WO2024258358A2

WO2024258358A2 - Seed germination equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2024258358A2
Application number: PCT/TH2024/050021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chayanun SRISKULTIEW
Original assignee: Viriyarungrong Phumikorn
Current assignee: Viriyarungrong Phumikorn
Priority date: 2023-05-31
Filing date: 2024-05-02
Publication date: 2024-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-30
Also published as: WO2024258358A3

Abstract

The Seed Germination Equipment is designed for the initial germination of plant or vegetable seeds. Since seedlings or young plants are in their early growth stages and are highly susceptible to changing external environmental conditions, the development of this seed germination equipment has been undertaken. This equipment comprises components such as a water discharge pump, mixing tank, float, water control pump, planting tray, monitoring device, fertilizer tank, supply and return pipes, fan, and light source. These components work together to ensure that plants or vegetables in their initial stages of growth can develop efficiently and produce the desired yield. The system provides protection against pests and shields the young plants from external threats, ensuring a controlled environment that promotes healthy growth.

Description

Title of Invention

Seed Germination Equipment

Technical Field

Engineering related to seedling germination, specifically in the area of seed germination equipment.

Background Art

Seedlings or young plants are in the initial stages of growth and are highly vulnerable to fluctuating external environmental conditions such as inconsistent sunlight, temperature, wind, and water. These fluctuations can adversely affect their growth efficiency or even prevent proper development.

To address this issue, we have developed equipment and greenhouse systems specifically for nurturing young plants or vegetables in their early stages. This development aims to achieve target yields and protect against pests such as snails, which often feed on young plants, thereby reducing yield.

The following examples are related inventions found in the Thai patent database:

Patent Application Number: 1801004486 Title of Invention/Product Design: Plant Cultivation Equipment and Plant Cultivation Method

This plant cultivation equipment is designed to properly illuminate plants. It includes: a camera set (4) and a growth width analysis unit (5) for analyzing the growth width of plants (V); a height sensor set (6) for detecting the growth height of plants (V) based on analysis and detection results; and a light control set (8) that controls the lighting device (7) to adjust the light intensity appropriately.

Characterized by: the device is a plant cultivation apparatus featuring shelves designed for growing multiple tiers of plants. Each plant installation panel is equipped with numerous cultivation media for planting. The device includes: A camera array positioned above the plant installation panels to capture images of the plants from above; A growth width analysis unit for analyzing the width of plant growth through image processing of the plants captured by the camera array; A set of sensors to measure the height of plant growth; A lighting apparatus installed on the plant installation panels to illuminate the plants; A lighting control unit that adjusts the light intensity based on the analysis results from the growth width analysis unit and/or the sensor measurements; The lighting control unit is designed to adjust the light intensity based on predefined thresholds. If the analysis indicates that the plant growth width does not exceed the set threshold and the sensors show the plant height is within limits, the control unit reduces the light intensity to a predetermined level regardless of other factors. Conversely, if the growth width exceeds the set threshold or the plant height surpasses the set limit, the control unit will manage the light intensity accordingly.

Patent Application Number: 1901005431 Title of Invention/Product Design: Seedling Cultivation Machine and Method for Seedling Cultivation

The seedling germination machine is characterized by germinating seedlings using a multi-level plant cultivation apparatus with 3 to 8 levels, which includes lighting devices (13). The lighting devices (13) include semiconductortype light sources and covers (13b) made from resin, which diffuse light from the semiconductor-type light sources. The luminous flux output from the lighting devices (13) per square meter of the cultivation surface of each level is 17,000 lumens or more.

Characterized by: the Seedling Germination Machine using a multi-level plant cultivation apparatus, which includes lighting devices. The lighting devices include semiconductor-type light sources and covers made from resin, which diffuse light from the semiconductor-type light sources. The luminous flux output from the lighting devices per square meter of the cultivation surface of each level is 17,000 lumens or more. The average photosynthetic photon flux density of the lighting devices, measured at 20 centimeters from the outer surface of the cover, is 150 pmol/m²/s or more. The cover has a height of 40 millimeters or less. The semiconductor-type light sources have a first emission peak within the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nanometers and a second emission peak within the wavelength range of 500 to 620 nanometers. The second emission peak has a fullwidth at half maximum (FWHM) of 100 nanometers or more. The seedling germination machine is designed in a closed structure and includes air conditioning devices within the closed structure and watering devices for watering the seedlings.

Patent Application Number: 2003002249 Title of Invention/Product Design: Automatic Artificial Light Vegetable Growing Cabinet

The Automatic Artificial Light Vegetable Growing Cabinet consists of a cabinet frame structure with side panels joined together. The front portion of the cabinet frame includes two hinged doors for opening and closing. Each side panel includes ventilation fans and air filters installed inside. The cabinet has multiple trays for planting vegetables attached to the frame, each equipped with capacitive soil moisture sensors. High-power 3-watt LED light sources are installed to provide illumination for photosynthesis. These lights can be scheduled for automatic on-off cycles using a digital timer. The top of the cabinet has a control switch panel, including a water control circuit, LED light control circuit, and settings for various factors related to vegetable growing. The bottom section contains a water tank, water pump motor, solenoid valve set, and water supply pipes leading to the planting trays. Wheels are installed for easy movement.

Characterized by: the Automatic Artificial Light Vegetable Growing Cabinet, which has high-power 3-watt LED light sources, includes red LEDs with a wavelength of 620-670 nanometers, or blue LEDs with a wavelength of 420- 470 nanometers, or warm white LEDs mixed with cool white LEDs, to emit light to assist in photosynthesis according to the growth stage of the planted vegetables, providing a light energy value on the planting tray equal to 200 ± 10 micromoles per square meter per second, with uniform light distribution on the planting tray equal to 0.8 ± 0.01. The position of each color LED is arranged in a specific pattern, spaced periodically and alternately, resembling serrated teeth. The LED light sources can be timed for vegetable planting using a digital timer, which allows for automatic on-off light cycles by supplying alternating current to the power supply switch, which then supplies power through the control switch to the LED light sources installed. The water control circuit includes a microcontroller for processing soil moisture data measured by the capacitive soil moisture sensors. When the soil moisture level is below the set threshold, the microcontroller processes the data and activates the water pump motor relay, which then pumps water from the water tank through the solenoid valve set, through the water supply pipes, and into the planting trays. When the soil moisture level reaches the set threshold, the microcontroller processes the data and deactivates the water pump motor relay, stopping the water supply. The LED light control circuit includes a digital timer and power supply switch, which receives external power through the control switch. Several LED light sources are installed to emit light to assist in photosynthesis according to the growth stage of the vegetables. Ventilation fans are installed on the side panels of the cabinet frame to control air circulation within the Automatic Artificial Light Vegetable Growing Cabinet according to the set levels.

Patent Application Number: 2103000648 Title of Invention/Product Design: Closed System Planting Method

The Closed System Planting Method includes environmental control and nutrient delivery methods via a hydroponic system in a closed room. The allocation of resources within the space involves planting areas, seed areas, and control equipment, including light, temperature, and air, all within the same room. Additionally, the invention includes planting using stackable tower pots and tray pots.

Characterized by: there are at least two colors of light, red and blue, and a control panel for the light sources that regulates the light intensity and duration as specified. Air and temperature control consist of air and temperature movement sources, air movement auxiliary devices, air and temperature control panels, and carbon dioxide generation equipment, which function as follows: the air and temperature movement sources can be installed on the upper wall or all four walls of the planting area. The air and temperature movement sources work by directing carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide generation equipment to the air movement control panel, which releases it along with air and controls the temperature. The air movement auxiliary devices installed at the bottom draw in air to create circulation, sending the air back to the air and temperature control panel again. The planting area has a vertical farming design with tower pots where the nutrient solution flows through distribution points to the tower pots before condensing into the liquid collection device. Light sources can be installed vertically, diagonally from the top, or diagonally from the bottom. The planting area also supports horizontal farming with horizontal pots where the nutrient solution flows through distribution points before condensing into the liquid collection device, with light sources installed above. Suitable tower pots should have a circular cross-section with an area between 0.0025 and 0.01 square meters. Horizontal pots should have a curved bottom cross -section to facilitate the condensation and collection of the nutrient solution, with an area between 0.005 and 0.05 square meters. Suitable materials for tower and horizontal pots should be lightweight and corrosion-resistant, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The closed system planting method should have surfaces that can easily reflect light to ensure good light distribution.

Patent Application Number: 1803000609 Title of Invention/Product Design: Seed Germination Machine The Seed Germination Machine comprises five systems: 1) Control System, 2) Seed Germination Cabinet and Dehumidification System, 3) Mist Delivery System, 4) Mist Generation and Humidity Supply System, and 5) Water Reservoir System. The main objective of this invention is to create a seed germination machine capable of controlling temperature and humidity as appropriate for different plants, providing misting as needed for various types of plants. It can be applied to machines of all sizes and can be further developed for commercial use.

Characterized by: the Seed Germination Cabinet and Dehumidification System consist of temperature and relative humidity sensors that measure the temperature and relative humidity inside the seed germination cabinet. An air extraction fan is used to dehumidify the interior of the seed germination cabinet. The Mist Generation and Humidity Supply System include an ultrasonic humidifier that generates mist when the relative humidity inside the cabinet falls below the set threshold. An air supply fan directs the humidity from the mist generator through the mist delivery system into the seed germination cabinet. An automatic water level control valve releases water from the water reservoir system into the mist generation and humidity supply system when the water level drops below the set threshold. The Control System receives data from the temperature and relative humidity sensors. When the relative humidity falls below the set threshold, the control system signals the mist generator and air supply fan to operate, delivering humidity through the mist delivery system into the seed germination cabinet and dehumidification system. When the relative humidity reaches the set threshold, the control system signals the mist generator and air supply fan to stop. If the relative humidity exceeds the set threshold, the control system signals the air extraction fan to dehumidify and stops the fan when the relative humidity reaches the set threshold, maintaining the specified temperature and humidity levels suitable for the plants. This invention addresses issues in previous seed germination devices that lacked integration of components such as the control system, seed germination cabinet, dehumidification system, mist delivery system, mist generation and humidity supply system, water reservoir system, artificial lighting, temperature regulation, carbon dioxide delivery, and water supply. The invention includes additional components like a water discharge pump, seed trays, a mixing tank, water quality sensors, water and fertilizer pumps, supply and return pipes for water and fertilizer, a liquid circulation pump, liquid level float, fertilizer tank, fan, and artificial light sources.

This invention solves problems in previous seed germination devices by utilizing waste water from the cooling system in the process and installing a mixing tank with continuous water quality monitoring. This ensures higher efficiency and supports other functions in seed care, promoting optimal growth from the early stages.

Summary of Invention

The Seed Germination Equipment is designed for the initial germination of plant or vegetable seeds. It includes components such as a water discharge pump, mixing tank, float, water control pump, planting tray, sensors, fertilizer tank, supply and return pipes, fan, and light source, integrated at least in one position. This setup ensures efficient growth of plants or vegetables in the initial stage, achieving the desired yield while being protected from external threats.

Previous seed germination devices did not incorporate the reuse of wastewater from cooling systems into the process. This invention includes a fertilizer tank and a mixing tank with continuous water quality monitoring, enhancing the efficiency of the yield. It integrates these features with other functions, making the seed germination equipment more complete and ensuring optimal growth of seeds from the early stages, with controlled external factors. Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1: Shows the components of one embodiment of the seed germination equipment according to this invention.

Figure 2: Shows the components of another embodiment of the seed germination equipment according to this invention.

Description of Embodiments

The invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this invention may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific drawings provided. These drawings are made to ensure the clarity and completeness of this disclosure, allowing those skilled in the relevant scientific fields to fully understand it. The thickness and area in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

Figures 1 and 2 show the components of one embodiment of the seed germination equipment according to this invention. The equipment is intended for the initial germination of plant or vegetable seeds and includes a water discharge pump (1) installed in at least one position. The water discharge pump (1) is used to pump out water that is no longer needed in the process, from the mixing tank (2) to the outside.

The water discharge pump (1) is connected to the mixing tank (2) at least in one position. The mixing tank (2) has a base and side walls, is hollow inside, and does not have a ceiling, intended to hold a mixture of RO water, wastewater from the cooling system, and fertilizer.

Inside the mixing tank (2), at least one float (3) is installed. The float (3) can float on water and is connected to the water control system. The float (3) measures three levels: lower level, middle level, and upper level. When the water is below the lower level, the mixing pump stops to prevent damage. At the middle level, the water is at the set standard, and if it falls below this, the connected water pump activates to refill the tank. The upper level prevents overflow by stopping the water refill when the water reaches this level.

The mixing tank (2) also connects to at least one water control pump (4) that circulates water to measure fertilizer concentration and pH levels, supplying water to the planting tray (5) and returning it to the mixing tank (2).

The seed germination equipment includes at least one shelf for holding planting trays (5), which can be vertical or horizontal.

The seed germination equipment is connected to at least one planting tray (5), which is designed as a tray with slots for seeding.

The seed germination equipment also includes at least one monitoring device (6), which is a hollow tube that measures fertilizer concentration and pH, sending water from the mixing tank (2) for testing and returning it. If any values are out of range, the system adjusts the fertilizer or pH levels.

The seed germination equipment includes at least one fertilizer tank (7), which is a hollow box with at least one valve for controlling the release of fertilizer and pH adjusters. The fertilizer tank (7) holds various liquids, including fertilizer A, fertilizer B, pH adjusters, and other nutrients.

The valves installed in the fertilizer tank (7) control the release of fertilizer A, fertilizer B, pH adjusters, and other substances to the mixing tank (2) to adjust the water conditions appropriately.

The seed germination equipment also includes at least one supply and return pipe (8), which is a hollow tube used to transfer liquids from one point to another. This includes pipes for RO water and wastewater from the cooling system, which are incorporated into the process. These pipes transfer water from the mixing tank (2) of other planting areas to the monitoring device (6) and back to the mixing tank (2) of those planting areas. Additionally, the equipment is fitted with at least one fan (9). The fan (9) has a central point connected to blades, used to blow or circulate air within the process, as air is a crucial factor for seed growth.

The fan (9) may also be connected to a cooling system to regulate the temperature, ensuring optimal conditions for seed growth.

Furthermore, the seed germination equipment is equipped with at least one light source (10). The light source (10) consists of a lighting panel that extends down from the ceiling of the equipment, with at least one rod securing the lighting panel to ensure stability and provide even light distribution to the seeds. This light source functions to provide artificial lighting.

The light source (10), which provides artificial lighting, can be selected from various types including white, red, blue, purple, or orange light, either individually or in combination.

Additionally, the seed germination equipment is equipped with at least one sensor for monitoring the size of the growing seedlings to ensure they meet the specified standards. If the size is below or above the standard, the sensor records the data into a database.

The seed germination equipment is designed to record the operation data of the entire process into a database. This allows for the monitoring and recording of the entire process to ensure that the growth at each stage follows the specified standards and to provide detailed operational information.

The equipment can operate both offline and online. The online mode allows for remote control through devices used to view information and issue commands.

Any modifications or changes to this invention should be clearly understood and can be made by those skilled in the relevant field. These changes may fall within the scope and intent of this invention, as specified in the attached claims.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

As detailed in the Description of Embodiments.

Claims

1. Seed Germination Equipment for the initial germination of plant or vegetable seeds, comprising at least one water discharge pump (1), mixing tank (2), float (3), water control pump (4), planting tray (5), monitoring device (6), fertilizer tank (7), supply and return pipes (8), fan (9), and light source (10) installed in at least one position, characterized by the seed germination equipment that includes a pump for using wastewater from the cooling system in the process, and the installation of a fertilizer tank and a mixing tank with water quality measurement.

The seed germination equipment comprises at least one water discharge pump (1), which is used to pump water from the mixing tank (2) out of the process.

The water discharge pump (1) is connected to the mixing tank (2) in at least one position. The mixing tank (2) has a base and side walls, is hollow inside without a ceiling, and is used to hold a mixture of RO water, wastewater from the cooling system, and fertilizer.

Inside the mixing tank (2), at least one float (3) is installed. The float (3) can float on water and controls the water level.

Inside the mixing tank (2), at least one water control pump (4) is installed, used to circulate water to measure fertilizer concentration and pH, supplying water to the planting fray (5) and returning it to the mixing tank (2).

The seed germination equipment includes at least one planting tray (5), which is a fray with slots for seeding.

The seed germination equipment also includes at least one monitoring device (6), which is a hollow tube that measures fertilizer concentration and pH, sending water from the mixing tank (2) for testing and returning it. If any values are out of range, the system adjusts the fertilizer or pH levels. The seed germination equipment includes at least one fertilizer tank (7), which is a hollow box with at least one valve for controlling the release of fertilizer and pH adjusters.

The seed germination equipment includes at least one supply and return pipe (8), which is a hollow tube used to transfer liquids from one point to another.

The seed germination equipment also includes at least one fan (9), which has a central point connected to blades, used to blow or circulate air within the process.

The seed germination equipment includes at least one light source (10), which is a lighting panel suspended from the ceiling, providing artificial light.

2. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the float (3) measures three water levels: the lower level, where the mixing pump stops if water is below the threshold to prevent damage; the middle level, where the water is at the set standard, and if below, the connected water pump activates to refill the tank; and the upper level, where the pump stops to prevent overflow.

3. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the equipment includes at least one shelf for holding planting trays (5), arranged in vertical or horizontal layers.

4. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the fertilizer tank (7) holds a selected liquid from fertilizer A, fertilizer B, pH adjusters, or other nutrients.

5. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the fertilizer tank (7) is equipped with valves for controlling the release of fertilizer.

6. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the fan (9) is connected to a cooling system to regulate the temperature for optimal seed growth.

7. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the light source (10) provides artificial light, which can be selected from white, red, blue, purple, or orange light, either individually or combined.

8. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is installed to monitor the growth size of seedlings.

9. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the entire process records data into a database.

10. Seed Germination Equipment according to claim 1, wherein the operation can be conducted both offline and online, with remote control and monitoring capabilities.