An aeroponic cultivation unit and a device for plant cultivation and observation

Abstract

An aeroponic cultivation unit and an apparatus for plant cultivation and observation are disclosed. The aeroponic cultivation unit includes a chamber configured to contain the suspended roots of a host plant and expose the roots to air within the chamber; a nutrient solution delivery system having spray nozzles configured to deliver nutrient solution through the spray nozzles located within the chamber; and an oxygen supply system configured to ensure root aeration within the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant cultivation technology, and in particular to an aerosol cultivation unit for cultivating plant roots in the air and providing nutrient solution by spraying, and an apparatus for plant cultivation and observation comprising at least one of the aerosol cultivation units. Background Technology

[0002] Soilless cultivation technology, as an emerging agricultural production method, has received widespread attention and development in recent years. Among them, aeroponics technology, with its advantages of water conservation, high efficiency, and pollution-free operation, has shown great potential in the fields of vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants. Aeroponics suspends plant roots in the air and sprays nutrient solution mist onto the roots regularly or continuously, providing the plants with the necessary water and nutrients for growth. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aeroponic cultivation unit is provided, comprising a chamber configured to contain the suspended roots of a host plant, such that the roots are exposed to air within the chamber; a nutrient solution delivery system having spray nozzles configured to deliver nutrient solution through the spray nozzles located within the chamber; and an oxygen supply system to ensure aeration of the roots within the chamber.

[0004] According to the first aspect, the aeroponics unit also includes a programmable controller configured to control the operation of a nutrient solution delivery system, wherein the nutrient solution delivery system is configured to deliver nutrient solution at intervals determined by the programmable controller.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the aeroponic unit also includes a nutrient solution recovery system for recovering excess nutrient solution.

[0006] According to the first aspect, the oxygen supply system includes a fan or air pump located in the chamber to ensure consistent root aeration.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the aeroponics unit also includes a monitoring system configured to track environmental parameters within the chamber, including temperature, humidity, and / or nutrient solution concentration.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the aeroponic cultivation unit also includes a temperature control system for regulating the temperature inside the chamber.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the nutrient solution delivery system includes at least one redundant spray nozzle configured to deliver nutrient solution through at least one redundant spray nozzle located within the chamber when the spray nozzle is inoperable.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plant cultivation and observation is provided, comprising: at least one aeroponic unit as described in the first aspect, and a housing made of a lightweight and durable material to ensure portability and structural integrity, wherein the housing is configured to accommodate at least one aeroponic unit; wherein the upper part of a host plant is exposed above the top of the housing, thereby facilitating vertical planting of host plants matching the number of at least one aeroponic unit.

[0011] According to the second aspect, the device for plant cultivation and observation also includes a light module mounted on top of the enclosure, wherein the light module is configured to provide controlled illumination to the upper part of the host plant to support the growth of the host plant.

[0012] According to the second aspect, the box is made of opaque material to block external light from entering the root system of the hanging plant.

[0013] This invention provides a novel aeroponics unit and a device for plant cultivation and observation to address some shortcomings of existing aeroponics technologies and devices in practical applications. For example, the aeroponics unit ensures a sufficient and uniform oxygen supply to the roots, preventing oxygen deficiency from affecting plant growth; it also precisely controls the delivery of nutrient solution to meet the needs of plants at different growth stages. Furthermore, the novel device for plant cultivation and observation not only meets the needs of plant cultivation but also allows users to easily observe the plant's growth status. In addition, this invention solves the problem that existing aeroponics devices are often complex in structure, lack portability, and are difficult to meet the needs of home or small-scale research applications. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this utility model will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following detailed description and drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like components in the various views, and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of a device for plant cultivation and observation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1 The image shows an outdoor use scenario of a device for plant cultivation and observation, with the door of the enclosure closed.

[0017] Figure 2B It shows Figure 1 The illustration shows an outdoor use scenario of a device for plant cultivation and observation, in which the door of the box is opened and the aeroponic cultivation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is displayed inside the box.

[0018] Figure 2C It shows Figure 1 The illustration shows an indoor use scenario of a device for plant cultivation and observation, in which the door of the box is opened to reveal the aeroponic cultivation unit inside the box.

[0019] Figure 2D It shows Figure 1 The illustration shows the indoor use of the device for plant cultivation and observation, as well as the user's water-adding operation.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall dimensions of a device for plant cultivation and observation according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dimensions of the housing excluding the optical module are W520*H440*D400mm, and the dimensions of the device including the optical module are W520*H740*D400mm.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2B The photograph shown of the aeroponics unit illustrates the layout of the chambers, nutrient solution delivery system, and oxygen supply system.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the device used for plant cultivation and observation.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the device used for plant cultivation and observation.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the aerosol supply and nutrient solution recovery of the device used for plant cultivation and observation.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a user software interface according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the functions of controlling light color, intensity, spray, etc.

[0026] Figure 9 It shows the use of Figure 1 An example of the operation of the optical module of the device shown is for plant cultivation and observation.

[0027] Figure 10 Figure 1 The humidity monitoring records, temperature and humidity monitoring records, and system records of the apparatus shown are for plant cultivation and observation. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 This invention provides a device 100 for plant cultivation and observation, comprising: at least one aeroponic unit 102; a housing 104 configured to accommodate the at least one aeroponic unit 102; wherein the upper part of the host plant is exposed above the top of the housing 104, thereby facilitating vertical planting of host plants matching the number of at least one aeroponic unit 102. The aeroponic unit 102 in the embodiment includes a chamber 106 configured to accommodate the suspended roots of the host plant, exposing the roots to air within the chamber 106; a nutrient solution delivery system having spray nozzles 118 configured to deliver nutrient solution through the spray nozzles located within the chamber 106; and an oxygen supply system to ensure aeration of the roots within the chamber 106.

[0030] like Figures 2A to 2D As shown, the device 100 for plant cultivation and observation can be placed outdoors or used indoors. Depending on different needs, such as when used indoors, a light module 114 can be attached to the top of the housing 104. This light module 114 is configured to provide controlled illumination to the upper part of the host plant 112 to support its growth. Preferably, the light module 114 may include LEDs of red, green, and / or blue light to combine into different spectra to support the growth of different host plants 112.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the host plant 112 cultivated using the device 100 can be roughly divided into two parts: the root 112R and the part above the root. The upper part of the host plant 112 is exposed above the top of the box 104, while the root 112R is contained within the chamber 106 of the aerosol cultivation unit inside the box 104. The host plant 112 is planted vertically and cultivated using aerosols. In this embodiment of the invention, the box 104 has two chambers 106 or two sets of aerosol cultivation units 102, thus supporting the simultaneous cultivation of two host plants 112 using two sets of aerosol cultivation units 102, which can be used for the simultaneous cultivation of different plants or for comparative experiments. In other possible embodiments, the device 100 for plant cultivation and observation may have only one set of aerosol cultivation units 102, or more than two sets of aerosol cultivation units 102 to support the simultaneous cultivation of different numbers of host plants for convenient observation and comparison by the user.

[0032] Also refer to Figure 3The housing 104 is preferably constructed of a lightweight and durable material to ensure portability and structural integrity. Simultaneously, the overall size of the housing 104 is compact and lightweight, facilitating movement and transport of the two aeroponic units 102 housed within it, as well as the host plant 112 exposed above the top of the housing 104. Preferably, the housing 104 is made of an opaque material to block external light from entering the roots of the suspended plants and affecting their growth environment parameters. For example, the housing 104 can be made of opaque white acrylic sheet, effectively protecting the plant roots from external light and temperature changes. A black sealing frame further enhances the protection of the internal environment of the chamber 106.

[0033] The enclosure 104 may be equipped with a door panel, such as the front door 116A. When the door is opened, the aeroponic unit 102 inside the enclosure 104 can be displayed to allow the user to inspect the root growth of the host plant 112, or the operating environment of the aeroponic unit 102, or as... Figure 2D As shown, after opening the side door 116B, the user can add water or nutrient solution.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the aeroponic unit 102 mainly includes a chamber 106, a nutrient solution delivery system, and an oxygen supply system. The chamber 106 can be made of a transparent or translucent material to facilitate observation of root growth. The suspended roots are completely exposed to the air within the chamber 106, which helps the roots of the host plant 112 directly absorb oxygen from the air. Figures 5 to 6 As shown, chamber 106 is cylindrical and has a sufficiently wide diameter to accommodate the roots of the plant, with a height of 358 mm, while the top opening that allows the host plant 112 to pass through can be 25 mm in diameter.

[0035] Preferably, the nutrient solution delivery system has a spray nozzle 118 configured to deliver the nutrient solution through the spray nozzle 118 located within the chamber 106. (See also...) Figures 5 to 6 Each chamber 106 is preferably equipped with two spray nozzles 118. This design is for performance reliability and serves as redundancy, ensuring that even if one nozzle 118 fails, the other nozzle 118 can continue to operate, guaranteeing a continuous supply of nutrient solution to the plant roots. The nutrient solution delivery can be powered by a water pump. Preferably, each chamber 106 is equipped with two water pumps on each side to ensure that the nutrient solution is delivered to the spray nozzles 118 at sufficient pressure, forming a fine mist that is more conducive to root absorption of both nutrient solution and water.

[0036] Preferably, the oxygen supply system ensures root ventilation within chamber 106. For example, the oxygen supply system may include air circulation components such as a fan or air pump (not shown) located within chamber 106 to maintain / preserve root ventilation. The fan or air pump can be controlled via the user software interface 120 of the system (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown, the "Cycle-Left" and "Cycle-Right" control options on the screen can be adjusted independently to achieve effective root ventilation.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the aeroponic cultivation unit 102 may also include a nutrient solution recovery system for recovering excess nutrient solution. This system is equipped with a level sensor 122, which can detect excess nutrient solution in the chamber 106 and recover the excess nutrient solution into the nutrient solution container 124, thereby achieving nutrient solution recycling, saving water and reducing waste emissions. Simultaneously, it prevents excess nutrient solution from remaining in the chamber 106 and affecting the cultivation environment within the chamber 106, such as creating an overly humid aeroponic cultivation environment due to the evaporation of residual nutrient solution.

[0038] Preferably, the aeroponics unit 102 may further include a programmable controller configured to control the operation of the nutrient solution delivery system. For example, the nutrient solution delivery system may be configured to deliver nutrient solution at intervals determined by the programmable controller. The user can operate the system as follows: Figure 8 The user software interface 120 shown allows users to set the spray frequency and duration; for example, the interface may display "Aerosol output for 30 seconds," thus achieving precise control over the delivery of the nutrient solution. This user software interface 120 can run on a tablet or other smart device and can be controlled or operated via a controller, such as controlling the on / off state, color, and intensity of light, or controlling air circulation. The user software interface 120 can also display other system information, such as "Please add water to the container on the left" when water is low, indicating that the water level is too high, water needs to be added, or the spray from chamber 106 needs to be controlled.

[0039] Optionally, the aeroponic cultivation unit 102 may further include a temperature control system for regulating the temperature within the chamber 106. For example, the temperature control system may include heating (e.g., an electric heating component) or cooling (e.g., ventilation) components to maintain a suitable temperature for plant roots to grow in the chamber 106.

[0040] refer to Figure 9 The device for plant cultivation and observation also includes a light module 114 mounted on top of the housing 104. As shown in the figure, an LED light is mounted on the top to provide controlled illumination to the upper part of the host plant 112 to support its growth. Preferably, the light module 114 can adjust its height, light intensity, and spectrum to meet the growth needs of different plants. Users can... Figure 8 The user software interface 120 shown controls the color and intensity of the light, or turns off the light source.

[0041] In some embodiments, the aeroponic cultivation unit 102 may further include a monitoring system configured to track environmental parameters within the chamber 106, including temperature, humidity, and / or nutrient solution concentration. Figure 10 As shown, the system can generate humidity monitoring records 1002 and temperature monitoring records 1004. Optionally, the monitoring system can be expanded to include monitoring parameters such as nutrient solution concentration and plant growth rate, or monitoring of other systems, to make it easier for operators to maintain the equipment used for plant cultivation and observation, providing a more stable cultivation environment for the host plant 112. Users can also check the system log 1006 to see if the system is operating normally.

[0042] In one exemplary operation, the user first secures the plant seedlings to be cultivated in the holes at the top of the aeroponic unit 102, suspending their roots within the chamber 106. The opaque design of the housing 104 prevents external light from affecting root growth, while the top light module provides the necessary illumination to the upper part of the plant. The user can easily observe the plant's growth status through the opening at the top of the housing 104.

[0043] The user feeds the nutrient solution into the nutrient solution container (e.g., through the nutrient solution inlet) Figure 7 Inject the prepared nutrient solution into the container (as shown). After starting the system, the user can access it through the user software interface on a tablet or other smart device (e.g., 120). Figure 8 (As shown) Set the parameters for the nutrient solution spray, such as the spray frequency (e.g., spray once at regular intervals) and duration (e.g., each spray lasts 30 seconds). The programmable controller will control the water pump to operate at the set intervals, drawing the nutrient solution from the container and delivering it through the infusion pipeline to the spray nozzle 118 (e.g., ...). Figure 5 As shown), nozzle 118 atomizes the nutrient solution and sprays it onto the surface of the plant roots. At the same time, the oxygen supply system (possibly controlled via "Circulation-Left" and "Circulation-Right" on the software interface) starts working to ensure air circulation within chamber 106 and provide sufficient oxygen to the roots.

[0044] If too much nutrient solution accumulates in chamber 106, the level sensor 122 (e.g.) will activate. Figure 7 The system will detect and activate the recycling system to pump excess nutrient solution back to container 124. Users can do this through the user software interface (e.g., ...). Figure 10 (As shown) It monitors environmental parameters within chamber 106 in real time and adjusts parameters such as light (via the light module) and spraying according to plant growth. If the main spray nozzle 118 malfunctions, the redundant spray nozzle 118 can automatically start to ensure a continuous supply of nutrient solution.

[0045] This invention also provides an integrated STEM-based aeroponics unit designed to help students explore and study aeroponic cultivation of plants, plant-microbe symbiotic relationships, and the semi-mass production of symbiotic microorganisms. The unit grows plants in air, allowing them to develop and grow naturally with a sufficient oxygen supply in the root zone. It maintains a pest- and disease-free environment and enables plants to grow faster than those grown hydroponically or in soil. The unit observes the root growth of individual plants during the seedling stage and promotes seedling growth by periodically spraying the nutrient solution. Seedlings are placed in the air and periodically sprayed with the nutrient solution to promote their growth.

[0046] In some STEM-oriented implementations, the monitoring unit can automatically cultivate and observe individual plant roots and symbiotic microorganisms in aeroponics from the seedling stage via microbial inoculation. Plant roots are periodically sprayed with nutrient solution and grow under adjustable environmental conditions, including light intensity, spectrum, nutrient composition variables, and spraying frequency. The unit is equipped with multiple sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, light-dark cycles, pH of the nutrient solution, and conductivity. Dual-chamber or multi-chamber hardware designs are designed to facilitate Design of Experiments (DOE) in STEM teaching and learning, including controlled experimental setups and independent and dependent experimental variable setups. Users can remotely control the unit via a built-in IoT system equipped with multiple sensors and cameras. An automated data logging system informs the plants and symbiotic microorganisms of growth conditions, and a feedback system issues alerts in case of anomalies. Detailed information on the system, mechanical, and user software design is shown in the design and technical description documents below.

[0047] This invention can provide a high-quality experimental environment to support different applications, such as:

[0048] Experimental Application 1 - Aeroponics: Seedling Growth and Development

[0049] This experiment / activity aims to observe the growth and development of leguminous seedlings using an aeroponic system. The experiment begins by culturing leguminous seeds, possibly inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in vermiculite. Once the seedlings have matured, they are carefully transferred into the dark chamber of the device (or aeroponic device) provided in this invention for plant cultivation and observation, ensuring the roots are suspended and removing any attached vermiculite. The above-ground parts of the plant remain outside the chamber, while the roots are suspended in the air inside.

[0050] In aeroponics, the roots are directly exposed to the air, enabling efficient oxygen absorption. A timer-controlled misting system periodically sprays nutrient-rich mist (such as Hoagland's solution) onto the roots, directly providing them with water and essential nutrients. This environment promotes healthy root development and efficient nutrient absorption, potentially resulting in faster plant growth than traditional soil or hydroponics. During the experiment, the condition and pH of the nutrient solution must be checked regularly, and sterile water must be used to prevent contamination. A monitoring system with appropriate detectors can be used to chemically analyze the recovered nutrient solution.

[0051] This experiment allows for the systematic observation and recording of seed germination and seedling growth in an aeroponic environment. For example, root elongation and overall plant development can be recorded through photographs or sketches. The collected data helps in understanding the key operational points of aeroponic cultivation and provides a basis for evaluating its advantages and disadvantages compared to other cultivation methods in terms of growth rate and resource utilization efficiency.

[0052] Experimental Application 2 - Plant-Microorganism Interactions: Root Symbiosis

[0053] This experiment utilizes an aeroponic system as a platform to investigate the symbiotic relationship between leguminous plants and their beneficial root microorganisms—nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Leguminous plant samples previously cultured in an aeroponic system (e.g., from Experimental Application 1) and inoculated with the corresponding microorganisms can be used. Researchers can carefully remove the plant roots from the aeroponic system for further observation.

[0054] For the study of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, researchers can locate and dissect root nodules on roots. Nitrogen-fixing activity is assessed by observing the internal color of the nodules, and the rhizobia (rhizobia) within the nodule tissue sections are observed under a microscope. For the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), root samples need to be cleaned, dissected, and stained with specific dyes (such as trypan blue). The characteristic structures of AMFs within the root tissue, such as hyphae, arbuscular mycorrhizal branches, and vesicles, are then observed under a microscope. Aeroculture systems provide a suitable growth environment for the establishment of these symbiotic relationships.

[0055] The expected results of this experiment include: confirming the nitrogen-fixing activity status through root nodule color; identifying and recording nitrogen-fixing bacteria within root nodules under a microscope; and observing and recording typical symbiotic structures of AMF (amyloid process fungi) such as hyphae, arbuscular structures, and vesicles in stained root tissue. All observations will be recorded in detail on the experimental report, providing direct evidence for understanding the symbiotic mechanism between leguminous plants and these two important microorganisms.

[0056] Advantageously, this invention will enable students to learn: (1) the advantages and disadvantages of aeroponic, hydroponic and soil cultivation of plants; (2) the symbiotic relationship between higher plants and related microorganisms, namely arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB); and (3) the semi-mass production of these two microorganisms (which are easier to observe) for further greenhouse or field trials.

[0057] Other advantages of this invention include: (1) a non-invasive method for examining developing roots (e.g., under water stress in drought or flood physiological experiments); (2) the use of less nutrient solution and reduced water volume; (3) more significant plant environmental control; (4) easier plant handling; (5) greater cost-effectiveness; and (6) reduced negative impacts from pathogens in seed stock. This unit will have high market demand in schools (involving biology and science curricula) and universities (facilitating research projects requiring semi-production of symbiotic microorganisms and observation of plant-microbe interactions). High schools and science museums will also welcome this affordable, user-friendly unit to transform current curricula into practical learning and to develop extension kits that allow children to learn additional botanical knowledge at home.

[0058] Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of this utility model. The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications or substitutions that are obvious to those skilled in the art should be within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aeroponic cultivation unit, characterized in that, The device includes a chamber configured to contain the suspended roots of a host plant and expose the roots to air within the chamber; a nutrient solution delivery system having spray nozzles configured to deliver nutrient solution through the spray nozzles located within the chamber; and an oxygen supply system configured to ensure root aeration within the chamber.

2. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, characterised in that, It also includes a programmable controller configured to control the operation of the nutrient solution delivery system, wherein the nutrient solution delivery system is configured to deliver the nutrient solution at intervals determined by the programmable controller.

3. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a nutrient solution recovery system for recovering excess nutrient solution.

4. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, wherein, The oxygen supply system includes a fan or air pump located within the chamber to ensure continuous aeration of the root system.

5. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a monitoring system configured to track environmental parameters within the chamber, including temperature, humidity, and / or nutrient solution concentration.

6. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a temperature control system configured to regulate the temperature within the chamber.

7. An aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, wherein, The nutrient solution delivery system includes at least one redundant spray nozzle, configured to deliver nutrient solution through at least one redundant spray nozzle located within the chamber when the spray nozzle is inoperable.

8. A device for plant cultivation and observation, characterized in that, include: At least one aeroponic cultivation unit according to claim 1, The housing is made of lightweight and durable materials to ensure portability and structural integrity, wherein the housing is configured to accommodate at least one of the aeroponic cultivation units. The upper part of the host plant is exposed above the top of the box, thereby supporting the vertical planting of the host plant in a number matching the number of at least one of the aeroponic units.

9. A device for plant cultivation and observation according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a light module mounted on top of the enclosure, wherein the light module is configured to provide controlled lighting to the upper part of the host plant to support the growth of the host plant.

10. The device for plant cultivation and observation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The enclosure is made of an opaque material to block external light from entering the base of the suspension.

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