Plant pot, but inside-out

prusaprinters

This flower pot might look like a regular pot from a distance, but when you look closer it is actually very different.It works like this: you take off the cover on the top, pour in some water, and you'll see that the float starts rising (make sure you don't add more water after the float stops rising, the water pressure might become too high). The water is split into twelve cilinders, which each lead to their own 'floor' inside the pot. The water will then enter the narrow holes on the sides. The air pressure from outside and the surface tension of the water itself prevent the water from flowing out. The water can now be taken up by the plant's roots. You can test if it works by holding a piece of paper, cotton, or something else that absorbs water against one of the holes. If everything works as it should, the item you hold against the holes will get wet. (the upper holes are blocked, so don't worry if they don't seem to work). Pay attention not to put water on the outside of the pot. If a water stream passes a hole, it can create a pathway for the water to continue running out of the pot. Plants can be attached to the sides by inserting the holders into the three holes around the ouside of the pot, or just with rubber bands. After a while the roots will secure the rest of the plant to the pot. It's best to tie as much roots as possible against the holes, so they don't dry out before they have fully secured themselves. I originally made this desighn for orchids and other arboreal plants, but I think it will work with other types of plants as well, as long as the plants have strong roots to secure the plant to the pot and can handle the constant supply of water.The float can be inserted via the hole at the top, and the holes on the plate under the pot are for additional sticks to support the flower stems, keeping them pointing upwards.I highly advise not to make the model any larger before printing, the holes might become too large or the water pressure will become too high because of the increased volume inside the pot, meaning the system won't work.Modelling this flower pot was basically finding a good balance between water pressure, air pressure and surface tension. I had to print about seven different desighns to see which one worked, and I don't know how much versions I eventualy made. I was barely in time uploading these files before the deadline of the contest. Luckily, the model turned out great (except for the float).  Video demonstrating how it works: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nLCFCti4XuZHmjCt8