Elevating Roof Canopy With Hydroponics for Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for protecting buildings from weather elements are spheroidally shaped, limiting protection, non-movable, and lack integration of hydroponic units.
Innovation Solution
A structure with elevating and hydroponic capabilities, including a pumping assembly, elevating assembly, and hydroponic cultivating units, which can be raised or lowered based on weather conditions and equipped with a communication and processing device for automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a spheroidally shaped apparatus is used for protecting a building, then the apparatus can be installed on the building, but the protection coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from a static spherical shape to a dynamic deployable structure that can change its configuration from a compact stowed position to an extended protective canopy position, thereby increasing the protection coverage area while overcoming the limitations of a fixed spherical shape
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus extends protection into the horizontal dimension by deploying a canopy structure that spans over the building, rather than being confined to a three-dimensional spherical volume, thus significantly increasing the protected area on the building surface
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed apparatus is used for protecting a building, then the apparatus is simple to install, but it cannot adapt to changing weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates movable components including elevating assemblies that can raise and lower the canopy structure, and steering mechanisms that can orient the apparatus, enabling it to adapt its position and orientation in response to changing weather conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including weather protection, hydroponic cultivation, and automated steering, making it versatile for different weather conditions and applications while integrating these functions into a single unified system
3Adaptability or versatility
If a shade-only apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks additional functional benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges weather protection functionality with hydroponic cultivation systems by integrating growing containers, reservoirs, and pumping assemblies into the canopy structure, creating a multi-functional system that provides both shelter and sustainable food production
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves multiple purposes including providing shade and weather protection, supporting hydroponic gardens through integrated reservoirs and pumping systems, and potentially generating electricity through solar panels, thereby offering substantial functional benefits beyond simple shading
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
Provides enhanced protection from weather elements by offering adjustable coverage and integrating hydroponic cultivation, enhancing building protection and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one pumping assembly may be configured for transferring the growing solution to the growing container from the at least one reservoir through the at least one tubing unit
Implementation Method 2
the at least one elevating assembly may be configured for at least one of raising and lowering the structure for moving the structure between the unelevated position and the at least one elevated position
Implementation Method 3
the at least one tubing unit may be configured for allowing draining of the growing solution from the growing container to the at least one reservoir in the unelevated position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting a building from weather elements comprises a structure installable on a roof of the building and elevatable to an elevated position from an unelevated position for protecting the building from weather elements, a pumping assembly, and an elevating assembly. The structure comprises a hydroponic cultivating unit comprising a growing container and a tubing unit attached to the hydroponic cultivating unit. The tubing unit couples with a reservoir containing a growing solution in the unelevated position. The pumping assembly coupled with the tubing unit in the unelevated position transfers the growing solution to the growing container from the reservoir through the tubing unit. The elevating assembly raises and lowers the structure, moving the structure between the unelevated position and the elevated position. The tubing unit allows draining of the growing solution from the growing container in the unelevated position and the structure is raised after the draining.