Production-optimized greenhouse

Abstract

A production-optimized greenhouse comprises a floor slab with a forward edge thereof facing the direction of desired maximum sun exposure for the greenhouse; a planar front wall extending upwards from a lower forward edge anchored to the floor slab in alignment with the forward edge of the slab and including at least partial translucent material on the planar surface thereof to allow diffused entry of exterior light into the interior growing area; a non-translucent convex arcuate back wall adjoining an upper edge of the front wall and extending rearwardly and downward therefrom to a lower rear edge anchored to the floor slab; and non-translucent end walls. Optional controlled sunshades permit the control of light ingress to the growing area dependent upon the positioning of the sun, and the configuration of the building is optimized for use in cold weather and similar extremes

Description

[0001] PRODUCTION-OPTIMIZED GREENHOUSE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to greenhouses, and more particularly relates to production optimized greenhouse designs for use in inclement climates.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Conventional greenhouses have been widely employed to create controlled environments for growing plants in various climates. These structures typically comprise transparent or translucent walls and roofs to facilitate the entry of natural light while providing protection from adverse weather conditions. However, traditional greenhouse designs exhibit certain limitations that can impede their efficacy and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

[0006] Conventional greenhouses often rely on simple rectangular or gabled shapes with predominantly transparent or translucent walls. While these designs allow for the penetration of sunlight, they often fail to fully optimize the distribution of light within the growing area. The fixed orientation of these structures may not align optimally with the sun's path throughout the day, leading to uneven light exposure and potential shadowing of plants. Additionally, standard greenhouses may struggle to efficiently manage temperature and humidity variations, particularly in extreme weather conditions which can affect plant health and productivity.

[0007] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) A greenhouse design which addressed several of the identified shortcomings in the prior art would it is believed to be favourably commercially received and would offer enhanced performance and adaptability. For example, by strategically positioning the floor slab to align with the direction of maximum sun exposure, and employing an arcuate back wall with a reflective interior surface finish, a greenhouse could ensure efficient distribution of sunlight and minimize shadowing throughout the interior growing area, optimizing photosynthesis and promoting healthier plant growth.

[0008] Furthermore, the integration of adjustable sunscreens would add an unprecedented level of control over light exposure. Unlike conventional greenhouses, where fixed translucent areas dictate light penetration, adjustable sunscreens would allow operators to dynamically regulate the amount of light entering the interior growing area, catering to varying plant requirements and enhancing energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting.

[0009] Incorporating automated sensors that interact with the adjustable sunscreens could also further enhance the efficiency of the design. By responding to real-time data on sunlight positioning and intensity to dynamically adjust the sunscreens and optimize late levels throughout the day, designs would further improve plant health and reduce the need for manual intervention, streamlining greenhouse operations.

[0010] Minimizing the amount of wall surface potentially exposed to the elements would provide further enhanced utility and cold-weather applications, providing an enhanced approach permitting year- round cultivation in varying climates. In

[0011] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) New greenhouse design which addressed limitations of conventional structures and introduced a holistic approach to temperature management and optimized plant cultivation would be desirable. A combination of precise sunlight management, adaptable light exposure, and advanced automation presents a significant leap forward in greenhouse technology, unlocking new possibilities for efficient and sustainable crop production.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a production-optimized greenhouse designed for utilization on a building support surface, the greenhouse defining an interior growing area and incorporating innovative features for improved functionality and efficiency. The greenhouse comprises several essential components that collectively contribute to its unique operational advantages.

[0014] Firstly, the greenhouse includes a robust floor slab strategically positioned on the building support surface, with its forward edge oriented to maximize exposure to sunlight. This layout ensures optimal solar access for the greenhouse.

[0015] The front wall of the greenhouse rises from the lower forward edge of the floor slab, extending upwards and serving as a protective barrier between the interior growing area and the external environment. The front wall features a distinctive design, incorporating a planar structure with at least partial translucent material. This translucent material facilitates the diffusion of external light

[0016] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) into the interior growing area, promoting healthy plant growth. The translucent material can consist of an array of windows or translucent sheathing material affixed to the wall structure.

[0017] Adjacent to the upper edge of the front wall, a non -translucent convex arcuate back wall extends rearwardly and downward, terminating at a lower rear edge anchored to the floor slab. The interior surface of this back wall is finished with a reflective material, which plays a crucial role in optimizing light distribution within the greenhouse. The reflective surface enhances light penetration into the growing area, contributing to improved photosynthesis and overall plant health.

[0018] Furthermore, non-translucent end walls enclose the greenhouse, with at least one of these end walls featuring an entry door for easy access to the interior growing area from the external environment.

[0019] In one embodiment, the greenhouse incorporates interior walls that mirror the curvature of the back wall, creating distinct environmentally segregated subdivisions within the interior growing area. This arrangement allows for tailored environmental conditions to suit different plant varieties or growth stages.

[0020] The greenhouse design also includes adjustable sunscreens positioned on the front wall. These sunscreens can be manually or automatically adjusted to regulate the amount of light entering the interior growing area. Tn an automated configuration, the sunscreens operate in conjunction with sunlight sensors, enabling real-time adjustments based on the sun's position in the sky. This dynamic control mechanism ensures optimal light exposure for plants throughout the day.

[0021] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) To enhance versatility and usability, certain embodiments of the greenhouse incorporate insulation in the back wall or end walls, rendering the structure suitable for cold weather conditions.

[0022] Moreover, the back wall can be fabricated from materials conducive to embedding within a hill or other earthworks, or it may utilize a flexible membrane design. A reflective white surface coating is applied to the back wall's interior surface, serving to amplify light distribution.

[0023] The production-optimized greenhouse described herein presents a novel configuration tailored to harness solar energy efficiently, regulate environmental conditions, and promote robust plant growth. Its innovative features collectively contribute to an advanced horticultural environment suitable for various cultivation needs.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. The drawings enclosed are:

[0026] Figure 1 : Front perspective view of a first embodiment of the greenhouse positioned on building support surface;

[0027] Figure 2: Front elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing windows for sunlight entry;

[0028] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 3: End elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing man door and rollup doors for entry;

[0029] Figure 4: Rear elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1; and

[0030] Figure 5 : Cutaway side view of external structure of embodiment of Figure 1 , showing one construction method for arcuate back wall sections.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the production-optimized greenhouse (10) is illustrated. The greenhouse (10) is designed for placement on a building support surface, shown as the ground, and comprises various components to optimize plant growth conditions.

[0033] The greenhouse (10) includes a floor slab (12) which rests upon the building support surface. The forward edge of the floor slab (12) is positioned to face the desired maximum sun exposure direction for the greenhouse (10). In certain cases, the greenhouse (10) instead of a floor slab (12) could just a of footing, and rely on natural environmental flooring inside of the greenhouse (10). The slab (12) will allow for maximum insulation and environmental control but both such approaches will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the front wall (14) of the greenhouse (10) extends upwards from the lower forward edge of the floor slab (12). The front wall (14) comprises an outer surface facing the

[0035] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) exterior environment and an interior surface facing the interior growing area. The planar surface of the front wall (14) incorporates at least partial translucent material, such as a plurality of windows (22), allowing for the diffused entry of exterior light into the interior growing area. This configuration ensures that plants within the greenhouse (10) receive an appropriate amount of sunlight for optimal growth. In other embodiments, instead of the plurality of windows (22) translucent wallcovering materials or completely or partially translucent complete wall surface coverings could be used. All such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Positioning the front wall (14) to face the optimal sunlight gathering direction of the particular building position at the greenhouse (10) will allow for the capture and “harvesting” of maximum sunlight in daylight hours to provide heat to keep the interior growing space of the greenhouse while also providing the necessary sunlight for photosynthesis therein. The front wall being positioned approximately vertically from the floor, potentially in conjunction with adjustable sunscreens as outlined elsewhere herein, provides the maximum structural integrity from the positioning and presence in that front wall in the structure while permitting for the best controlled entry of sunlight to the growing space therein.

[0036] Figure 3 depicts an end elevation view of the greenhouse (10). At least one end wall (16) might include a man door (32) and roll-up doors (34), providing convenient entry points for personnel and equipment. The roll-up doors (34) are designed to facilitate the transportation of larger equipment and plants into the interior growing area. The end walls will not be translucent - allowing for maximum insulation and integrity of the structure.

[0037] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) A rear elevation of the greenhouse (10) is shown in Figure 4. The convex arcuate back wall (18) is joined to the upper edge of the front wall (14) and extends rearwardly and downward to the lower rear edge anchored to the floor slab (12). The reflective interior surface finish of the back wall (18) enhances light distribution within the greenhouse (10) and promotes efficient plant growth.

[0038] In Figure 5, a cutaway side view of the external structure of the embodiment is presented. This view demonstrates a construction method for the arcuate back wall (18) sections. The back wall (18) in this case is composed of steel Quonset-style panel walls (52), contributing to the overall structural integrity of the greenhouse (10). Cutaway portions of the arcuate panel wall section (52) are shown, demonstrating the approach to the construction of an arcuate back wall, which will be understood to those skilled in the art of building construction of this nature.

[0039] Interior walls (not shown in figures) can extend from the front wall (14) to the lower rear edge of the back wall (18), following the curvature of the back wall (18). These interior walls can be used to create environmentally segregated subdivisions within the interior growing area, allowing for the cultivation of different plant species under controlled conditions. The curved edge of the interior walls is capped with a manufactured mating edge portion, ensuring a secure and seamless connection with the curvature of the back wall (18).

[0040] Adjustable sunscreens (not shown in figures) are incorporated into the design of the front wall (14) in some embodiments of the greenhouse (10). These sunscreens will enable the adjustment of the exposed translucent area of the front wall (14), providing precise control over the amount of

[0041] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) sunlight entering the interior growing area. It may be desired to adjust the positioning of these sunscreens based upon the horizon position of the sun in daylight hours. hi certain embodiments, the adjustable sunscreens are automated and can be operated in conjunction with sunlight sensors. This automation facilitates the normalization or maximization of sunlight within the interior growing area based on the sun's position on the horizon.

[0042] Moreover, to enhance cold weather utility, the back wall (18) and / or the end walls (16) can be insulated, providing thermal protection for the plants during colder seasons. hi some embodiments, the back wall (18) can be made of material suitable for embedding in a hill or other earthworks, or it can comprise a flexible membrane, allowing for versatile placement and adaptation to different terrains.

[0043] The reflective interior surface finish of the back wall (18) may comprise a white surface coating, ensuring efficient light reflection and distribution throughout the interior growing area.

[0044] It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that by routine modification the present invention can be optimized for use in a wide range of conditions and application. It will also be obvious to those of skill in the art that there are various ways and designs with which to produce the apparatus and methods of the present invention. The illustrated embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of the apparatus and method to enable those of skill in the art to appreciate the inventive concept.

[0045] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Those skilled in the art will recognize that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A production-optimized greenhouse for use on a building support surface, said greenhouse defining an interior growing area and comprising: a. a floor slab resting in position on the building support surface, with a forward edge thereof facing the direction of desired maximum sun exposure for the greenhouse; b. a planar front wall having an outer surface facing the exterior environment and an interior surface facing into the interior growing area, said front wall extending upwards from a lower forward edge anchored to the floor slab in alignment with the forward edge of the slab and including at least partial translucent material on the planar surface thereof to allow diffused entry of exterior light into the interior growing area; c. a non-trans lucent convex arcuate back wall adjoining an upper edge of the front wall and extending rearwardly and downward therefrom to a lower rear edge anchored to the floor slab, said backwall having a reflective interior surface finish; and d. non-translucent end walls, at least one of which includes at least one entry door for entrance to the interior growing area from exterior environment.SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)2. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the translucent material in the front wall comprises: a. a plurality of windows arrayed and mounted therein; or b. translucent sheathing material attached to the wall structure.

3. The greenhouse of Claim 1 further comprising interior walls extending from the front wall to the lower rear edge of the back wall and matching the interior of the curvature of the back wall, creating environmentally segregated subdivisions of the interior growing area.

4. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the back wall consists of a steel Quonset-style panel wall.

5. The greenhouse of Claim 3 wherein: a. the back wall consists of a steel Quonset-style panel wall; and b. the interior walls are capped along their curved edge with a manufactured mating edge portion shaped to engage the curvature of the back wall as defined by the interior of the panels of the back wall.SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)6. The greenhouse of Claim 1 further comprising adjustable sunscreens to permit adjustment of the exposed translucent area of the front wall and allow control of the amount of light entering the interior growing area.

7. The greenhouse of Claim 6 wherein the adjustable sunscreens are automated and operate in conjunction with a sensor of the positioning and level of available sunlight, whereby the automated opening or closing of the sunscreens can normalize or maximize sunlight within the interior growing area based on the horizon positioning of the sun.

8. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the back wall or the end walls are insulated to enhance cold weather utility of the greenhouse.

9. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the back wall comprises material capable of being embedded in a hill or other earth works.

10. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the back wall comprises a flexible membrane.

11. The greenhouse of Claim 1 wherein the reflective interior surface finish of the back wall comprises white surface coating.SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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