Automated Feed-Growing Trays With Siphon Drain and Vertical Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for growing, harvesting, and distributing animal feed involve long-distance transportation, which leads to freshness issues, are dependent on unpredictable environmental factors, inefficient use of space, and lack scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system with automated trays, racks, and robots for growing and harvesting feed in a closed climate-controlled environment, utilizing a robot to deliver and retrieve trays, a harvester to remove living matter, and a seeder to distribute seed, with an electronic controller for autonomous operation, enabling efficient and scalable production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feed is grown outdoors in the ground and distributed over long distances, then transportation and distribution are simplified, but feed freshness is lost and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the feed production process into modular trays that can be independently grown, harvested, and transported. Each tray is a self-contained unit that maintains feed freshness during transport, eliminating the need for complex distribution systems while preserving quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal ground-based farming to vertical rack-mounted tray systems. This dimensional change allows feed to be grown in three-dimensional space, reducing transportation distance and maintaining freshness while simplifying the distribution infrastructure.
2Productivity
If feed is grown outdoors in the ground, then growing space is simplified, but space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes vertical space by mounting trays on multi-level racks, transforming traditional two-dimensional ground farming into three-dimensional vertical farming. This dramatically increases space utilization efficiency while maintaining relatively simple growing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system allows nested arrangement where multiple trays are stacked vertically on racks, with trays containing plants nested within the rack structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization without requiring complex growing equipment.
3Productivity
If conventional outdoor farming methods are used, then labor requirements are reduced, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated seeding mechanisms and self-watering tray designs that reduce manual labor requirements. Trays are self-contained with integrated drainage and watering systems that operate autonomously, enabling easy scaling without proportional increases in labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized tray design serves multiple functions: it contains the plants, provides structured watering and drainage, facilitates easy transport, and enables vertical stacking. This multi-functionality allows the system to scale efficiently with consistent operational procedures.
4Reliability
If feed is grown in a controlled indoor environment with automation, then feed freshness and production predictability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled environment system is segmented into independent, modular rack units with standardized trays. Each module can operate semi-autonomously, allowing the overall system to achieve production predictability through replication of proven modules rather than through monolithic complex automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls critical growth parameters (light, water, temperature) through standardized mechanisms in each tray and rack module. By maintaining consistent parameter control across replicated modules, the system achieves production predictability without requiring overly complex centralized control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for growing and harvesting living matter includes an open top, closed sides, and a closed bottom. The tray also includes an open interior cavity defined by the closed sides and a grow surface of the closed bottom. The tray additionally includes a siphon drain that is coupled to the grow surface of the closed bottom. The siphon drain includes a domed housing within the open interior cavity and vertically offset from the closed bottom such that a gap is defined between the domed housing and the closed bottom. The siphon drain also includes a stand pipe partially within the domed housing, extending through the closed bottom, having an upper opening within the domed housing, and having a lower opening below the closed bottom.