Biodegradable Tape Hydroponic Gutter System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroponic systems using growth media in gutter systems face issues such as blocked water flow, non-uniform water distribution, contamination risks, high logistical costs, and environmental impact due to the use of inert substrates.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic growing system comprising a gutter with an open top and a tape fixed upright within the gutter, where the tape holds and supports propagating material like seeds, germinated seeds, or cuttings, and is designed to wick fluid from a receptacle along its length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inert growth media such as perlite, gravel, or peat blocks are used to support plants in gutter systems, then plants can be physically supported and grown in high densities, but the water flow becomes blocked towards the end of the growing cycle and water distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inert growth medium entirely from the system. Instead of using perlite, gravel, or peat blocks, the invention uses a biodegradable tape that dissolves or degrades over time, allowing water flow to remain unobstructed while still providing the necessary support for plant growth during the cultivation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the support material by using a biodegradable tape instead of permanent inert substrates. This tape gradually degrades, changing its structural properties over time to maintain plant support while progressively allowing water flow through the gutter system.
2Ease of operation
If inert substrates such as perlite, gravel, or peat are used in hydroponic gutters, then plant support is provided, but contamination risks increase and plant residues from substrates may pollute the growing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biodegradable tape that serves as a temporary, disposable support structure. This short-living support material eliminates the need for cleaning and disposal of inert substrates, reducing contamination risks while providing adequate plant support throughout the growing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable tape performs the support function and then self-dissolves or degrades, eliminating the need for manual removal and disposal. This self-service approach prevents contamination from substrate residues and reduces the risk of phytosanitary issues.
3Ease of operation
If large volumes of growth medium are transported to and from growers, then plant support is achieved, but environmental impact increases and logistical costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for transporting large volumes of inert growth medium. By using a thin biodegradable tape that can be easily applied directly in the gutter, the system removes the logistical burden of transporting heavy substrates while maintaining plant support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical form and density of the support material from bulky inert substrates to a compact biodegradable tape. This parameter change dramatically reduces the volume and weight of material that needs to be transported, lowering environmental impact and logistical costs.
4Ease of operation
If inert growth media are used to hold seeds or small plants in gutters, then positioning is enabled, but the system complexity and cost increase due to substrate disposal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a inexpensive biodegradable tape that provides seed positioning capability and then naturally degrades, eliminating the need for complex substrate removal and disposal systems. This simple disposable approach reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for seed placement.
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 prevents blockages in water flow, ensures uniform nutrient distribution, reduces contamination risks, minimizes logistical and environmental impacts, and is cost-effective by eliminating the need for inert substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the tape is for holding and/or supporting propagating material... the tape is in contact with a fluid in the receptacle for wicking the fluid through the tape
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a growing system for hydroponics, comprising a gutter and a tape, wherein the gutter is open at the top and comprises a receptacle for a fluid that extends along the longitudinal direction of the gutter and wherein the tape is fixed in the gutter in an upright position in the longitudinal direction of the gutter and partially extends beyond the open top and wherein the tape is for holding or supporting propagating material. The propagating material comprises for example seeds, germinated seeds, seedlings, plantlets or cuttings. In use, the tape is in contact with a fluid in the receptacle for wicking the fluid through the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the tape comprises at least two layers that are partially held together but are preferably not held together at the part that extends beyond the open top of the gutter. The invention further relates to a method of growing plants using the growing system.