v 2.0
PULSE
IHA Design Submission
Microbial Fuel Cell plant sensor.
50% of houseplants die within the first year
Often the problem isn’t care, it’s communication.
50% of houseplants die within the first year Often the problem isn’t care, it’s communication.
Often the problem isn’t care, it’s communication.
50% of houseplants die within the first year Often the problem isn’t care, it’s communication.
Often the problem isn’t care, it’s communication.
Soil-Related Deficiencies are the leading causes of plant deaths.
Because surface dryness is often misleading, many plants are overwatered long before symptoms appear above the soil.
Soil-Related Deficiencies are the leading causes of plant deaths.
Because surface dryness is often misleading, many plants are overwatered long before symptoms appear above the soil.
Soil-Related Deficiencies are the leading causes of plant deaths.
Because surface dryness is often misleading, many plants are overwatered long before symptoms appear above the soil.
Of the existing solutions…
Single Function Sensors
offer a limited view into soil health.
Multi Function Sensors
offer the most feedback and work and the widest variety of plants.
Smart Planters
are limited to small plants and less versatile.
Of the existing solutions…
Single Function Sensors
offer a limited view into soil health.
Multi Function Sensors
offer the most feedback and work and the widest variety of plants.
Smart Planters
are limited to small plants and less versatile.
Of the existing solutions…
Single Function Sensors
offer a limited view into soil health.
Multi Function Sensors
offer the most feedback and work and the widest variety of plants.
Smart Planters
are limited to small plants and less versatile.
Unfortunately, the only renewable solution relies on solar power.
Limiting its effectiveness indoors and in low-light environments.
Products like Gardena, Florapod, and Flower Power combine multiple sensors, increasing complexity and cost beyond the needs of most houseplant owners.
Unfortunately, the only renewable solution relies on solar power.
Limiting its effectiveness indoors and in low-light environments.
Products like Gardena, Florapod, and Flower Power combine multiple sensors, increasing complexity and cost beyond the needs of most houseplant owners.
Unfortunately, the only renewable solution relies on solar power.
Limiting its effectiveness indoors and in low-light environments.
Products like Gardena, Florapod, and Flower Power combine multiple sensors, increasing complexity and cost beyond the needs of most houseplant owners.
Microbial Fuel Cell technology can change that.
A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) uses natural microbes to convert organic waste into electricity, an emerging technology still being explored in research.
Microbial Fuel Cell technology can change that.
A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) uses natural microbes to convert organic waste into electricity, an emerging technology still being explored in research.
Microbial Fuel Cell technology can change that.
A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) uses natural microbes to convert organic waste into electricity, an emerging technology still being explored in research.
“Microbial fuel cells (MFC’s)....electroactive bacteria oxidize biodegradable substrates at the anode releasing electrons and protons...the electrons flow to the cathode while the protons migrate through an ion-conductive medium to complete the circuit”
“Microbial fuel cells (MFC’s)....electroactive bacteria oxidize biodegradable substrates at the anode releasing electrons and protons...the electrons flow to the cathode while the protons migrate through an ion-conductive medium to complete the circuit”
“Microbial fuel cells (MFC’s)....electroactive bacteria oxidize biodegradable substrates at the anode releasing electrons and protons...the electrons flow to the cathode while the protons migrate through an ion-conductive medium to complete the circuit”
Bacteria eat organic matter
Bacteria release electrons
Electrons are guided
Electricity is produced
Bacteria eat organic matter
Bacteria release electrons
Electrons are guided
Electricity is produced
Bacteria eat organic matter
Bacteria release electrons
Electrons are guided
Electricity is produced
To understand how microbial fuel cells could realistically live inside a consumer object
We built and tested a simple soil-based Microbial Fuel Cell.
To understand how microbial fuel cells could realistically live inside a consumer object
We built and tested a simple soil-based Microbial Fuel Cell.
To understand how microbial fuel cells could realistically live inside a consumer object
We built and tested a simple soil-based Microbial Fuel Cell.
Using the previous framework, our prototypes were able to generate a consistent charge.
Using the previous framework, our prototypes were able to generate a consistent charge.
Using the previous framework, our prototypes were able to generate a consistent charge.
Now imagine a multi-function sensor where this technology can be used to signal when your plant needs attention.
Design Principles moving forward:
Biophillic Forms: Echoing natural forms, rhythms, and materials.
Circular by Design: Power, materials, and lifecycle choices that reduce waste and external dependency.
Natural and Honest Materials: Terracotta for example offers a naturally porous and natural character.
Quiet Technology: Recedes into the background, allowing the experience to feel calm and intuitive.
Design Principles moving forward:
Biophillic Forms: Echoing natural forms, rhythms, and materials.
Circular by Design: Power, materials, and lifecycle choices that reduce waste and external dependency.
Natural and Honest Materials: Terracotta for example offers a naturally porous and natural character.
Quiet Technology: Recedes into the background, allowing the experience to feel calm and intuitive.
Design Principles moving forward:
Biophillic Forms: Echoing natural forms, rhythms, and materials.
Circular by Design: Power, materials, and lifecycle choices that reduce waste and external dependency.
Natural and Honest Materials: Terracotta for example offers a naturally porous and natural character.
Quiet Technology: Recedes into the background, allowing the experience to feel calm and intuitive.
A proper height of 4 - 6 inches ensures the sensor gives an accurate reading as to when a plant will need watering.
A proper height of 4 - 6 inches ensures the sensor gives an accurate reading as to when a plant will need watering.
A proper height of 4 - 6 inches ensures the sensor gives an accurate reading as to when a plant will need watering.
Terracotta was selected for passive moisture and airflow
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Carbon felt was selected for non-corrosive nature and high surface area
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Terracotta was selected for passive moisture and airflow
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Carbon felt was selected for non-corrosive nature and high surface area
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Terracotta was selected for passive moisture and airflow
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Carbon felt was selected for non-corrosive nature and high surface area
creating favorable conditions for soil microbes while protecting internal components.
Using Microbial Fuel Cell technology
Using Microbial Fuel Cell technology
we're able to create a closer relationship from plant to owner.
The light pulses at the same pace as the soil’s biological activity.
Soil microbes generate a small electrical signal that is captured and translated into a visible cue.
Carbon electrodes interact with living soil below, while oxygen exposure above completes the circuit. The ceramic body maintains separation and breathability.
The light pulses at the same pace as the soil’s biological activity.
Soil microbes generate a small electrical signal that is captured and translated into a visible cue.
Carbon electrodes interact with living soil below, while oxygen exposure above completes the circuit. The ceramic body maintains separation and breathability.
The light pulses at the same pace as the soil’s biological activity.
Soil microbes generate a small electrical signal that is captured and translated into a visible cue.
Carbon electrodes interact with living soil below, while oxygen exposure above completes the circuit. The ceramic body maintains separation and breathability.
While PULSE communicates soil vitality through physical signals, a companion app provides deeper insight over time.
It tracks moisture and pH trends, organizes plant care across multiple pots, and supports users without replacing the quiet, everyday experience of the object itself.
While PULSE communicates soil vitality through physical signals, a companion app provides deeper insight over time.
It tracks moisture and pH trends, organizes plant care across multiple pots, and supports users without replacing the quiet, everyday experience of the object itself.
While PULSE communicates soil vitality through physical signals, a companion app provides deeper insight over time.
It tracks moisture and pH trends, organizes plant care across multiple pots, and supports users without replacing the quiet, everyday experience of the object itself.
