Aquaponic System Vertical Stacking Water Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aquaculture and vegetable farming systems are independent and costly, lacking an efficient method to integrate both for increased production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An aquaponic system that combines aquaculture and vegetable farming units with a water circulation unit, utilizing stackable containers and aeration devices, where nutrient-rich water from aquaculture tanks is recycled and used for vegetable cultivation, allowing for scalable and space-efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aquaculture and vegetable farming devices are developed separately to reduce costs, then manufacturing costs for each device are reduced, but production efficiency cannot be increased due to lack of organic combination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate aquaculture and vegetable farming devices into an integrated aquaponic system where the aquaculture tank, vegetable farming column, and water circulation unit function together as a unified system. The aquaculture tank provides nutrient-rich water that is circulated to the vegetable farming column, creating a synergistic relationship that increases production efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The water circulation unit serves multiple functions: it filters waste from the aquaculture tank, transports nutrient-rich water to the vegetable farming column, and recycles water back to the aquaculture tank. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall manufacturing costs while enhancing production efficiency through integrated operations.
2Productivity
If aquaculture and vegetable farming are conducted in separate locations (mud pond and farmland), then traditional farming methods are maintained, but space utilization is inefficient and production efficiency cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal spatial arrangement (separate mud pond and farmland) to vertical stacking, with the aquaculture tank positioned above the vegetable farming column. This vertical dimension allows both farming activities to occupy the same footprint area, dramatically improving space utilization while enabling close integration of the two systems for enhanced production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests the vegetable farming column within the vertical space below the aquaculture tank, creating a compact integrated structure. The water circulation unit is integrated within the same footprint, allowing all components to share the same spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining functional independence of each component.
3Reliability
If existing aquaculture devices are designed with complete functionality, then all farming needs are met, but manufacturing costs are relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aquaculture system into modular components: an aquaculture tank, a separate vegetable farming column, and an independent water circulation unit. Each module can be manufactured separately using simple, cost-effective materials and assembly methods, then integrated to provide complete farming functionality. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The water circulation unit is designed to automatically filter waste, pump nutrient-rich water, and recycle it back to the aquaculture tank without requiring external intervention. The system uses gravity-assisted water flow and passive filtration where possible, reducing the need for complex mechanical components and expensive manufacturing while ensuring reliable continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system integrates aquaculture and vegetable cultivation, enhancing production efficiency by utilizing nutrient-rich water and reducing costs through the use of stackable, cost-effective containers and shared aeration devices, while maintaining optimal water conditions for both aquatic organisms and plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
The water circulation unit comprises a filter tank, a water pump, and at least one guiding pipe
Implementation Method 2
The aquaculture tank is provided with an aeration device
Data Source
AI summary
An aquaponic system, having at least one farming section; each farming section has an aquaculture unit, a vegetable farming unit and a water circulation unit; the aquaculture unit has an outer tank and an aquaculture tank inside the outer tank; the vegetable farming unit has a vegetable farming column and a water collection tank at a bottom part thereof; the water circulation unit has a filter tank, a water pump, and at least one guiding pipe extending from the aquaculture tank to the vegetable farming column; a water inlet of the filter tank is connected with a water outlet of the aquaculture tank; a water outlet of the filter tank is connected with a water inlet of the aquaculture tank; one end of the water pump is connected with the water collection tank, another end of the water pump is connected with the aquaculture tank.