Cultivation Shelf Drain Control to Prevent Mold and Algae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation apparatuses face issues with effective water supply and drainage, leading to contamination and odor problems due to stagnant water, which results in mold and algae growth.
Innovation Solution
A plant cultivation apparatus with a cultivation shelf that can be drawn in and out, featuring a drain hole and a driving device with a motor, pinion, and rack gear system to open and close the drain hole, ensuring efficient water drainage after supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a culture medium spraying unit is provided to supply water to plants, then plant growth is promoted, but water accumulates at the bottom of the tray causing mold and algae growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a drainage hole in the tray bottom before water accumulation problems occur. This pre-configured drainage path prevents water from accumulating at the bottom of the tray, thereby preventing mold and algae growth before they can develop, while still allowing the spraying unit to effectively supply water to plants.
2Quantity of substance
If frequent culture medium supply is performed, then plant nutrition is improved, but drainage work is not accompanied leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage hole is pre-configured in the tray structure to handle water drainage proactively. This allows frequent culture medium supply to be performed without concern for water accumulation, as the drainage system is already in place to manage excess water, thereby maintaining cultivation space cleanliness.
3Ease of operation
If a drain hole is opened for water drainage, then water management is improved, but the drain hole needs to be opened and closed selectively
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member is designed to automatically open and close the drainage hole based on water level or timing conditions without requiring manual intervention. The driving device provides automated control, allowing the system to self-regulate water drainage, thereby maintaining ease of operation while managing the complexity through automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an opening and closing member is provided to control the drain hole, then water drainage control is improved, but a driving device is required to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The driving device operates the opening and closing member automatically based on predetermined conditions such as water level sensors or timing mechanisms. This automation provides adaptable drainage control while minimizing the need for complex manual control systems, as the system self-regulates based on its operational state.
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 apparatus maintains a clean environment by draining water from the cultivation shelf after supply, preventing mold and algae growth and ensuring effective water management.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion rotated by the driving motor and having a pinion gear; a rod having a rack gear coupled to the pinion gear and moving up and down by the pinion to open and close the opening and closing member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant cultivation apparatus comprising: a cabinet having a cultivation space; cultivation shelves which can be inserted into or withdrawn from the cabinet, and on which plants to be cultivated are loaded; drain ports opened to drain water supplied to the cultivation shelves; an opening/closing member for opening/closing the drain port; and a driving device which is provided in the cultivation space, and which selectively comes in contact with the opening/closing member to operate the opening/closing member, wherein the driving device can include: a driving motor; a pinion, which is rotated by means of the driving motor and has a pinion gear; a rod which has a rack gear coupled to the pinion gear, and which vertically moves by means of the pinion to open/close the opening/closing member; and a case for forming the exterior thereof and guiding the movement of the rod.