Greenhouse Stacker Crane Automates Vertical Plant Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing greenhouse systems with multiple stacked support positions face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading plant containers, which complicates the process of vertical farming and requires significant human effort and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A greenhouse system equipped with a storage and retrieval machine capable of moving plant containers in three spatial directions (horizontal, vertical, and perpendicular to the first level) simplifies the loading and unloading process, reducing the need for human strength and dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple stacked support positions are used to maximize floor space utilization, then planting space is freed up, but loading and unloading plant containers becomes difficult and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
A storage and retrieval machine serves as an intermediary device between the loading position and the stacked greenhouse arrangements. This machine automatically transports plant containers vertically between different levels, eliminating the need for manual handling and solving the labor-intensive loading/unloading problem while maintaining the multi-level stacked configuration that maximizes floor space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (human strength and dexterity for loading/unloading) with an automated storage and retrieval machine that uses mechanical systems (stacker crane, rails, platform) to automatically move plant containers between storage positions and loading positions, thereby resolving the operational difficulty while preserving the space-efficient stacked arrangement
2Ease of operation
If a storage and retrieval machine is introduced to simplify loading and unloading operations, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage and retrieval machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile platform for positioning, a stacker crane for vertical lifting, and a loading position for container preparation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design and maintenance while achieving automated loading/unloading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage and retrieval machine is designed with multi-functionality to handle various plant container types and sizes, operate across multiple vertical levels, and perform both loading and unloading operations. This universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive automated handling capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A greenhouse system (1) comprising at least a first greenhouse arrangement (11) and a second greenhouse arrangement (12), wherein the first greenhouse arrangement (11) has a first chamber in which multiple receiving positions for planter boxes are arranged one above the other and which has a first loading side (15), and the second greenhouse arrangement (12) has a second chamber in which multiple receiving positions for planter boxes are arranged one above the other and which has a second loading side. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective way of growing plants. To achieve this, according to the invention the first loading side (15) and the second loading side are disposed in a common first plane, and a first stacker crane (4) is disposed in front of the loading sides (15).