Deep Water Culture Hydroponics With Parallel Nutrient Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom hydroponic systems require large diameter pipelines, are labor-intensive to install, suffer from inconsistent nutrient delivery, and require slow adjustments to nutrient concentrations and pH levels, leading to inefficiencies and potential plant shock.
Innovation Solution
A parallel nutrient circulation system with flexible connections and a centralized nutrient supply tank allows for equal nutrient delivery to all grow tanks, enabling rapid adjustments and reducing the risk of plant shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large diameter pipelines are used to enable nutrient solution circulation and maintain common liquid level by gravity, then reliable nutrient delivery and level equalization are achieved, but labor and material costs increase and installation requires skill and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based hydraulic circulation with an active pump system that uses mechanical force to circulate nutrient solution. The pump draws solution from a sump area and delivers it to multiple grow tanks through smaller diameter tubing, eliminating the need for large diameter pipelines while maintaining reliable nutrient delivery and level control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If progressive or sequential circulation is used to maintain gravity equalized tank levels, then level equalization is achieved, but nutrient solution quality varies and plants are not consistently maintained in equal nutrient environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circulation system into separate parallel circuits, with each grow tank connected to its own dedicated tubing run from the pump. This segmentation allows each tank to receive nutrient solution independently and simultaneously, ensuring consistent nutrient quality and level equalization without the variations inherent in sequential circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump-based system enables continuous and simultaneous circulation of nutrient solution to all grow tanks rather than progressive or sequential circulation. This continuous action ensures that all tanks receive nutrient solution at the same rate and quality level, maintaining consistent nutrient environments for all plants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If chemicals are added slowly to the epicenter tank to avoid shocking plants, then plant safety is maintained, but the time available for other tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates level sensors in each grow tank that provide feedback to a controller. When chemicals or nutrient solutions are added to the reservoir, the system automatically monitors and regulates the circulation to ensure even distribution, preventing plant shock while enabling faster adjustment times through automated control rather than manual slow addition.
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 ensures consistent nutrient quality and level across all tanks, simplifies installation and maintenance, and allows for quick adjustments, enhancing operational efficiency and plant health.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump having an inlet and an outlet, a nutrient supply line fluidly connecting the outlet of the circulation pump to the grow tanks
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of bridge connectors each fluidly connecting the tank drain line to the pump suction line
Implementation Method 3
maintaining a common liquid level in the buckets
Data Source
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AI summary
The specification discloses a DWC hydroponic system that includes a plurality of grow tanks, a circulation pump, a nutrient supply line fluidly connecting the outlet of the circulation pump to the grow tanks, and a tank drain line fluidly connected to the grow tanks. Each of the grow tanks is fluidly connected in parallel between the nutrient supply line and the tank drain line. The system further includes a pump suction line fluidly connected to the inlet of the circulation pump, and a plurality of bridge connectors each fluidly connecting the tank drain line to the pump suction line in accordance with a defined pattern. The DWC system may further include a nutrient supply fluidly connected to the circulation pump intake through a valve arrangement.