3D Mesh Plant Cultivation Structures With Arbitrary Outer Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are unable to form three-dimensional-shaped objects that satisfy the growth environment for plants, as they require moisture and nourishment and have restricted growth conditions, making it difficult to cultivate plants with arbitrary outer shapes.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shape information generating system and apparatus that generate shape information for a three-dimensional-shaped object with a three-dimensional mesh-like structure suitable for plant cultivation, allowing for the formation of objects with arbitrary outer shapes that can retain water and air, using materials like plastic resin, silicone, or ceramics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D printing technology is used to form arbitrary three-dimensional objects, then manufacturing flexibility and outer shape customization are improved, but the ability to provide suitable growth environment for plants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by forming a three-dimensional mesh-like structure within the printed object. This mesh structure creates interconnected pores that allow water and air to penetrate and distribute throughout the object, providing essential growth conditions for plants while maintaining the arbitrary outer shape designed by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining printable material (such as biodegradable plastics or ceramics) with porous structural elements. The composite structure integrates the outer shell that defines the arbitrary shape with an internal mesh network that provides plant growth functionality, resolving the contradiction between shape customization and growth environment suitability.
2Shape
If a three-dimensional-shaped object with arbitrary outer shape is formed, then design freedom is improved, but the ability to retain water and air for plant cultivation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the internal structure into a mesh network of interconnected cells or compartments. This segmented structure increases the total surface area and creates multiple small reservoirs that can retain water and air, allowing the object to maintain arbitrary outer shapes while providing sufficient water and air retention for plant cultivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a solid or simple hollow structure to a three-dimensional mesh structure that adds internal complexity. This dimensional transformation creates volumetric pore spaces throughout the object, enabling water and air retention capabilities without compromising the external arbitrary shape.
3Strength
If a solid three-dimensional structure is printed, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to provide moisture and nourishment for plants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous materials by implementing a mesh-like structure that maintains structural integrity through its geometric framework. The interconnected struts of the mesh provide mechanical strength while the void spaces between them create pathways for water and air movement, ensuring moisture and nourishment availability for plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the mesh structure to simultaneously fulfill multiple functions: providing structural support, retaining water, storing air, and facilitating nutrient distribution. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and moisture/nourishment availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shape information generating system, a three-dimensional shape forming apparatus, a three-dimensional shape information generating method, and a program, each of which is capable of forming a three-dimensional-shaped object that has an arbitrary outer shape and is used to cultivate plants.