Foldable Modular Plant Growing Apparatus for Urban Seawater Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for growing plants in urban areas face challenges such as limited land availability, transportation issues due to non-foldable plant growing apparatus, and contamination risks, which hinder efficient production and hygiene of fruits and vegetables.
Innovation Solution
A foldable, modular plant growing apparatus comprising a base member, cover members with channels, and an intermediate filter, allowing for efficient irrigation and use of seawater, designed for local use in residential spaces, and enabling increased production and reduced transportation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plant growing apparatus (flower pots, plastic bags) are used, then plants can be grown locally in urban areas, but the apparatus are non-foldable and occupy large space when transported in large numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The plant growing apparatus is divided into separate modular components: base members and cover members that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the components to be folded flat for compact transportation, yet assembled together to form functional growing containers when needed at urban locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, foldable structure. The base members and cover members are designed with foldable characteristics that allow them to be collapsed into compact forms for transportation, then expanded and assembled into three-dimensional growing containers when deployed for plant cultivation.
2Productivity
If communal plots are used for growing plants, then large-scale production is possible, but the plots are not hygienically maintained and may cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus creates individual, isolated growing units (base member + cover member assemblies) that can be used in large numbers for high production. Each unit is a self-contained module that prevents cross-contamination between different plant growing locations, while collectively achieving the required production scale through parallel deployment of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the plant growing space. It provides hygienic protection by preventing direct contact between contaminants (such as contaminated water or soil) and the plants, while still allowing the apparatus to achieve large-scale production through its modular design that can be deployed in numerous locations.
3Productivity
If conventional plant growing apparatus are used, then plants can be grown, but the yield and production efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses segmented modular design with base members and cover members that can be assembled into optimized growing containers. This modular structure allows for efficient use of space and resources, enabling higher yield per unit volume compared to conventional single-piece containers, thereby improving production efficiency and overall yield.
4Loss of substance
If seawater is used for irrigation, then water conservation is achieved, but the irrigation system must prevent contamination to plants
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member and its integrated channel system serve as an intermediary structure that enables seawater irrigation while protecting plants. The channels provide controlled pathways for water delivery, and the cover member acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between seawater and plant roots, allowing water conservation through seawater use while eliminating contamination risks.
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 apparatus facilitates local, efficient, and hygienic plant growth, reducing transportation emissions and costs, while allowing for higher production rates and water conservation, with the option to use seawater for irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one intermediate filter operable to be supported by the at least one cover member, wherein the at least one intermediate filter is arranged for dividing the hollow space into at least two segments
Implementation Method 2
the at least one channel is operable to receive at least one tubular member supported at a distance from the at least one base member
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for growing plants (100) is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one base member (110) having a periphery (112), at least one cover member, or wall member (120), having at least one channel (122a, 122b), and at least one intermediate filter (170) operable to be supported by the at least one cover member (120). The one or more cover members (120) are couplable to the periphery (112) of the at least one base member for providing a hollow space (140), and the at least one channel is operable to receive at least one tubular member (160, 162) supported at a distance from the at least one base member. The at least one intermediate filter is arranged for dividing the hollow space into at least two segments (172, 174). The apparatus is optionally operable to provide irrigation of one or more plants growing therein from seawater supplied to a bottom region of the apparatus.