Desert Hydroponic System with Movable Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydroponic systems used in desert-like environments face challenges in maintaining an internal environment conducive to plant growth due to large daily fluctuations in temperature.

Innovation Solution

The hydroponic system incorporates a support structure with movable panels that can open to allow sunlight and air in, while an insect screen and nutrient fluid channel ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. The system also includes reflective panels for heating and cooling panels to regulate temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the hydroponic system is exposed to outdoor desert environment, then it can utilize natural sunlight and space, but the internal temperature fluctuates excessively due to large daily temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural sunlight utilizationVSAvoidinternal temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary buffer layer between the outdoor desert environment and the indoor hydroponic system. This buffer zone (including walls, windows, and air gaps) mediates the extreme temperature fluctuations, allowing the system to capture natural sunlight while maintaining a stable internal temperature suitable for plant growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs beforehand cushioning through thermal mass elements and insulation layers that are built into the structure prior to operation. These elements absorb and release heat in advance to counteract temperature extremes, cushioning the internal environment from outdoor temperature variations before they affect the plants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Illumination intensity

If movable panels are opened to allow sunlight and air in, then plant growth conditions improve, but insects can enter the enclosed space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesunlight accessVSAvoidinsect intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses insect screens as intermediary elements installed on or near the movable panels. These screens act as a barrier that mediates between the need for open panels (for sunlight and air) and the need to prevent insect entry, allowing airflow and light while blocking insects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insect screens are implemented as flexible mesh or thin film structures that can be integrated with the movable panels. These thin film barriers maintain panel functionality while providing insect protection, allowing the panels to move for sunlight access without compromising insect exclusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If the support structure is fully enclosed to protect from external environment, then temperature stability improves, but natural light and air circulation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal temperature stabilityVSAvoidnatural light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic movable panels that can change their position and openness based on environmental conditions. These panels dynamically adjust the balance between enclosure (for temperature stability) and openness (for natural light and air), allowing the system to optimize both temperature stability and light transmission at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is segmented into multiple movable panels rather than being a solid continuous enclosure. This segmentation allows selective opening of specific panels to control light and air intake while maintaining overall enclosure for temperature stability, enabling independent optimization of different structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively maintains a stable internal environment for plant growth, mitigating the effects of extreme temperature fluctuations, and ensuring optimal conditions for plant health and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

wherein the nutrient fluid is warmed and aerated when the movable panels are open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar heating: Solar Energy

Implementation Method 2

top and bottom planar elements, in the form of light transmissible glass or plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The top planar element is perforated with pores to allow the passage of air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Implementation Method 4

one or more movable reflective panels in a side wall with an inner surface that reflects sunlight into the system's interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

the walls themselves preferably include insulating material between their outer and inner surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12310301B2Hydroponic system for use in a desert-like environment

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SANZO MICHAEL A

AI summary

The present invention is directed to hydroponic systems that can be used in an environment with large daily fluctuations in temperature and to the use of those systems for growing plants.