Plant Cultivation Cabinet Air Circulation for Tank-Free CO2 Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supplying carbon dioxide within a closed space, leading to slow plant growth, and often require complex and costly separate CO2 supply systems that pose safety risks due to tank structures.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a supply duct and return duct system that connects the cultivation space to a machine compartment, using air circulation to continuously supply carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for a separate CO2 tank and simplifying the internal configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate CO2 supply device with tank structure is installed, then CO2 can be supplied to plants, but safety risk increases due to explosion danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO2 supply function with the existing air circulation system by integrating a CO2 generator into the machine compartment. The generator produces CO2 that is then distributed through the supply duct to the cultivation space, eliminating the need for separate high-pressure CO2 tanks and their associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and dangerous CO2 storage tanks with a CO2 generator that produces CO2 on-demand through chemical reaction. This approach uses readily available materials (bicarbonate and acid) that react to produce CO2, eliminating the need for expensive pressurized storage infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If a separate CO2 supply device is installed, then CO2 can be supplied to plants, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 supply function with the existing air circulation system. The CO2 generator is placed in the machine compartment, and the CO2 it produces is distributed through the existing supply duct network that connects to the cultivation space, eliminating the need for separate CO2 distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air circulation system serves multiple functions: it provides cooling airflow to plants, distributes CO2 generated in the machine compartment to the cultivation space, and maintains proper air circulation patterns. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated CO2 supply infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If a separate CO2 supply device is installed, then CO2 can be supplied to plants, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive CO2 storage tanks and delivery infrastructure with a CO2 generator that uses inexpensive chemical reactants (bicarbonate and acid). These materials are readily available and can be replenished easily, significantly reducing manufacturing and operational costs compared to pressurized tank systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the CO2 generation and distribution functions into the existing air circulation system infrastructure. By utilizing the existing machine compartment, supply ducts, and airflow mechanisms, the patent eliminates the need for separate CO2 storage and delivery systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
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 approach enhances plant growth by ensuring continuous CO2 supply, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves safety by eliminating the risk of explosions and complexity associated with separate CO2 tanks, while maintaining a safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser fan, and a supply duct connecting the cultivation space and a machine compartment such that air in the machine compartment is supplied to the cultivation space when the condenser fan is operated
Implementation Method 2
a blower assembly positioned in front of an evaporator... the outlet of the supply duct is open toward an inlet of the blower assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for cultivating plants according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet having a cultivation space; a door opening/closing the cultivation space; a bed that is disposed in the cultivation space and on which plants are cultivated; a light assembly radiating light for photosynthesis toward the bed; a water tank storing water to be supplied to the bed; a machine compartment separated from the cultivation space at a lower portion in the cabinet, communicating with an outside, and accommodating a compressor and a condenser constituting a cooling cycle for controlling the temperature of the cultivation space; an air duct connecting the machine compartment and the cultivation space and guiding air in the machine compartment to the cultivation space; and a return duct connecting the cultivation space and the machine compartment and guiding air in the cultivation space to the machine compartment.