Hydroponic container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydroponic container that combines a plurality of individual plant holders into a plant rack and combines a plurality of lighting elements into a lighting panel. The components can be vertically oriented to minimize space requirements and allow operation of multiple plant racks and lighting panels within a single container. The lighting panel is mounted on a track to allow movement within the container to approach the plant racks for monitoring growth and harvesting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification generally relates to hydroponics, and more particularly to a hydroponic container for growing multiple plants. Background Art

[0002] The following includes information that may be useful for understanding the present disclosure. This is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, nor is it material to the presently described or claimed invention, nor is it an admission that any of the specifically or implicitly referenced publications or documents are prior art.

[0003] Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil using a nutrient-rich water-based solution. Since hydroponic cultivation requires less water than soil-based cultivation, it is becoming increasingly popular in urban and other space-constrained environments. In addition, there is growing interest in large-scale hydroponic systems, particularly those with the potential for scalability.

[0004] However, hydroponic systems are very energy-intensive, and the control and dissipation of waste heat pose a continuing challenge that increases non-linearly as the container size and the number of plants increase. In addition, depending on the type of plant, it may be difficult to deliver sufficient water and nutrients to all plants and to provide sufficient light to all plants, particularly in cases where high-intensity light is required, such as in the case of cannabis growth. This problem is further exacerbated if multiple types of plants are to be grown within a hydroponic container.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a desire for a hydroponic container that provides some improvements over the prior art and may alleviate some of the disadvantages currently known in the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for improvements in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scalable hydroponic container having a plurality of plant growth components.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hydroponic container including a separate plant rack and a lighting panel. The components may be vertically oriented to minimize space requirements and allow operation of multiple plant racks within a single container. The lighting panel is mounted on a track to allow easy movement within the container to access the plant racks for monitoring growth and harvesting.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hydroponic system comprising: one or more plant racks, each plant rack including a plurality of plant holders; one or more lighting panels, each lighting panel including a plurality of lighting elements; a plurality of tracks, each track sized to accommodate one of the plant racks or the lighting panels such that the plant racks and the lighting panels are mounted on alternating tracks, wherein the lighting elements on any one lighting panel face the plant holders on the opposite plant rack; a water system coupled to each plant rack, which provides a water flow to each plant holder in each plant rack; and a cooling system coupled to each lighting panel. The lighting panel is movable along the track to approach the plant rack.

[0010] Additionally, the lighting panel may be movable without being separated from the cooling system. Preferably, the cooling system uses a water-based heat transfer fluid, such as water or a water / propylene glycol mixture. The lighting elements are preferably LED panels.

[0011] The plant holders are sized to accommodate a single plant in a permeable container. The permeable container may be one or more of the following: reusable, recyclable, and compostable.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plant racks, the lighting panels, and the tracks are located within a single container, and the container further includes external connections for the water system and the cooling system. The container may be transportable (e.g., by truck or train).

[0013] In another embodiment, the plant racks, the lighting panels, the tracks, the water system, and the cooling system are located within a single container. Again, the container may be transportable as discussed above and herein.

[0014] The plant holders in the plant racks may be oriented in vertical groups or horizontal groups. The plant holders may also be sized to accommodate multiple plant types within a single plant rack or on multiple plant racks.

[0015] Preferably, the lighting elements in the lighting panel are controlled independently with respect to one or more of on / off setting, intensity, color, and temperature. The lighting elements in the lighting panel may also be programmed to operate in a day / night cycle.

[0016] To summarize the objectives of the present invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention have been described herein. It should be understood that not all of these advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the present invention may be implemented or carried out in a manner that realizes or optimizes one or a group of advantages taught herein, without necessarily realizing other advantages as taught or suggested herein. The features of the present invention that are considered novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which illustrate by way of example only embodiments of the present invention and how these embodiments may be implemented, and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a hydroponic container according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2A is a front view of a plant rack according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a side view of the plant rack;

[0021] Figure 3A is a front view of a lighting panel according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a side view of the lighting panel;

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a block diagram of the hydroponic container; and

[0024] Figure 5 is according to an embodiment of Figure 1 a block diagram of the control system of the hydroponic container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention generally relates to hydroponics and more particularly to a hydroponic container for growing a variety of plants.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are discussed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific embodiments with respect to these drawings are for purposes of explanation, and alternative embodiments are reasonably expected to be within the scope of the present invention. By way of example and not limitation, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that in addition to the specific implementation choices in the embodiments described herein, there are various alternative and suitable ways to implement the functions of any given detail described herein according to the needs of a particular application. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific methods, materials, uses, and applications described herein, as these may vary. Additionally, it should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that, as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an element" refers to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used should be understood in the most inclusive sense. Thus, the word "or" should be understood to have the definition of logical "or" rather than logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly requires otherwise. The structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of these structures. Language that may be construed as approximating should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiments", etc. may indicate that the (one or more) embodiments of the present invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0029] According to Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, the hydroponic container 100 includes a plurality of plant racks 110 and a plurality of lighting panels 120 arranged alternately such that each plant rack 110 is illuminated by one or more lighting panels 120. The lighting panels 120 are mounted on a track 130 such that the lighting panels 120 can be moved to approach the plants growing on the plant racks 110 for monitoring and harvesting without a person having to move between the plant racks 110 and the lighting panels 120, thereby enabling the plant racks 110 and the lighting panels 120 to be placed closer together than otherwise possible.

[0030] Reference Figure 2A and 2B, the plant rack 110 is formed by a framework having a structured arrangement of individual plant holders 210 stacked vertically. A water input is coupled to a pipe system 220 that enables water to be transported to each plant holder 210 in the plant rack 110. Nutrients and additives for plant growth can be added to the water and carried by the water, and the individual input of each plant holder allows for reduced nutrient loss as the liquid propagates downward through the plant rack 110. Accordingly, as the plants grow within the plant holders 210, they will propagate outwardly and possibly upwardly, and the plant holders 210 should be configured to allow sufficient growth space according to the type of plant being grown.

[0031] In a typical configuration, the plant holders 210 are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart, depending on the plant being grown, allowing both adequate space for growth and preventing any interference with incident light from adjacent plants. The plants can be inserted directly into the plant holders 210 as root balls, or the plants can be placed in a permeable container, where the container is inserted directly into the plant holder 210. Such containers can be compostable or reusable as needed. Additionally, if desired, the plant holder can accommodate different plant types, allowing for the growth of different plants on different plant racks or even on a single plant rack.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, multiple plant racks 110 can be coupled together by a transverse member 230 to form an integral structure of multiple plant racks 110 to be loaded into the hydroponic container 100. Alternatively, although shown as vertical plant racks and horizontal transverse members, the plant racks 110 can be horizontally oriented and the transverse members vertically oriented to produce a similar result. In this case, since plant growth is still expected to occur upward, the spacing between individual plant racks 110 along the transverse member should be 18 to 24 inches, as described above.

[0033] Now referring Figure 3A and 3B , the lighting panel 120 is formed by an array of individual lighting elements 310, preferably an LED panel, for a combination of electrical efficiency, brightness, and heat reduction. As Figure 3B shown, the lighting elements 310 can be mounted to the front and back sides of the lighting panel. Similar to the plant racks 110 described above, multiple lighting elements 310 can be coupled together with a transverse member 320 to form the lighting panel 120 and loaded into the hydroponic container as Figure 1 shown.

[0034] In a typical arrangement, the spacing from the lighting panel 120 to the plant rack 110 is 12 inches to allow for high-intensity lighting for plant growth (e.g., for cannabis) at reduced energy requirements. Additionally, the close proximity can also allow for the growth of different plant types in a single plant rack by adjusting the individual lighting elements 310 within the lighting panel 120, as described above.

[0035] However, regardless of the type of light used, the waste heat generated by the light and the associated waste heat removal remain an issue. While a certain amount of heat generation may be beneficial for some plants and some growing environments, it is generally expected that the heat generated exceeds the amount necessary and desirable for providing optimal growth conditions. Therefore, a cooling system is integrated within the lighting panel 120 to circulate heat and remove heat from the system. Preferably, the cooling system is provided by supplying a fluid-filled element to the lighting panel 120 that allows for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid (such as water or a water / propylene glycol mixture), as Figure 3B shown by the arrows. Thus, the heat transfer fluid continuously flows around the lighting elements 310 and then outside the system to dissipate heat from the lighting elements 310. Additionally, by providing liquid cooling, the use of fans for cooling can be minimized, thereby avoiding the disruptive airflows from the fans that can be harmful to plant growth. Preferably, the cooling system is designed using extendable hoses, etc., to allow the lighting panel 120 to move on the track 130 without disconnecting from the cooling system.

[0036] In Figure 4 the block diagram of shows the entire system. Sources of water, nutrients, electricity, and coolant are directed into the hydroponic container 100. The container then distributes water and nutrients to the plant racks, electricity to the lighting, and coolant to the cooling system. Thus, a single container is capable of handling multiple plant racks 110 and lighting panels 120 arranged on the track 130, as shown. The container can be a room, a freestanding structure, or a prefabricated or custom structure, such as a standardized shipping container. The container can also be designed to be movable for transportation by truck, train, etc. Where possible, any one or all of the water system, the cooling system, and the power supply can form part of the container. Alternatively, the container can be provided with one or more couplings connected to external sources of water, coolant, and electricity.

[0037] Figure 5A block diagram of a control system for a hydroponic container is shown. The central controller is operated either via manual controls on the container or remotely via a wireless connection. A display can also be provided on the container, i.e., on the outer wall, or information can be sent via a wireless connection. The central controller then controls and monitors lighting, water, nutrient flow, and temperature within the system. The controls can be pre-programmed for operating conditions based on the desired plant growth, where remote alerts and adjustments are made via wireless communication.

[0038] Lighting

[0039] As described above, the lighting elements within the lighting panel are preferably LED-based to minimize heat output and provide maximum electrical efficiency. The lighting can also provide a range of intensities and color spectra to accommodate various types of plant growth within the hydroponic system. The light settings (on / off, brightness, color, temperature) can be collected by a program and timer (e.g., for day / night cycles) or controlled individually, with the option for local or remote manual adjustment or override of the settings.

[0040] Water / Nutrients

[0041] As described above, water flows into the plant rack. Water can be provided by connecting the container to an external water source or by providing a separate water storage component to the container. Sensors can be incorporated to monitor water level and temperature. A water pump or similar mechanism (again, either as part of the container or located externally) can be used to ensure that water is cycled regularly to the plants within the system. A similar system can be provided for circulating nutrient solution through the plant rack.

[0042] Temperature

[0043] Considering the system as a whole, heat is mainly generated by the lighting panel and is expected to provide sufficient heat for plant growth. As discussed, waste heat is removed by the cooling system. Thus, separate heaters, air conditioning units, and / or fans for temperature control may not be required. For certain sizes and types of containers, these additional temperature regulation elements may be needed.

[0044] Other Features

[0045] The container can contain additional features and elements not shown that are known in the art. As an example, various air and water filters can be incorporated at key points to ensure quality and allow for replacement as needed. In addition to remote monitoring, an external display can be provided to allow for on-site visual inspection. A wireless connection for remote control and monitoring can also be provided.

[0046] It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be performed in many different orders according to user preferences. In the claims herein, the use of "the step of..." should not be construed as "the step for...", and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, where appropriate, other methods are taught herein, taking into account issues such as design preferences, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advancements, etc.

[0047] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary, and many modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public, especially scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the field who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of this application from a cursory examination.

[0048] Without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments discussed herein are considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, all changes within the meaning and range of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A hydroponic system, comprising: One or more plant racks, each plant rack including a plurality of plant holders; One or more lighting panels, each lighting panel including a plurality of lighting elements; A plurality of tracks, each track sized to accommodate one of the plant racks or the lighting panels such that the plant racks and the lighting panels are mounted on alternating tracks, wherein the lighting elements on any one lighting panel face the plant holders on the opposite plant rack; A water system, which is coupled to each plant rack to provide a water flow to each plant holder in each plant rack; and A cooling system, which is coupled to each lighting panel; the lighting panel is movable without being separated from the cooling system; the cooling system uses a water-based heat transfer fluid; Wherein the lighting panel is movable along the track to approach the plant rack.

2. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant holder is sized to accommodate a single plant in a water-permeable container.

3. The hydroponic system according to claim 2, wherein, The water-permeable container is one or more of the following: reusable, recyclable, and compostable.

4. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting element is an LED panel.

5. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant rack, the lighting panel, and the track are located within a single container, and the container further includes external connections for the water system and the cooling system.

6. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The container is transportable.

7. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant rack, the lighting panel, the track, the water system, and the cooling system are located within a single container.

8. The hydroponic system according to claim 7, wherein, The container is transportable.

9. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant holders in the plant rack are oriented in a vertical group.

10. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant holders in the plant rack are oriented in a horizontal group.

11. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting elements in the lighting panel are independently controlled with respect to one or more of on / off setting, intensity, color, and temperature.

12. The hydroponic system according to claim 11, wherein, The lighting elements in the lighting panel are programmed to operate in a day / night cycle.

13. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plant holder accommodates multiple plant types within a single plant rack.

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