump 230. Mixing valve 235 may be opened to redirect the flow of nutrient liquid from misting pump 230 back into mixing tank 210. Thus, by opening mixing valve 235, mixing pump 230 may assist with mixing of the nutrient liquid in mixing tank 210. Conversely, when mixing valve 235 is closed, misting pump 230 may flow the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220, as described in greater detail below.
Accumulator tank 215 may be installed downstream of misting pump 230. During operation of misting pump 230, nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 may flow into and pressurize accumulator tank 215. Accumulator tank 215 may include a water chamber which has a pre-pressurized internal air bladder. Accumulator tank 215 may assist with dampening sharp water pressure increases, reducing cycling of misting pump 230, increasing operating lifetime of misting pump 230, and/or reducing power consumption of misting pump 230. Misting nozzle 220 may be disposed downstream of accumulator tank 215. Thus, nutrient liquid from accumulator tank 215 may flow to misting nozzle 220, e.g., by pressure generated by misting pump 230.
Misting nozzle 220 may be disposed within root chamber 172 and/or oriented towards apertures 174 and plants 124. A mist of nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 may exit misting nozzle 220 to provide water and/or nutrients to plants 124 and support the growth of plants 124 during operation of misting pump 230. In certain example embodiments, misting nozzle 220 may be configured for atomizing the nutrient liquid to a droplet size less than fifty microns (50 μm). Misting nozzle 220 may be disposed at a suitable location to apply the nutrient liquid to plants 124. For instance, misting nozzle 220 may be disposed above, below, or within root chamber 172, and misting nozzle 220 may be oriented such that the mist of nutrient liquid exiting misting nozzle 220 is applied to plants 124. From root chamber 172, excess nutrient liquid may flow into and collect within water liquid tank 270. Water liquid tank 270 may be positioned proximate a bottom portion of grow tower 160, e.g., directly below root chamber 172, such that gravity may assist with flowing the excess nutrient liquid into water liquid tank 270. From water liquid tank 270, the liquid may be recirculated through hydration system 200 by supply pump 250 as described above.
As may be seen from the above, misting pump 230 may operate to flow nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220, and the nutrient liquid may be applied to plants 124 to facilitate growth of plants 124. Thus, hydration system 200 may operate to supply nutrient liquid to misting nozzle 220. It will be understood that hydration system 200 may include more than one misting nozzle 220 in certain example embodiments, and the misting nozzles 220 may be disposed at various locations within gardening appliance 100 to apply nutrient liquid to plants 124.
Air may be present within the flow path between the components of hydration system 200, e.g., at an initial activation of gardening appliance 100 or due to leakages. As a particular example, air may be present within the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. Hydration system 200 includes features for priming hydration system 200 (e.g., misting pump 230) and thus removing the air from the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. For example, bypass valve 240 may be disposed between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220 on the flow path for the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. For instance, bypass valve 240 may be disposed downstream of accumulator tank 215 and upstream of misting nozzle 220 on the flow path for the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. Bypass valve 240 may be configured to selectively divert the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 into waste liquid tank 270 without flowing through misting nozzle 220. Moreover, hydration system 200 may operate to supply nutrient liquid to misting nozzle 220 when bypass valve 240 is closed. Conversely, nutrient liquid may not be supplied to misting nozzle 220 during operation of hydration system 200 when bypass valve 240 is open. Thus, e.g., the dashed lines to and from bypass valve 240 may correspond to an alternative flow path for the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 around misting nozzle 220 and into waste liquid tank 270.
A pressure sensor 245 may be configured to measure the pressure of the nutrient liquid on the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. Thus, e.g., controller 196 may receive data from pressure sensor 245 corresponding to pressure measurement(s) of the nutrient liquid on the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. As an example, pressure sensor 245 may be disposed between misting pump 230 and accumulator tank 215 on the flow path for nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. Pressure sensor 245 may be, e.g., a piezoresistive strain gauge pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electromagnetic pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, etc.
As noted above, controller 196 may be in operative and/or signal communication with various components of hydration system 200, including misting pump 230, bypass valve 240, and pressure sensor 245. Controller 196 may be configured to operate misting pump 230 and bypass valve 240 based upon data from pressure sensor 245 to prime hydration system 200 (e.g., misting pump 230) and purge air from the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. For instance, when initiating operation of misting pump 230, air may be disposed within the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. Such operation of hydration system 200 is described in greater detail below in the context of
As 910, misting pump 230 may be activated. For instance, controller 196 may activate misting pump 230 in order to urge the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 towards misting nozzle 220. At 920, pressure sensor 245 may measure the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220. Moreover, controller 196 may receive data, such as a signal, from pressure sensor 245 corresponding to the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220. Thus, during operation of misting pump 230 to urge the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 towards misting nozzle 220, controller 196 may monitor the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220 via pressure sensor 245.
At 930, the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220 may be compared to a threshold value. For example, controller 196 may compare the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220 from pressure sensor 245 to the threshold value. When misting pump 230 is primed, e.g., such that air does not interrupt the flow path between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220, misting pump 230 may pressurize the nutrient liquid to at least the threshold value such that the nutrient liquid exits misting nozzle 220. Conversely, as noted above, air may be disposed within the flow path for nutrient liquid between mixing tank 210 and misting nozzle 220. Thus, misting pump 230 may not be primed, and misting pump 230 may not pressurize the nutrient liquid to at least the threshold value such that the nutrient liquid does not exit misting nozzle 220, e.g., due to the back pressure generated by misting nozzle 220. The threshold value may be selected to correspond to a minimum pressure of the nutrient liquid needed to overcome the back pressure generated by misting nozzle 220. As an example, the threshold pressure may be no less than a half megapascal (0.5 MPa) and no greater than six-tenths megapascal (0.6 MPa) in certain example embodiments.
At 930, the pressure of the nutrient liquid between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220 may be compared to the threshold value for a predetermined period of time. For example, controller 196 may compare the pressure of the nutrient liquid from pressure sensor to the threshold value for no less than five second (5 s) and no greater than sixty seconds (60 s). The selected duration of the pressure comparison at 930 may advantageously avoid or limit the impact of temporary pressure fluctuations or other transitory conditions.
At 940, in response to the pressure of the nutrient liquid being greater than the threshold pressure at 930 (e.g., for the predetermined period of time), bypass valve 240 may remain in a current operating state. For example, controller 196 may command bypass valve 240 closed at 940 such that the nutrient liquid from misting pump 230 is supplied to misting nozzle 220. As noted above, when misting pump 230 is primed, e.g., such that air does not interrupt the flow path between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220, misting pump 230 may pressurize the nutrient liquid to at least the threshold value such that the nutrient liquid exits misting nozzle 220. Thus, at 940, hydration system 200 may operate in a manner consistent with misting pump 230 being primed and flowing the nutrient liquid out of misting nozzle 220.
Conversely, in response to the pressure of the nutrient liquid being less than the threshold pressure at 930 (e.g., for the predetermined period of time), bypass valve 240 may be switched open and closed at 950, e.g., while misting pump 230 continues to operate. For example, controller 196 may command bypass valve 240 to open and close. As noted above, when misting pump 230 is not primed, e.g., such that air interrupts the flow path between misting pump 230 and misting nozzle 220, misting pump 230 may not pressurize the nutrient liquid to at least the threshold value, and the nutrient liquid may not exit misting nozzle 220. By switching bypass valve 240 open and closed, air may be purged from the flow path for the nutrient liquid from mixing tank 210 to misting nozzle 220. Thus, switching bypass valve 240 open and closed may prime misting pump 230. Accordingly, hydration system 200 may operate at 950 to prime misting pump.
As a particular example, at 950, controller 196 may first open bypass valve 340 for a first predetermined time interval. Controller 196 may then close bypass valve 240 for a second predetermined time interval. Controller 196 may repeatedly open bypass valve 240 for the first predetermined time interval and close bypass valve 240 for the second predetermined time interval until either a total priming time limit expires or the pressure of the nutrient liquid is greater than the threshold pressure. The first and second predetermined time intervals may be different. For example, the first predetermined time interval may be less than the second predetermined time interval. As a particular example, the first predetermined time interval may be about five seconds (5 s) and the second predetermined time interval may be about thirty seconds (30 s). The total priming time limit may be selected to correspond to estimated time limit by which method 900 is predicted to potentially prime misting pump 230. Controller 196 may flag a hydration system fault when the total priming time limit expires. Thus, a user of gardening appliance 100 or a maintenance technician may be alerted when method 900 does not prime misting pump 230. For example, a warning light, a text message, an email, a buzzer, etc. may be activated by controller 194 to flag the hydration system fault.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
