Growing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroculture methods lack efficient and reusable systems for growing plants without soil, as existing inert growing media do not effectively retain moisture and nutrients, and do not allow for easy separation and transplantation of plants.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled growing device with a fibrous and porous material configuration, featuring a rooting layer and a sprouting layer, where the space between them forms containers with specific openings for root growth and water entry, and includes support materials and channels for nutrient delivery, allowing for vertical or horizontal placement and easy separation of plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If inert growing media are used in hydroculture, then plants can be grown without soil, but the media do not effectively retain moisture and nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous growing medium that retains moisture and nutrients through its porous structure, allowing the media to hold and release water and nutrients effectively to plant roots while maintaining breathability and preventing waterlogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite growing medium combining multiple materials (such as coconut coir, peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite) to achieve optimal moisture retention, nutrient holding capacity, and aeration properties that single inert materials cannot provide
2Ease of operation
If traditional hydroculture systems are used, then plants can be grown without soil, but separation and transplantation of plants is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the growing system into modular units with individual cells or compartments that can be easily separated. Each plant grows in its own defined space within a larger structure, allowing for simple extraction and transplantation without disturbing other plants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible growing containers or pockets made of thin, pliable materials that can be easily removed from the growing structure. These flexible elements allow for gentle plant extraction and adaptation to new growing environments
3Ease of operation
If openings are provided in material layers for root growth, then roots can grow out, but water may flow out through openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different opening characteristics in different material layers: the first material layer has openings sized and positioned to allow root emergence, while the second material layer has openings configured to permit water entry but prevent water loss through capillary action and surface tension
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gap or air space between the first and second material layers that acts as an intermediary zone. This gap prevents direct water flow from the root zone to the exterior while still allowing roots to grow through the first layer and access moisture from the second layer
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 effectively retains moisture and nutrients, allows for easy transplantation and reuse, and supports healthy plant growth by ensuring roots can grow out while preventing water loss, enabling efficient plant cultivation and harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a fibrous and porous material configuration, featuring a rooting layer and a sprouting layer, where the space between them forms containers
Implementation Method 2
the first material layer comprises a fibrous and porous material
Implementation Method 3
support materials serve multiple roles in the present disclosure from materials that release water and/or nutrients into the roots of growing plants
Data Source
AI summary
Growing systems including double-walled growing devices, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Growing devices include two sheets of material, a sprouting layer and a rooting layer, strategically bonded together to form containers for growing plants. Each container includes openings in the layers to allow the plants to grow out of their containers and to allow roots to access water through the rooting layer. The two layers can be formed into a cylinder where the center of the cylinder provides a channel for watering such that the roots grow into that channel. Deployed as a flat sheet of containers, the device can include a third layer to provide a water channel between the rooting layer and the third layer. Growing systems include the device and can also include a system to provide water thereto, and an enclosure around the device for providing an overpressure.