Decoupled Rotational Mechanism for Horticulture Tower Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotating horticulture towers are not easily movable within facilities due to their fixed rotational mechanisms, making it impractical for efficient operation, maintenance, and processing in vertical farms, which hampers their adoption at a commercial scale.
Innovation Solution
A system that decouples the horticulture tower from its rotational mechanism, allowing it to be rotated in place or conveyed freely for processing, while maintaining access to light, irrigation, and ventilation sources, using a decoupled apparatus with drive motors, wheel assemblies, and biasing mechanisms for frictional engagement and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the horticulture tower is coupled with a fixed rotational mechanism, then the tower can be rotated to expose multiple columns of crops to light sources, but the tower cannot be easily moved about the facility for processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rotational function from the tower structure itself by introducing a separate rotational mechanism that can engage and disengage from the tower. This segmentation allows the tower to be rotated when needed while maintaining its ability to be freely moved to different locations in the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to engage with the tower for rotation and disengage to permit movement. This dynamic coupling enables the system to adapt between rotational operation and relocation based on operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotational mechanism is fixed in place and attached directly to the tower, then rotation can be achieved, but the complexity of the system increases and movement becomes impossible or impractically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism is extracted from the tower structure itself and positioned as a separate, independent component. This extraction reduces the complexity of the tower design while maintaining the rotational function, as the mechanism can be engaged only when rotation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary rotational mechanism serves as a mediator between the fixed infrastructure and the movable tower. This intermediary component provides the rotational function without being permanently attached to either the tower or the facility structure, simplifying both elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tower is rotated in place with a fixed mechanism, then uniform light exposure is achieved, but the tower cannot be easily conveyed to processing stations for harvesting, cleaning, and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic coupling where the rotational mechanism can engage to provide uniform light exposure through rotation, and disengage to allow the tower to be conveyed to processing stations. This dynamic behavior enables both functions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the rotational function from the conveyance function through different mechanical systems, the tower can perform both operations independently. The rotational mechanism handles light exposure uniformity while the conveyance system handles movement to processing areas.
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
Enables the horticulture towers to be moved efficiently for various processes like harvesting, cleaning, and repositioning, reducing operational complexity and energy costs by allowing uniform exposure of crops to light and nutrients, thus facilitating the adoption of rotating towers at a commercial scale.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel assembly can be frictionally engaged to the horticulture tower to rotate the horticulture tower
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for rotating at least one horticulture tower. The system comprises at least one horticulture tower and an apparatus for rotating the at least one horticulture tower. The at least one horticulture tower is decoupled from the apparatus for rotating the at least one horticulture tower, such that the at least horticulture tower may be independently conveyed about a facility.