Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Smart Irrigation: AI-Driven Nutrient Delivery System

Publication ID: 24-11856900_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Smart Irrigation: AI-Driven Nutrient Delivery System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856900_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856900_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,900.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Selective application of consumables via irrigation systems', addressed the need for targeted irrigation and nutrient delivery. However, it had limitations in detecting consumable types and amounts, adjusting watering schedules, and preventing over- or under-fertilization. This new invention solves these problems by integrating sensors, machine learning, and IoT technology to create a more efficient, adaptive, and automated consumable management system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features such as built-in sensors, machine learning algorithms, and IoT-enabled sensors, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in consumable management, making the invention more efficient, adaptive, and automated.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as optical or acoustic sensors, to detect consumable characteristics. Variations may include integrating the consumable module with other irrigation system components, such as weather stations or soil moisture sensors, to further optimize consumable delivery.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural, landscaping, and gardening industries, where efficient and targeted irrigation and nutrient delivery are critical for crop health and yield. The invention can be integrated into existing irrigation systems, providing a competitive advantage for companies that adopt this technology.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01G25/167
G G05 G05B19/042
G G05 G05B2219/2625

Field of Art

Agricultural irrigation systems and smart control technologies, focusing on precision delivery of water and consumables with emphasis on automated system management and sensor integration

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural irrigation systems, familiar with sensor technologies, control systems, and IoT integration, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core irrigation consumable delivery method. The proposed sensor and machine learning integrations are natural progressions in modern agricultural control systems, leveraging well-established IoT and adaptive technology principles. These modifications represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance irrigation system precision and automation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Selective activation of delivery outlets based on irrigation area characteristics
PTD Variation
Adding built-in sensors to detect consumable type and automatically adjust watering schedule
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor integration for automated system adjustment is a known technique in control systems, representing a predictable application of existing technological capabilities
Source Patent Element
Determining application characteristics for consumables
PTD Variation
Implementing machine learning algorithms to predict and adapt to changing irrigation requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive algorithmic control is a standard approach in modern agricultural technology for optimizing resource delivery with finite, identifiable solution sets
Source Patent Element
Consumable delivery method with configurable parameters
PTD Variation
Using RFID-enabled cartridges to automatically store and communicate consumable characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
RFID technology for automated identification and tracking is a well-established technique in inventory and agricultural management systems
Source Patent Element
Irrigation system with delivery outlet control
PTD Variation
IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring and automatic consumable replacement
Obviousness Reasoning
Remote monitoring and automated resupply are predictable technological improvements in connected agricultural systems
Source Patent Element
Method of analyzing irrigation area characteristics
PTD Variation
Real-time soil moisture level tracking to dynamically adjust consumable application rates
Obviousness Reasoning
Dynamic environmental sensing represents a standard approach to precision agricultural resource management
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856900 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and non-patentable. The proposed system modifications represent predictable technological extensions utilizing standard sensor integration, machine learning, and IoT techniques within the established framework of agricultural irrigation consumable delivery systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,900
TitleSelective application of consumables via irrigation systems
Assignee(s)RACHIO, INC.