Removable Grow Cup With Self-Sealing Nutrigation Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroponic systems face limitations in efficiently managing nutrient distribution and water usage, particularly in vertical farming applications, where traditional methods require horizontal nutrient flow and are prone to clogging and root entanglement, limiting crop density and yield.
Innovation Solution
The Intermittent Flow Saturation Technique (IFST) combines nutrient film technique (NFT) and aeroponics with vertical integration, using a removable grow cup system with a nutrigation coupler and self-sealing valve for controlled, intermittent nutrient delivery and recirculation, allowing vertical water flow and reducing water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional horizontal nutrient flow methods are used in hydroponic systems, then nutrient distribution is simplified, but clogging and root entanglement occur, limiting crop density and yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal nutrient flow approach by implementing vertical downward flow through grow cups. Nutrient solution flows from top to bottom through the grow media and root zone, eliminating horizontal clogging issues while maintaining effective nutrient distribution. This inversion resolves the contradiction by preventing root entanglement and system clogging while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional horizontal flow to three-dimensional vertical flow through stacked grow cups. This dimensional change allows nutrient solution to cascade through multiple levels, increasing crop density without causing root entanglement, thereby simultaneously improving productivity and reliability.
2Productivity
If continuous nutrient flow is used, then plants receive constant nutrients, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic intermittent flow cycles where nutrient solution is delivered in pulses rather than continuously. The vertical cascade design allows the solution to saturate grow media and roots during flow periods, then recirculate during non-flow periods. This periodic action maintains plant growth while significantly reducing water consumption through recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and recirculates nutrient solution that has flowed through the grow cups back to the reservoir. Instead of discarding the nutrient-rich water after a single pass, it is recovered and reused multiple times, reducing water consumption while maintaining continuous nutrient availability for plants through the recirculation loop.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical farming configuration is implemented, then space efficiency increases, but traditional horizontal flow systems become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system fully embraces vertical configuration by stacking grow cups vertically and implementing top-to-bottom nutrient flow. This eliminates the need for horizontal flow infrastructure, simplifying the overall system configuration while maximizing space utilization. The vertical design naturally adapts to the farming configuration rather than complicating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The grow cups are designed as universal modules that can be stacked in various vertical configurations and serve multiple functions: supporting grow media, facilitating vertical nutrient flow, enabling root development, and allowing easy assembly/disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high space efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If self-sealing valve mechanism is added to coupler, then nutrient delivery control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a self-sealing valve that automatically seals when the grow cup is removed, preventing nutrient solution leakage without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating the need for users to manually close valves, while the automated sealing function justifies the moderate increase in coupler structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nutrient reservoir and the grow cup coupling system. It mediates the connection and disconnection processes by automatically sealing to prevent leakage, providing controlled nutrient delivery while the added structural complexity is localized to this single intermediary component rather than the entire system.
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
IFST enhances plant maturity, nutrient absorption, and pathogen suppression, increasing crop yields while minimizing water usage and providing flexible, adaptable growing conditions for various crops, suitable for indoor and outdoor vertical farming.
Implementation Method 1
The socket member has a self-sealing valve, a socket housing, and a means for engaging said plug member
Implementation Method 2
The plug member has a nutrigation inlet extending from the grow media receptacle. The nutrigation inlet is configured to distribute nutrient rich water in the grow media receptacle
Implementation Method 3
The nutrigation coupler can also have a plunger, a biasing element, a socket seal, and at least one plug seal
Data Source
AI summary
A removable grow cup having a grow media receptacle, a nutrigation coupler extending from the grow media receptacle, the nutrigation coupler having a socket member and a mating detachable plug member. The plug member has a nutrigation inlet extending from the grow media receptacle. The nutrigation inlet is configured to distribute nutrient rich water in the grow media receptacle using at least one of a nutrient film technique and intermittent flow saturation technique. The socket member has a self-sealing valve, a socket housing, and a means for engaging said plug member. A means for attaching the grow media receptacle to at least one of a wall, planting column, and nutrigation manifold is provided. An outlet port extends from the grow media receptacle and is configured as a root growth channel and nutrient rich water exhaust port.