Replaceable chemical storage module for tree-interfacing devices
View Patent ↗A replaceable storage module for delivering chemical payloads into the vascular system of a living tree through a tree-interfacing device is disclosed. The module includes a housing with an internal reservoir for storing chemical formulations, at least one outlet port connected to the reservoir, a sealing interface for releasable coupling with the tree-interfacing device, and a flow-regulating interface that controls the release of chemicals into the tree's vascular system. The device is suitable for trees, woody plants, and agricultural crops, and is adaptable to differences in sap flow, plant tissue characteristics, and environmental conditions. Chemical payloads can be selected based on sap analysis, soil conditions, and species-specific nutrient requirements to enhance nutrient efficiency and minimize chemical waste. The modular design allows multiple replaceable storage modules to be integrated with the system, enabling scalable deployment, seasonal treatment cycles, and reduced manual intervention in plant health management.
1 . A replaceable storage module for controlled delivery of one or more chemical payloads to a living tree vascular system through a tree interfacing device, comprising:
a housing defining an internal reservoir configured to store the one or more chemical payloads selected from nutrients, water, fertilizers, chemical treatments, biological agents, and diagnostic formulations, wherein the one or more chemical payloads are provided in powdered, granular, and particulate solid forms;
an outlet port coupled to the internal reservoir, wherein the outlet port is configured to establish a sealed fluid communication with an internal flow conduit of the tree interfacing device;
a sealing interface disposed at or adjacent to the outlet port, wherein the sealing interface is configured to substantially prevent leakage of the one or more chemical payloads and substantially prevent ingress of air or gas during connection and disconnection; and
a flow-regulating interface positioned in a fluid path between the internal reservoir and the outlet port, wherein the flow-regulating interface is configured to control delivery of the one or more chemical payloads from the internal reservoir to the tree interfacing device at a rate based on passive pressure, osmotic potential, native xylem pressure and osmotic conditions,
wherein the replaceable storage module is configured to be removably coupled to and decoupled from the tree interfacing device while maintaining a fluid communication with the internal flow conduit of the tree interfacing device and inhibiting ingress of gas into the internal flow conduit.
2 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a rigid shell, a semi-rigid cartridge, or a flexible bladder.
3 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the internal reservoir comprises a solid-phase or semi-solid storage matrix that comprises polymeric microcapsules, porous framework particles, or a combination thereof, dispersed within a hydrogel carrier or an elastomeric carrier.
4 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more chemical payloads stored within the internal reservoir comprise a formulation based on soil analysis data, sap analysis data, and species-specific nutrient requirements.
5 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the internal reservoir is configured to release the one or more chemical payloads into a fluid compatible with xylem transport conditions, wherein a release rate of the one or more chemical payloads from the internal reservoir is governed by one or more of pH, ionic strength, osmotic gradient, temperature, and diffusion-limited transport.
6 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the internal reservoir has a volumetric capacity selected to supply the one or more chemical payloads over an extended duration.
7 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the sealing interface comprises an elastomeric septum, self-sealing valve, check valve, and pierceable membrane.
8 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the flow-regulating interface comprises a porous restrictor, membrane-based flow limiter, capillary structure, or hydrogel-based resistance element.
9 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable storage module is configured to operate without an external mechanical pump.
10 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the flow-regulating interface comprises a passive flow resistance element configured to maintain a substantially controlled delivery rate of the one or more chemical payloads over an operational period despite variations in ambient temperature, fluid viscosity, and downstream pressure occurring during operation.
11 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable storage module further comprises a pressure-decoupling element configured to isolate the internal reservoir from pressure fluctuations originating from the tree interfacing device, wherein the pressure-decoupling element comprises a compliant or deformable member.
12 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the sealing interface and the outlet port are configured such that the replaceable storage module is replaceable while maintaining a fluid-filled state within the internal flow conduit of the tree interfacing device.
13 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable storage module is configured for use with a tree interfacing device coupled to xylem tissue of a living tree.
14 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a keyed or indexed geometry that enforces a predetermined orientation when coupled to the tree interfacing device.
15 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the internal reservoir comprises multiple compartments configured to sequentially or selectively deliver the one or more chemical payloads.
16 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the replaceable storage module is configured to be sterilized, prefilled, and sealed prior to installation.
17 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the sealing interface and the outlet port are configured such that replacement of the replaceable storage module maintains a continuous fluid column within the internal flow conduit and prevents gas entry into the internal flow conduit.
18 . The replaceable storage module of claim 1 , wherein the flow-regulating interface is configured to regulate delivery of the one or more chemical payloads under negative hydrostatic pressure present in xylem tissue during transpiration.