Hydrating Grow Ring Bowl for Hydroponic Produce Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for growing, transporting, and displaying hydroponic produce are inefficient, often requiring separate stages and additional refrigeration, leading to increased costs and spoilage due to inadequate protection and hydration during transportation and display.
Innovation Solution
A produce grow ring system comprising a cup with a root aperture and a grow ring seating portion, which allows roots to grow into a nutrient flow and can be securely placed in a bowl with a base, maintaining hydration and preventing water loss during transport and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If produce is shipped and displayed in a plastic shell container that completely encloses the product, then the product is protected during transportation, but the presentation is unattractive and obscures the quality of the product
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a rigid base portion for structural support and protection, and a removable transparent dome portion for display. This segmentation allows the base to provide reliable protection while the transparent dome enhances aesthetic presentation by allowing consumers to see the produce without compromising security.
2Ease of manufacture
If produce is loosely shipped and displayed without a protective cover on a produce rack, then the aesthetic presentation is improved, but constant mist hydration is required to keep the product wet
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates an integrated water reservoir in the base portion that automatically provides hydration to the produce through capillary action or controlled release mechanisms. This self-service hydration system eliminates the need for external misting equipment while maintaining product freshness and aesthetic presentation.
3Weight of moving object
If produce is shipped in a flimsy plastic sleeve with water in the base, then the container is simple and lightweight, but water often spills during transportation or display which can lead to premature spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The container base incorporates a curved or domed bottom surface that prevents water pooling and facilitates proper drainage. This curvature design, combined with elevated feet or a raised rim, ensures water is contained and directed away from the produce while preventing spills during transportation, maintaining both lightness and reliability.
4Reliability
If refrigeration is used during transportation and display to keep produce from spoiling, then product freshness is maintained, but energy consumption increases and refrigerator space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container pre-cools and hydrates the produce before it leaves the controlled environment, using the ice pack or refrigerated base. This preliminary action maintains product freshness during transportation without requiring continuous refrigeration, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving reliability.
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 system allows for continuous hydration and reduced spoilage by maintaining water retention during transport, display, and storage, eliminating the need for refrigeration and enhancing the aesthetic presentation of produce.
Implementation Method 1
The roots may be allowed to grow through the root aperture and into the flow of nutrients in the trough
Implementation Method 2
The grow ring seating portion may have at least one lip and at least one flange... The base lip may be disposed around a perimeter of a top edge of the base and may be designed for attaching the base to the bowl lip
Implementation Method 3
The base may contain the plant roots and the base may be filled with water or nutrients
Implementation Method 4
maintaining hydration and preventing water loss during transport and display... The system allows for continuous hydration and reduced spoilage by maintaining water retention during transport, display, and storage
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method are provided for growing, transporting, displaying, and storing produce. The grow ring device may allow produce to grow in a hydroponic growth apparatus. It may then secure the produce in a bowl. The bowl may have an attachable base that can supply water to the produce.