RU104820U1 - MODULAR ELEMENT AND DESIGN OF HYDROPONIC INSTALLATION OF MIXED TYPE FOR VERTICAL GARDENING - Google Patents

Abstract

 1. Hydroponic installation of a mixed type of irrigation for vertical gardening, consisting of modular elements fixed at an angle to a vertical surface, each modular element of which is formed by an external metal perforated frame, in which a cover of waterproofing material with patch pockets is placed to accommodate wires and watering hoses of the system watering, while in the case is placed a form made of plastic or metal mesh, in which a plastic bag is located, surrounded by an inner metal perforated frame and containing peat pots for planting plants and elements of the irrigation system, while the package at the bottom contains a filler for excess moisture, and the remaining part is filled with a filler of natural origin, separated from the filler for excess moisture by a fine mesh or non-woven fabric, while each modular element is equipped with a luminaire. ! 2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that as a filler of natural origin for the package is a storage tank saturated with useful soil microorganisms and humic acids, and expanded clay is used as a filler for excess moisture. ! 3. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the irrigation system consists of basal droppers or an oozing hose. ! 4. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that on the front surface of the modular element is fixed a frame with protruding edges, on the inside of which a reflective tape is fixed. ! 5. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the luminaire is a fluorescent lamp or LEDs. ! 6.

Description

The technical field to which the utility model relates.

The modular element and designs for a mixed-type hydroponic installation for vertical gardening are among the devices for indoor and outdoor placement that allow planting and subsequent growth in a vertical state

State of the art

The closest prototype of a modular element was described in the author’s patent No. 76774 “Moss-peat block (options) and hydroponic installation based on them.” Vertical gardening is quite common in the world, this is, first of all, Patrick Blanca designs created on a pure hydroponic system - nutritious the solution enters the roots of plants with a certain frequency (several times a day). The role of soils is performed by plates made of polymer material, through the capillaries of which a nutrient mixture is supplied. Or is it a plastic construction with pockets for planting plants (common in Scandinavia) filled with expanded clay., Which are filled with a nutrient solution at regular intervals. There are also options for systems where the role of the soil is played by non-woven geo-canvas. We have listed pure hydroponic devices. They are widely used in the world - France, England, Holland, Mexico, Japan, Korea. Walls from blocks of sphagnum moss, which is distinguished by its hydroaccumulative properties, are also common in Europe. This is the closest technology to be presented. These walls can also be considered as constructions of hydroponic systems of a mixed type. Each manufacturer uses its own technology.

Analysis of observations of the problems of creating vertical green walls and caring for plants made it possible to create an original hydroponic installation of a mixed type, which differs in its design features. The installation consists of modules. The installation can be quickly mounted and dismantled, which allows its use in areas with sharp seasonal temperature changes. Refillable blocks. Blocking does not take place after mounting the wall, but in each block separately. Mounted blocks are already planted with plants. Design differences of the installation are focused on reducing labor costs for maintenance of phytowalls, creating the possibility of autonomous watering.

The essence of the utility model as a technical solution

1. The hydroponic installation consists of modules of various sizes and shapes, which, with the help of fasteners, are suspended on metal chains, or cables, (figure 2)

Typical blocks (figure 1) with dimensions of 30-40 cm (height - width) and 15-20 cm (depth) are suspended on chains, or on cables at the upper corners of the metal frame. These size ranges are chosen in order to adjust the weight of the block - it should not weigh more than 15 kg in the most severe condition (with plants and completely saturated with water). During installation, the weight of the unit must not exceed 10 kg. When transported in a dry state, the weight of the unit is about 5 kg. Also, the size of the width is dictated by the size of the fluorescent lamp used for additional illumination of plants.

The equilibrium center of the suspended blocks sets their location at a small angle to the vertical surface of the wall (Figure 2), which allows you to create favorable conditions for plant life. Plants with this arrangement of containers take root faster than a fully vertical surface. This position of the module allows each unit to be equipped with a lamp (Figure 1), simplifies the watering system of plants.

This way of arranging individual blocks is new to vertical gardening. Traditionally, if phytowalls consist of blocks, then they are installed one on top of the other (moss walls). During irrigation with this arrangement of blocks, water flows down on a vertical surface, creating the need to collect excess moisture for maintenance personnel. Part of the water drains from the leaves of plants during radical watering (through the root and leaf). When spraying, the same effect is observed. If the moss in which the plants grow is dry, then first you need to moisten the moss, otherwise the water rolls down from the vertical facade. Most often, green vertical walls below are equipped with a reservoir into which moisture flows. Cleaning the tank involves additional labor. When placing blocks in our model, such a tank is not required. Excess water falls into the lower corner of the block filled with expanded clay (Figure 1, 6). When the soil dries, water, or a nutrient solution from the compartment filled with expanded clay, goes to the roots of the plants. Also, during irrigation, water is saved, which is significant with significant areas of vertical phytowalls. The floor surface under the hanging hydroponic installation is easy to clean, which allows it to be placed in any part of the room, whether it is a corner, near a wall, or in the center of the hall. Allows its active use in public places.

In the traditional placement of blocks after their installation, it is impossible to change the block, for example, with diseased plants. The proposed option allows you to remove any block from the circuit without dismantling the system.

When placed on the brackets attached to the wall or ceiling, lifting devices, the chain, or the cable on which the blocks are hung, it is possible to lift, or pull on yourself. This allows you to fix the blocks on the surface of the floor, and then lift the structure, which is especially important when lifting the blocks to a height above 2.5 meters. This is significant for outdoor gardening, when vertical gardening is carried out above the first floor.

2. Each module (figure 1) consists of: a package of thick plastic, in which there is a hydroaccumulative soil, peat pots for planting plants with various fillers (moss, special soils), drip irrigation systems (droppers, oozing hose), a protective non-woven fabric protecting against rash of soil. The package is embedded in a mold made of plastic or metal mesh. The sides of the form are fastened with clamps, or duct tape. The next layer is a decorative cover made of waterproofing fabric. The design of the cover includes sewn-in pockets for accommodating irrigation hoses and fixture wires. These layers are located between two frames made of perforated galvanized steel tape. A frame with protruding edges is mounted on the front surface of the block, made of plastic or metal mesh. This is used to decorate fasteners, hoses, wiring, fixtures. A reflective tape is mounted on the lower inner side of the protruding frame, which serves as a diffuser for the lamp mounted on the block. Fasteners to the chain or cable are through the holes of the double perforated frame of the block.

Hydroaccumulative soil of natural origin requires additional processing (in nature, nothing grows on it). Together with our partners, microbiologists, we saturate it with useful soil microorganisms, humic acids, which improves the vital activity of plants.

3. Watering system. The irrigation system is carried out using radical droppers, or an oozing hose. In analogs, in pure hydroponic systems, full automation of the process is provided, which, according to our Russian conditions, is not always the best option. With the described technology, watering can be carried out not only by connecting to a centralized irrigation system, but also in an autonomous way. A hydroponic installation up to 3 meters high can be watered with a manual pump of 5-10 liters, which allows more efficient servicing of phytowalls located, for example, in access areas, in school classes, etc. We also developed options for manual pumps equipped with a foot compressor (used for pumping tires), which are able to increase pressure, and, accordingly, pump performance. The slightly inclined position of the blocks allows them to be watered not only with the help of radical droppers, but also from above. Water does not roll off. Water in this case flows into the unit. If its quantity is excessive, then it accumulates in the expanded clay layer, filling all the empty space. This situation allows you to increase the intervals between watering plants, because when drying of the accumulating soil supplying moisture to the peat pot with special soil for a particular plant, water enters from the expanded clay compartment or other filler into the hydraulic accumulating soil through the capillary fibers with which it is filled. As a result of this composition of the module, we can increase the periods between watering plants by 4–5 times compared with blocks of moss, or ordinary soil. Placed vertically in the wind and sun in summer, the described analogues dry out within 2 days. The proposed system in the summer on the street, if there is no rain, it is enough to water once a week. This allows you to reduce maintenance costs and increases convenience for summer residents who come to their sites on weekends. In winter, watering indoors is enough to carry out once every two weeks. Ornamental plants and garden crops planted vertically are more convenient to maintain in an upright position.

Most of the green walls of vertical landscaping are watered using pure hydroponics systems, which suggests that, at a certain frequency (once every 4-8 hours), the roots of plants be lowered into the nutrient solution. In our system, we use the principles of hydroponics and plant growth in soils, so we call our system - mixed.

4. Lighting system. One of the most important issues, especially in winter, is the question of additional illumination of plants in order to obtain a good crop of vegetable crops and herbs, or to achieve the decorativeness of indoor plants, including those brought from other climatic zones. Usually this issue is solved by the placement of ceiling fluorescent lamps (for ornamental plants), and sodium lamps for greenhouse plants. Lamps are placed on top.

Now plant lovers place plants that require additional lighting for flowering, such as violets, in special cabinets mounted to the window opening, and on the other hand a lamp is attached to each shelf of the cabinet. Such a system reduces the insolation of rooms, inconvenient to maintain and unaesthetic.

With additional illumination of plants, certain rules are used, which must be remembered. The distance from the lamp to the plant can be 15-50 cm, depending on the growth rate of the highlighted plants and on how much heat the lamp gives. Increasing the distance every 2 times, we reduce the amount of light by 4 times. Our design solution, which consists in placing the lamp on the underside of the module, (Figure 1) makes it possible to illuminate with a lamp that practically does not heat the space (fluorescent, LED) and illuminates plants at distances of 15-25 cm. At the same time, there is light from the lamps, some of which It is placed at eye level, does not get into the eyes. This is facilitated by the front decorative frame (Figure 2), which not only protects the eyes from the light of a direct lamp, but also increases the illumination of plants due to the reflective strip fixed on the inside of the frame.

5. The system for placing the modules of the blocks involves mounting a chain, or cable, on a bracket that is attached to a wall, ceiling, fence, metal grill, etc. If mounting to a wall, ceiling is unacceptable, the chains are hung on a frame made of metal pipes, corners profiles. For each row of blocks (Figure 2) two chains, or a cable, are required. The technology allows you to create phytowalls of various shapes, sizes, configurations. Blocks with fasteners are hung on chains. Blocks can be hung close to each other, creating the effect of a monolithic green surface, as well as at intervals. A creeper grid is inserted into the gap. This creates the opportunity to minimize the cost of designing vertical surfaces. For example, 4 blocks with vines (hops, ivy, honeysuckle, etc.) are enough for a portable type fence of construction sites to create a green wall in the warm season that traps dust, harmful compounds that hide workplaces. When creating phytowalls with a height of more than three meters, a lifting block can be fixed to the end of the bracket in order to reduce the labor required to fix the blocks on the chain and raise them to the required height. Such a design allows seasonal vertical gardening in places with a sharp change in climate due to the quick installation and dismantling of the system. At the same time, the facade of the building does not suffer. Almost all European analogues of vertical green walls are mounted in the facade of the building, which greatly complicates the care of plants. These systems are placed in places that do not involve sudden seasonal changes in temperature. In Russia, such green walls do not take root.

6. “Green oases” are minifactories for the remediation of contaminated, saline soils by biological methods. Compost heaps for processing organic waste into fertile soils are analogues. In this case, the modular element is blocks without a cover and plastic coating, from which a unique formwork is created with a diameter of 1-2 m and a height of 1.2-1.5 m (the volume required for planting a large-sized plant). This "crater" is filled with soil to be reclaimed. Soil microorganisms of a specific formulation, which is created by microbiologists and soil scientists, are launched there. From above everything is covered with a black film. Outside, the blocks are planted with shrubs. Basal irrigation and soil heated under the film creates optimal conditions for the propagation of soil microorganisms, the food of which are the problematic chemical compounds of "dirty" soil. In this biological factory, living microorganisms multiply and move through the bottom of the crater to neighboring “dirty” soils, which are their source of nutrition. After 3-6 months of warm time, a qualitative change in the soil in the formwork occurs, which allows you to plant a large-sized plant with a lot of foliage there, which overtakes after overthrowing in snow, improving the quality of the soil adjacent to the crater, where beneficial microorganisms are already moving. Soil microorganisms after they have processed the "dirty" chemical compounds do not die - they pupate and become hibernated. The strains isolated by microbiologists from sapropel are used - they are natural and do not pose a danger to the environment. It is very good to combine this method of soil reclamation with placement of vermicultures in the "factories".

7. This method of planting plants can be used to restrain the onset of deserts, to create protection against wind, dust and sand. All green strips (analogues) created for this purpose are maintained at the basal irrigation - a significant part of the water goes into the sand. The formwork of blocks with hydroaccumulative soil 1.2-1.5 meters high, moistened with droppers, planted outside with shrubs, immediately represent an obstacle course. A large-sized plant is planted in the “crater”, which is watered through the “formwork” created from the modules. It saves water. The grove created from tall plants serves as a good protective strip.

2. 3 task, the solution of which the claimed model is aimed

1. The task of the hydroponic installation is to create the possibility of vertical gardening by planting plants in an upright position and to create significant areas of living walls. The area of planted plants vertically increases by 16 times compared with horizontal planting.

Advantages of the utility model over analogues in its modular design. This gives advantages when installing phytowalls. In case of illness or death of any plant, the unit is easily removed for maintenance without a general dismantling of the system, which is especially important when creating large areas. The weight of the unit allows you to mount it to one adult man. With modular design, each group of plants (phytomodule) is located in an isolated unit, which prevents infection of plants in the adjacent module. Modules can be easily interchanged, which creates additional opportunities for changing compositional solutions and increases the variability of living wall patterns with the same plants.

2. The issue of winter additional illumination of plants to obtain a good crop of vegetable crops, to create the possibility of flowering and increase the range of ornamental plants in indoor and winter gardens is solved by the maximum approximation of the light source to plants. The lamp - LED, or fluorescent is attached to the bottom of the upper block. The frame closes the lamp with wires, prevents direct glow in the eyes, is equipped with a reflective strip acting as a diffuser, which increases the illumination of plants.

3. Watering plants can be carried out not only automatically, but also autonomously, using a manual or electric pump, which is important when placing living walls away from the central water supply. Such a design does not allow the formation of excess water, which must be removed after irrigation (reduced labor costs during maintenance), and also leads to water savings.

4. The task at street gardening to adapt vertical gardening to Russian conditions is solved by the possibility of quick installation and dismantling of blocks and chains. Blocks with the roots of perennial plants for winter are stacked in stacks on the ground, without requiring special storage conditions. In the spring they are ready to use

5. The task is to simplify the installation and maintenance system due to design features that will allow attracting a significant audience of people without special knowledge to vertical gardening.

6. Hydroponic installations planted with plants act as a filter against dust, harmful chemical compounds, noise, increase atmospheric humidity, and absorb the excess heat generated by the summer city. Phytomodules are being developed for planting blocks. A phytomodule is a set of plants formed by a certain characteristic. Classifications are by place of growth, by phytoncid properties, by the properties of remediation, by decorativeness, by psychological influence on various groups of the population, Phytomodules concentrated in a certain amount create a therapeutic effect, which is being studied with the aim of creating means and methods of additional healing of the nation, environmental protection . For example, to clean the atmosphere of a room of 20 square meters. meters from harmful volatile chemical elements (formaldehydes, xenon, toluene, heavy metals, etc.) and dust, 20 chlorophytum plants are required. There are not enough window sills, and in educational institutions it is generally forbidden to place flowers on window sills, as this reduces insolation. This number of plants will occupy 2/3 of the hydroponic plant (40 cm wide, 230 cm high), which will occupy 0.12 square meters. m room.

7. Development of new ways to prevent the onset of deserts, new ways to accelerate the restoration of contaminated and saline soils

Features used to characterize a utility model

1. The presence of a structural element. As a structural element, the modular block described above is highlighted, as well as the chains or cables on which it is attached.

2. The presence of communication between them. Blocks are connected into a single system by mounting the blocks in an inclined position on a chain, or cable. All drip irrigation hoses are combined into a single system. The unit is equipped with a lamp. Wiring and watering hoses are removed into the pockets of the protective cover made of their waterproofing material. The ends of the irrigation hoses and the electrical wiring plug have leads at the bottom of the hydroponic installation.

3. The relative position of the suspended blocks, may be close, or at intervals. It depends on the task and the plants that planted the blocks.

4. The modular element is made in the form of parallepid. It is possible to manufacture modules of any shape. The geometry of the created hydroponic installations of a mixed type can be varied, these are straight flat vertical surfaces, and cylinders, and polygons.

5. The form of the connection between the elements is carried out by fasteners (metal and plastic clamps)

6. Parameters and other characteristics of the element and their relationship. One of the main advantages of the mixed type hydroponic system is the relative rarity of watering, which is achieved by the features of the pumped storage material of the block filler, the presence of expanded clay in the block or other filler for excess moisture, and the placement of root droppers. These features allow you to use both automated irrigation and stand-alone. A feature of lighting is the location of the light source in close proximity to plants, and eye protection from direct light. The tilted position of the blocks creates a number of advantages for plants and the maintenance of the system. Placing modules on chains or cables allows for quick installation and dismantling of the system.

Phytowalls created on the basis of a hydroponic installation can be unlimited in size. The hydroponic installation, consisting of blocks, is itself a module when creating significant vertical "green" surfaces.

7. When creating a hydroponic installation of a mixed type, a large number of materials are used. These are materials of natural origin: hydroaccumulative soils, moss, peat pots, special soils, biological fertilizers; as well as plastic bags, molds made of metal or plastic mesh, metal frames made of perforated strip, waterproofing material for the cover and decoration of the front frame, double-sided tape, metal cable, metal chains, metal brackets, plastic clamps.

8. Hydroponic plants are designed for planting plants on a vertical surface indoors and outdoors. Hydroponic installations act as filters from dust, harmful chemical compounds, noise.

Brief Description of the Drawings

1. Figure 1 - modular unit hydroponic installation with filling. The drawing shows all the components of the module

2. Figure 2 - Location of modular units on a suspended circuit. The drawing shows one row of which the hydroponic installation consists.

Utility Model Implementation

The use of the described utility model of a mixed type hydroponic plant is very broad.

1. Indoors:

- In residential premises

- In educational and medical institutions

- Offices (it is possible to create flowering interior partitions)

- Industrial premises. For example, in a factory that produces products painted with palekh, near Nizhny Novgorod, artists who create varnish miniatures use the working space of tables by 1/6. The rest of the space is filled with flower pots that act as natural filters for the workshop environment. It is saturated with volatile compounds released by paints, varnish, glue. To place these plants vertically, several mixed-type hydroponic plants would be needed on the workshop area. The area covered by flowers 16 times (tables, aisles, window sills) is freed. The area for work is increasing, occupational diseases are decreasing, the aesthetics of the environment is improving - working conditions are improving.

- Access zones, design of pools, phytocenters, relaxation rooms

2. In winter gardens, on insulated balconies, loggias

3. On the street

- Facades of houses

- Fences.

- Playgrounds

- Temporary fences

- Walls of summer buildings

- Filters along highways

- "Green Oases"

- Method for the remediation of contaminated land

Materials explaining the essence of the utility model

flyer with photographs of vertical walls made by the author.

Claims (6)

1. Hydroponic installation of a mixed type of irrigation for vertical gardening, consisting of modular elements fixed at an angle to a vertical surface, each modular element of which is formed by an external metal perforated frame, in which a cover of waterproofing material with patch pockets is placed to accommodate wires and watering hoses of the system watering, while in the case is placed a form made of plastic or metal mesh, in which a plastic bag is located, surrounded by an inner metal perforated frame and containing peat pots for planting plants and elements of the irrigation system, while the package at the bottom contains a filler for excess moisture, and the remaining part is filled with a filler of natural origin, separated from the filler for excess moisture by a fine mesh or non-woven fabric, while each modular element is equipped with a luminaire. 2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that as a filler of natural origin for the package is a storage tank saturated with useful soil microorganisms and humic acids, and expanded clay is used as a filler for excess moisture. 3. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the irrigation system consists of basal droppers or an oozing hose. 4. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that on the front surface of the modular element is fixed a frame with protruding edges, on the inside of which a reflective tape is fixed. 5. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the luminaire is a fluorescent lamp or LEDs. 6. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that each modular element is fixed with fasteners on chains or cables.