Automated Growing System Inclined Channels Fertigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated plant growing systems often implement standard, non-optimized technology leading to inefficient production and redundant components, necessitating improved systems for crop cultivation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated growing system comprising inclined growing channels with fertigation receiving structures and leach lines, conveyor assemblies, fertigation delivery lines, drainage troughs, and air supply ducts, which are integrated into a production line framework to optimize plant growth and reduce human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard automated technology is implemented in plant growing facilities, then automation is achieved, but production efficiency is reduced and redundant components are created
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the growing facility into modular production lines, each handling specific functions (vegetative growth, flowering, harvesting). Each production line is independently controllable and can be optimized separately, eliminating redundancy while maintaining automation. The channel assembly is segmented into functional zones with dedicated resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel assembly design allows a single structure to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for plants, integrates fertigation delivery, incorporates drainage systems, and enables automated movement between growth stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If manual growing practices are used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor requirements increase and production scale is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic elements that allow adaptation to different growing conditions and crop requirements. Production lines can be reconfigured for different crops, and the automated movement system can adjust timing and routing based on plant development stages, maintaining flexibility while enabling large-scale production.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs routine tasks independently including water delivery through fertigation, waste removal through integrated drainage, environmental monitoring, and movement between growth stages. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
3Device complexity
If resources are distributed evenly throughout the growing area, then simplicity is maintained, but resource optimization is reduced leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides differentiated resource allocation to different zones and production lines based on specific needs. Fertigation delivery is localized to root zones, lighting intensity varies by growth stage and crop type, and environmental controls are optimized for each production line's specific requirements. This localized optimization reduces waste while the modular design keeps the overall system relatively simple.
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
This configuration enhances plant growth efficiency by providing precise control over water, nutrients, ventilation, and light, resulting in optimized production with minimal human interaction and reduced waste, while allowing for flexible and efficient movement of growing channels between vegetative and flowering areas.
Implementation Method 1
a trough held at an incline such that the first end is higher than the second end
Implementation Method 2
each flange having a plurality of leach lines on an upper surface thereof, each leach line extending a different predetermined distance from the first end toward the second end
Data Source
AI summary
An automated growing system comprises a plurality of vegetative production lines for moving a plurality of planted growing channels from a first end to a second end of a growing area, a plurality of flowering production lines for moving the channels from the second end to the first end, and a first conveyor belt for moving planted growing channels from the plurality of vegetative production lines to the plurality of flowering production lines. Each production line may comprise a frame, a conveyor assembly configured to receive growing channels, a fertigation delivery line comprising a plurality of regulators spaced therealong for depositing fluid into the growing channels, a drainage trough, and an air supply duct positioned under the conveyor assembly, the air supply duct comprising a plurality of openings therein for delivering conditioned air to plants growing in the growing channels. Each growing channel may comprise a trough having a first end higher than a second end, a flange extending laterally from each of a pair of opposed lateral edges of the trough and having a plurality of leach lines on an upper surface thereof extending a different predetermined distance from the first end toward the second end, and a fertigation receiving structure attached to the first end of the trough and configured to direct fluid falling therein into the leach lines of each flange.