Systems and methods for providing cart drainage for modular growth towers

Abstract

The present disclosure presents systems and related methods for providing drainage in a modular growth tower. One such method includes supporting a mass of crops on a plurality of carts, where each cart includes a tray having perforations and fins inclined to direct water and / or nutrients toward the perforations; passing the cart in a movement path from the top end to the bottom end of the growth tower; providing water and / or nutrients to the crop via a maintenance system comprising a watering component and a nutrient dosing component; collecting water and / or nutrients discharged through the plurality of perforations in the cart using a drainage system comprising a plurality of drainage channels; and / or transporting the collected water and / or nutrients from the drain channel to a drain configured for transporting the water and / or nutrients away from the growth tower.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,110, filed July 6, 2023, entitled “System and Method for Providing Trolley Drainage for Assembly Line Growth Box”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,129, filed July 6, 2023, entitled “System and Method for Providing Modular Growth Box”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for providing trolley drainage for modular growth towers. Background Technology

[0003] Despite advancements in crop cultivation techniques over the years, numerous challenges remain in agriculture and the crop industry today. For example, while technological progress has improved the efficiency and yield of various crops, many factors, such as weather, disease, and infection, can affect harvests. Furthermore, while the United States currently possesses adequate farmland to adequately feed its population, other countries, and future populations may not have enough farmland to provide an adequate quantity of food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure present systems and related methods for providing drainage in a modular growth tower. One such system includes: a plurality of main frames; a plurality of lifting frames located at a first end and a second end of the modular growth tower, with the plurality of main frames situated between the plurality of lifting frames; and / or a plurality of trolleys configured to travel through the modular growth tower in a path from the top to the bottom end. In various embodiments, each of the trolleys includes: a tray configured to support a large quantity of crop; a plurality of perforations located near a first and a second side of the trolley, the perforations being configured to allow water and / or nutrients to pass through; and / or a plurality of fins tilted to guide water and / or nutrients toward the perforations. The system may also include: a maintenance system configured to supply water and / or nutrients to crops supported by multiple carts as the carts pass through the modular growth tower; a drainage system including multiple drainage channels configured to collect water and / or nutrients discharged from multiple perforations in the multiple carts; and / or a computing device configured to control the maintenance system and / or irrigation system as nutrients and / or water are supplied according to the growth formula.

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure also include a method comprising: supporting a large quantity of crops on a plurality of trolleys, each trolley including: a tray having a plurality of perforations and a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins being inclined to guide water and / or nutrients toward the plurality of perforations; passing the plurality of trolleys through a movement path from the top to the bottom of a growth tower; supplying water and / or nutrients to the crops via a maintenance system including a watering component and a nutrient dispensing component, both configured to dispense water and / or nutrients to the crops at predetermined areas of the modular growth tower; collecting the water and / or nutrients discharged through the plurality of perforations in the trolleys using a drainage system including a plurality of drainage channels; and / or transporting the collected water and / or nutrients from the drainage channels to a drain pipe configured to remove the water and / or nutrients from the modular growth tower.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure also include a trolley configured to drain excess water and / or nutrients in a modular growth tower, such that the trolley includes: a tray configured to support a large quantity of crop; a plurality of perforations located near a first and a second side of the trolley, the perforations being drained to allow water and / or nutrients to pass through; a plurality of fins angled to guide water and / or nutrients toward the plurality of perforations; and / or a plurality of wheels coupled to the tray for supporting the trolley as it passes through the growth tower.

[0007] In one or more aspects of a modular growth tower system and related methods and apparatus, the movement path includes a serpentine movement path; the maintenance system includes a watering component and a nutrient dispensing component, both configured to dispense water and / or nutrients to crops at a predetermined area of ​​the modular growth tower; both the watering component and the nutrient dispensing component include multiple nozzles mounted within a main frame to provide water and / or nutrients to crops located within a trolley; the watering component is coupled to one or more fluid lines that dispense water and / or nutrients to one or more trays located at a predetermined area of ​​the modular growth tower; a drain is configured to transport the collected water and / or nutrients to a drain pipe configured to remove the water and / or nutrients from the modular growth tower; the trays comprise foam-reinforced thermoformed plastic; and / or the trays are tilted such that water and / or nutrients received by the trolley are directed to multiple perforations located near a first and / or second side of the trolley.

[0008] In one or more aspects, such systems, methods and / or apparatuses of this disclosure may involve or include: monitoring water use and consumption by a processor to determine the amount of water applied to crops at subsequent irrigation stations; and / or planting multiple varieties of crops.

[0009] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within the scope of this description and this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments will be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 A modular growth tower according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0012] Figure 2A A method for directing according to one or more embodiments described herein is depicted. Figure 1 The modular growth tower provides a system for maintaining water and / or nutrients for crops.

[0013] Figure 2B A method for using one or more embodiments described herein is depicted. Figure 1 Another maintenance system that provides water and / or nutrients to crops in a modular growth tower;

[0014] Figure 3 A method for performing one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a trolley that receives crops or crop material in a modular growth tower;

[0015] Figure 4 One or more embodiments described herein are depicted. Figure 1 A perspective view of the drainage components of the modular growth tower; and

[0016] Figure 5 A computing device for an exemplary modular growth tower is depicted according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for providing drainage for multiple trolleys in a modular growth tower. The multiple trolleys can be configured to support a large quantity of crops. Crops can include conventional agricultural materials such as seeds, seedlings, plants, grasses, fully grown crops, leafy crops, agricultural products such as seeds, nuts, fruits, and / or the like. Crops can also include non-conventional materials such as microalgae, eggs, algae, insects, insect larvae, fungi, other types of organic materials, and / or the like. The modular growth tower can include a maintenance system configured to provide nutrients and / or water to the crops supported by the multiple trolleys as the multiple trolleys pass through the modular growth tower. At least one of the multiple trolleys can include a plurality of perforations configured to allow the nutrients and / or water provided by the maintenance system to drain from the multiple trolleys. The modular growth tower may also include a drainage system comprising multiple drainage channels configured to collect water and / or nutrients, which are discharged from multiple perforations in the multiple trolleys as they pass through the modular growth tower. The drainage channels can transport the water and / or nutrients discharged from the multiple trolleys to drain pipes configured to remove the water and / or nutrients from the modular growth tower.

[0018] First refer to Figure 1 The diagram depicts a modular growth tower 10. The modular growth tower 10 may include multiple main frames 112 and multiple lifting frames 200. The multiple lifting frames may be located at a first end 116 and a second end 118 of the modular growth tower 10, and the multiple main frames 112 may be positioned between the multiple lifting frames 200. Figure 1 As illustrated, multiple lifting frames 200 and main frames 112 can be stacked vertically, resulting in multiple rows 114. Figure 1 The document also depicts a modular growth tower computing device 22, which can be configured to control the various components of the modular growth tower 10.

[0019] Multiple main frames 112 can be configured to support multiple trolleys 300 ( Figure 3These trolleys 300 can travel through the modular growth tower 10 in a path (e.g., a serpentine path, a circular path, a curved path, or a straight path) from the top 122 to the bottom 120 of the modular growth tower 10. The multiple main frames 112 may also include multiple sub-frame supports 126, which can be configured to support multiple trolleys 300, allowing the trolleys 300 to pass through the main frames 112 in the longitudinal direction. Once the trolleys 300 have traversed the length of the main frames 112, the lifting frame 200 may further include multiple lifting mechanisms 400, which can be configured to move the trolleys 300 vertically through the main frames 112.

[0020] In different embodiments, the modular growth tower components and the assemblies of the lifting frame and main frame may include a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), high-strength low alloy steel (HSLA), stainless steel, bamboo, composite materials (hybrids), engineered wood products (e.g., cross-laminated wood (CLT)), high-strength thermoplastics (e.g., polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), etc.

[0021] In various embodiments, the lifting mechanism 400 may be powered via a pneumatic arm and / or a motor (such as multiple translation mechanisms positioned along the length of a track, each translation mechanism having multiple motorized devices (e.g., motors) configured to push or pull the trolley in the longitudinal direction). Accordingly, the motorized devices may be configured to use extendable and retractable mechanical mechanisms to push and retrieve the trolley to move it a predetermined length. In various embodiments, such motorized devices may include one or more of the following: motors, belts, chains, rollers, tracks, conveyors, racks and pinions, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, linear actuators, screw jacks, winches, cables and pulleys, gear systems, cam mechanisms, scissor lifts, and / or magnetic levitation systems.

[0022] See now Figure 2A and Figure 2B The modular growth tower 10 may also include a maintenance system 500. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs illustrated, the maintenance system can provide nutrients and / or water to crops carried by the trolley 300. In some embodiments, the maintenance system 500 may include a watering component 510 and / or a nutrient dispensing component 520. The watering component 510 and the nutrient dispensing component 520 may be configured to dispense water and / or nutrients to one or more crop trays at predetermined areas of the modular growth tower 10. The watering component 510 and the nutrient dispensing component 520 may each include a plurality of nozzles 522, drippers, flood nozzles, and / or other nozzles mounted within the main frame 112 to provide water and / or nutrients to the crops located within the trolley 300. The nozzles 522 may be mounted within each main frame 112 or only within certain main frames 112 of each row 114 of the modular growth tower 10. More specifically, the nozzles 522 may be mounted to sub-frame supports 126.

[0023] In some embodiments, the watering component 510 may be coupled to one or more fluid lines 530 that distribute water and / or nutrients to one or more trays at predetermined locations within the modular growth tower 10. In some embodiments, the fluid may be sprayed onto the crop to reduce buoyancy and / or flooding. Additionally, water use and consumption may be monitored so that, at a subsequent watering station, this data can be used to determine the amount of water to be applied to the crop (or removed from the cells) at that time.

[0024] Nutrient dosing unit 520 can provide a predetermined nutrient and / or nutrient dosage to at least a portion of the crop. As discussed in more detail below, some embodiments may provide at least one irrigation unit 510 different from the nutrient dosing unit 520. In some embodiments, one or more of the nutrient dosing units 520 may be integrated with one or more irrigation units 510 to provide a single station or mechanism (such as...) for providing both water and nutrients. Figure 2B The description, etc.

[0025] Turn now Figure 3 The image depicts a perspective view of a trolley 300. The trolley 300 may include a tray 320, such as, but not limited to, a foam-reinforced thermoformed tray, which can be configured to support a large quantity of crops. As the trolley 300 moves along the path of the modular growth tower 10, multiple wheels 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D may be engaged with the tray 320 to support the crops. In some embodiments, the multiple wheels 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D may be configured to engage with multiple sub-frame supports 126 of the main frame 112, allowing the trolley 300 to pass through the supports 126 in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In different embodiments, the movement path can take different shapes. For example, the movement path can include a serpentine path, such as starting from the top, moving the tray horizontally in one direction, and then moving downwards along a serpentine path of sequential rows as they reach the end of the horizontal path. The tray then moves along a new row in the opposite horizontal direction, and then down along another row to continue the same pattern, and so on. Alternatively, in different embodiments, the movement path can include a C-shaped path, such that the cart can move horizontally in one direction over the upper half of all rows, and then down to the lower half of all rows where the lighting system can be located. The cart can then move horizontally in the opposite direction, harvesting at the bottom. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the movement path can include an alternating row / skip row path, such that the cart can move from row A to row C, and subsequently, the cart can move from row B to row D, instead of moving sequentially from A to B to C to D. Further, in different embodiments, the movement path can have batch sets of rows, such that groups of rows can be set up and not moved for many days, and then all of them are moved in a rapid succession to a new set of rows with different heights or systems. For example, rows A, B, C, and D can be batched to move to rows I, J, K, and L on the same day, while rows E, F, G, and H remain stationary until the next day. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the movement path can include sporadic paths, allowing a cart from the top row to move down to any of the lower rows where different systems (such as nutrients, lighting, watering, and measurement) are located, and then move back up to the original row or another row, thus providing full versatility.

[0027] See also Figure 3 The cart 300 may include a first side and a second side. In some embodiments, multiple carts 300 may include a plurality of perforations 330 positioned adjacent to the first and / or second sides of the cart 300. In some embodiments, the perforations 330 may be smaller than the size of the crop and / or crop material received by the cart 300, but large enough to allow water to pass through. Roots from the crop received by the cart 300 may also grow within the plurality of perforations 330 as the cart 300 moves along the meandering path of the modular growth tower 10. However, the plurality of perforations 330 may be small enough to ensure that roots that can grow within the plurality of perforations 330 do not become tangled.

[0028] The trolley 300 may also include a plurality of fins 340. The plurality of fins 340 may be inclined such that water and / or nutrients received by the trolley 300 from the maintenance system 500 are directed toward a plurality of perforations 330 positioned adjacent to a first and / or second side of the trolley 300. In some embodiments, the tray 320 may also be inclined such that water and / or nutrients received by the trolley 300 are directed to the plurality of perforations positioned adjacent to the first and / or second side of the trolley 300 after interacting with the crop supported by the trolley 300. Excess water and / or nutrients received by the trolley 300 may drain from at least a portion of the plurality of perforations 330 as the trolley 300 traverses the meandering path of the modular growth tower 10.

[0029] like Figure 4 As further illustrated, the modular growth tower 10 may include a drainage system 570 configured to receive excess water and / or nutrients passing through at least a portion of a plurality of perforations 330 of the trolley 300. The drainage component 570 may include a drain trough 580 and a drain pipe 590. In practice, the drain trough 580 may collect excess water and / or nutrients passing through the plurality of perforations 330 of the trolley 300. The drain trough 580 may convey excess water and / or nutrients to the drain pipe 590, which may be configured to carry excess water and / or nutrients away from the modular growth tower 10.

[0030] In various embodiments, the main frame 112 may have a plurality of drainage channels 580 mounted to subframe supports 126 of the main frame 112. In one embodiment, a drain pipe 590 may be located outside the main frame 112 and may extend in a generally vertical direction from the top end 122 to the bottom end 120 of the modular growth tower 10. In this configuration, the drain pipe 590 may be configured to interact with the plurality of drainage channels 580 located throughout the main frame 112. As excess water and / or nutrients are collected in the plurality of drainage channels 580, gravity may act to carry excess water and / or nutrients downward through the drain pipe 590, in which excess water and / or nutrients may be collected in a drainage chamber. In some embodiments, excess water and / or nutrients collected in the drainage chamber may be recycled, recovered, and / or reused, and reintroduced into the modular growth tower 10 via a watering component 510 and a nutrient dispensing component 520.

[0031] In receiving and discharging water and / or nutrients from the material system 500, the cart 300 can receive crops and enter the modular growth tower 10 by placing it on a sub-frame support 126 located at the top 122 and first end 116 of the modular growth tower 10. In one embodiment, the sub-frame support 126 may include at least one watering component 510 and at least one nutrient dispensing component 520.

[0032] As the trolley 300 moves longitudinally along the subframe support 126 toward the second end 118 of the modular growth tower 10, the trolley 300 can receive water and nutrients from the watering component 510 and the nutrient dispensing component 520, respectively. In some embodiments, the watering component 510 and the nutrient dispensing component 520 can be positioned along the subframe support 126 such that the crop in the trolley 300 receives water before receiving nutrients.

[0033] As the cart 300 passes under the watering component 510, the watering component 510 can be configured to provide water along the entire length of the cart 300. Furthermore, the watering component 510 can be configured to provide a sufficient amount of water to the cart 300 to completely submerge the crops attached to the cart 300. In some embodiments, the crops on the cart 300 may float in the tray 320 as water is provided to the cart 300. In these embodiments, the watering component 510 can be configured to atomize the crops before providing water to submerge them. As the crops are atomized, water may fall beneath the crops on the cart 300, potentially causing the crops to adhere to the tray 320 of the cart. Once the crops are attached to the tray 320, the watering component 510 can provide sufficient water to submerge the crops.

[0034] Once the crop is fully submerged, the sloping surfaces of the multiple fins 340 of the trolley 300 and the tray 320 force water toward multiple perforations 330 positioned near the first and second sides of the trolley 300. As the water moves toward the multiple perforations 330, it begins to drain through them. As the water drains through the perforations 330, the trolley 300 can continue toward the second end 118 of the modular growth tower 10 through the subframe support 126. As the trolley passes through the subframe support, water can continuously drain from the trolley 300 via the perforations 330.

[0035] As the trolley 300 continues to pass through the sub-frame support 126, it can also receive nutrients from the nutrient dispensing unit 520. The nutrients supplied to the crops on the trolley 300 can mix with water in the trolley 300, allowing both water and nutrients to drain through multiple perforations 330 in the trolley 300. As water passes through the perforations 330, it can be collected by a drainage trough 580 positioned on the sub-frame support below the trolley 300. Excess water is transported by the drainage trough 580 to a drain pipe 590, which removes excess water to a drainage chamber. As the trolley 300 continues to pass through the modular growth tower 10, the excess water and nutrients collected in the drainage chamber can subsequently be reused by the maintenance system. In one embodiment, the trolley 300 receives water and nutrients at multiple locations throughout the modular growth tower 10, wherein multiple perforations 330 of the trolley 300 are configured to efficiently discharge water and nutrients as the trolley 300 passes through the modular growth tower 10.

[0036] As previously discussed, the movement of the cart does not need to follow a serpentine path, nor is it limited to a set sequence. One possible method for moving carts within a modular growth tower component is to alternately move the cart to the rows along a non-sequential or non-serpentine path. This alternating method moves the cart to a designated new row of the modular growth tower component only when needed, based on specific growth requirements such as crop height, row spacing, lighting elements, nutrient application systems, visual inspection, harvesting, and / or washing. This method optimizes cart movement by reducing the overall movement required and thus minimizing wear on the cart and the need for a wide range of movement systems.

[0037] In different embodiments, the alternating row method is controlled by a computer program executed by a processor or controller of a modular growth tower computing device, which instructs the sequence of cart movements based on specific growth requirements. For example, the system can begin by moving a cart from the top row to row A, and in the next cycle, moving another cart from the top row to row B. This sequence can be customized to suit different growth conditions, ensuring that the carts move efficiently and only when necessary.

[0038] This method allows certain rows to be grouped together and the movement of these groups to alternate. For example, the system can alternate between moving the cart in rows A, C, and E of one cycle and moving it in rows B, D, and F of the next cycle. Another possibility is to move the cart from row A to C in one cycle and then only move it from row B to row D in the next cycle. Yet another possibility is to move the cart from row A, B, and C to the next level of row D, E, and F, or even to the bottom row, which can be labeled X, Y, and Z for illustrative purposes. This reduces the overall movement required throughout the entire growth cycle of the crop from start to finish, thereby reducing wear on the cart and minimizing the need for lifting mechanisms.

[0039] In different embodiments, another option is to allow rows of different carts to be merged into a completely new row, and another possibility is that individual carts can be alternately sent to different rows during a movement cycle. This is particularly useful when rows are spaced at different heights and thus accommodate continuously growing crops. Another possible benefit is minimizing the cost of the lighting system by requiring only one or two rows of lighting. There are many other reasons for providing flexibility in cart paths and allowing for row merging. Therefore, according to this disclosure, alternation and transformation of carts and rows can be performed in a wide variety of ways.

[0040] In various embodiments, the non-sequential movement of the carts is controlled by a computer program executed by a processor, which instructs a sequence of cart movements based on specific growth requirements. This sequence can be customized in other variations to suit various growing conditions, different crop growing times, reduce the frequency of cart movements, and enhance system efficiency. Accordingly, a sensor-based cart tracking system can allow the processor to track the position of each cart and monitor the growth characteristics of the crop within each cart. In various embodiments, the processor can also be configured to allow users to test and predict different patterns of cart movement to discover optimal cart paths and patterns.

[0041] Figure 5 A modular growth tower computing device 22 according to an embodiment described herein is illustrated. As discussed above, the modular growth tower computing device 22 includes a memory component 30a, a processor 12, input / output hardware 14, network interface hardware 16, and a data storage component 18 (which may store system data 24A, crop data 24B, and / or other data). Each component of the modular growth tower computing device 22 can be communicatively coupled to a local communication interface 26. The local communication interface 26 is generally not limited to this disclosure and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication between components of the modular growth tower computing device (e.g., the processor) coupled thereto.

[0042] Memory component 30a can be configured as volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and if so, can include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM and / or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital storage (SD) memory, registers, compact disc (CD), digital universal disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc and / or other types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Depending on the specific embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable media can reside within or outside the modular growth tower computing device 22. Memory component 30a can store, for example, operating logic 28, system logic 32A, and crop logic 32B. Operating logic 28, system logic 32A, and crop logic 32B can each include multiple different logic elements, each of which, as an example, can be implemented as a computer program, firmware, and / or hardware.

[0043] Operating logic 28 may include an operating system and / or other software for managing the components of the modular growth tower computing device 22. As discussed above, system logic 32A and crop logic 32B may reside in memory component 30a and may be configured to perform functionality as described above. In some embodiments, system logic 32A and crop logic 32B may reside on different computing devices. As an example, one or more of the functions and / or components described herein may be provided by a user computing device and / or a remote computing device. Although the modular growth tower computing device 22 is shown as having system logic 32A and crop logic 32B as separate logic components, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, single-piece logic (and / or several linked modules) may enable the modular growth tower computing device 22 to provide the described functionality.

[0044] Processor 12 may include any processing unit operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from data storage unit 18 and / or memory unit 30a). Illustrative examples of processor 12 include, but are not limited to, a computer processing unit (CPU), a plurality of integrated core (MIC) processing devices, an accelerated processing unit (APU), and a digital signal processor (DSP). In some embodiments, processor 12 may be a plurality of components that work together to provide processing capabilities, such as integrated circuits (including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

[0045] In various embodiments, the modular growth tower computing device 22 or other components of the computing environment can monitor and measure sensor data, growth parameters, or other environmental factors, such as, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, light intensity, light duration, spectrum, water quality / purity, water volume, watering frequency, water temperature, water polarization, water flow rate, water filtration system efficiency, water mineral content, nutrient concentration, nutrient composition, pH level, airflow, CO2 concentration, soil type, soil moisture, soil pH, soil composition, tray size and shape, tray material, growth medium, plant density, genetic factors, pollination, and growth stage. Harvest time, microbial activity, oxygen level, feeding frequency (for insects and larvae), substrate type (for fungi), light-dark cycle, movement frequency, acoustic vibration, structural supports (piles, nets, cages, trellises, etc.), climatic conditions, altitude / atmospheric pressure, cleaning / washing / disinfection / hygiene practices, growth hormones, if different crops are mixed, symbiotic relationships between different crops or seed varieties in one tray, amount of human contact, pre-planting treatment or application to seed coating, crop harvest weight, crop color, crop uniformity, crop density, crop level, nutrient content of harvested crop and / or elemental analysis of harvested crop.

[0046] Additional factors that can be measured and / or used to customize tower operation include cart path, cart maintenance reports, total power usage, total water consumption, total seed or crop starting material quantity or weight, total time of carts in motion, total downtime without movement, maintenance history, usage history, change history, video surveillance of individual systems, video surveillance of the facility, user logs, software update history, pest reports, weather, and / or user notes.

[0047] Input / output hardware 14 may include and / or be configured to connect to a microphone, speaker, display, and / or other hardware interface. That is, input / output hardware 14 may interface with hardware that provides a user interface, etc. The user interface may include a graphical user interface (GUI), which includes various interactive elements such as buttons, menus, display graphics, icons, sliders, and text fields. The GUI is designed to facilitate user interaction with the system, providing a visual representation of data and control to improve the overall usability and efficiency of the system. Graphical elements may be arranged in an intuitive and accessible layout, allowing users to navigate the interface and easily perform desired actions.

[0048] Network interface hardware 16 may include and / or be configured to communicate with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including antennas, modems, LAN ports, Wi-Fi cards, WiMax cards, ZigBee cards, Bluetooth chips, USB cards, mobile communication hardware, and / or other hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices. This connection facilitates communication between the modular growth tower computing device 22 and other computing devices, such as user computing devices, remote computing devices, and / or other devices.

[0049] The data storage component 18 can generally be any medium for storing digital data, such as, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive (SSD), a compact disc (CD), a digital universal disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc, and / or the like. It should be understood that the data storage component 18 can reside locally and / or remotely from the modular growth tower computing device 22 and can be configured to store one or more data entries and selectively provide access to one or more data entries.

[0050] It should be understood that, despite Figure 5 The components are illustrated as residing within the modular growth tower computing device 22, but this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of these components may reside outside the modular growth tower computing device 22. It should also be understood that although the modular growth tower computing device 22 is shown as a single device, this is also merely an example. That is, the modular growth tower computing device 22 may represent multiple devices communicatively connected to each other and providing the functionality described herein.

[0051] Furthermore, although the modular growth tower computing device 22 is shown as having different logic components (e.g., operational logic 28, system logic 32A, and crop logic 32B) and data components (e.g., system data 24A and crop data 24B) as separate components, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, a single logic component (and / or multiple link modules) and / or a single data component (and / or multiple link modules) may also enable the modular growth tower computing device 22 to provide the functionality described herein.

[0052] Similarly, although the modular growth tower computing device 22 is depicted in a "PC" environment, it should be understood that at least some embodiments may not be limited in this manner. Specifically, some embodiments may be configured such that the modular growth tower computing device 22 is configured to and / or include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or other computing infrastructure.

[0053] While specific embodiments and aspects of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although various aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein. It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for draining water from a cart in a modular growth tower, comprising: Multiple main frameworks; Multiple lifting frames are located at the first and second ends of the modular growth tower, and multiple main frames are located between the multiple lifting frames; Multiple trolleys configured to travel through the modular growth tower in a path from the top to the bottom, each of the multiple trolleys comprising: A tray, configured to support a large quantity of crops; Multiple perforations, located near a first and second side of the trolley, are configured to allow water and / or nutrients to pass through; and Multiple fins, the multiple fins being tilted to guide the water and / or nutrients toward the multiple perforations; A maintenance system configured to provide water and / or nutrients to the crop supported by the multiple carts as the multiple carts pass through the modular growth tower; A drainage system comprising multiple drain troughs configured to collect water and / or nutrients drained from the multiple perforations in the multiple trolleys; and A computing device configured to control the supply of nutrients and / or water to the maintenance system and / or irrigation system according to the growth formula.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The movement path includes a serpentine movement path.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance system includes a watering component and a nutrient dispensing component, each of which is configured to dispense water and / or nutrients to the crop at a predetermined area of ​​the modular growth tower.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The watering component and the nutrient dispensing component each include a plurality of nozzles installed within the main frame to provide water and / or nutrients to the crop located in the trolley.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The watering component is connected to one or more fluid lines that distribute water and / or nutrients to one or more trays located in a predetermined area of ​​the growth tower.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The drainage trough is configured to transport the collected water and / or nutrients to a drain pipe, which is configured to remove the water and / or nutrients from the modular growth tower.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The tray is made of foam-reinforced thermoformed plastic.

8. A method for providing drainage in a modular growth tower, comprising: A large quantity of crops is supported on multiple carts, each cart including a tray with multiple perforations and multiple fins, the multiple fins being angled to guide water and / or nutrients toward the multiple perforations. The multiple carts are traversed along a movement path from the top to the bottom of the growth tower. Water and / or nutrients are supplied to the crop via a maintenance system including a watering component and a nutrient dispensing component, each of which is configured to dispense water and / or nutrients to the crop at a predetermined area of ​​the growth tower. A drainage system comprising multiple drainage channels is used to collect water and / or nutrients discharged through multiple perforations in the trolley; The collected water and / or nutrients are transported from the drainage tank to a drain pipe configured to remove the water and / or nutrients from the growth tower.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The movement path includes a serpentine movement path.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising monitoring water usage and consumption via a processor to determine the amount of water applied to the crop at a subsequent irrigation station.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Both the watering component and the nutrient dispensing component include multiple nozzles installed within the main frame to provide water and / or nutrients to the crop located within the trolley.

12. The method of claim 8 further includes planting multiple varieties of crops.

13. A trolley configured to discharge excess water and / or nutrients in a growth tower, comprising: A tray, configured to support a large quantity of crops; Multiple perforations are located near a first and a second side of the trolley, and the perforations are configured to allow water and / or nutrients to pass through. Multiple fins, the multiple fins being tilted to guide the water and / or nutrients toward the multiple perforations; as well as Multiple wheels are connected to the tray to support the trolley as it passes through the growth tower.

14. The trolley according to claim 13, wherein, The tray is tilted such that water and / or nutrients received by the trolley are directed to the plurality of perforations located near the first and / or second sides of the trolley.

15. The trolley according to claim 13, wherein, The tray is made of foam-reinforced thermoformed plastic.

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