Heated Plant Raising Table With Monolithic Plate for Uniform Root Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional greenhouse heating systems, such as hot water heating systems, are inefficient, wasteful, and prone to corrosion, with complex assembly and non-homogeneous heat distribution, which hinders optimal plant growth and energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A plant propagation table with a tabletop element featuring a lightweight, cement-bonded, monolithic building plate with reinforcement, integrated heating pipes or mats, and a cement-bound leveling layer for homogeneous heat distribution and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional hot water heating systems are used, then heating can be provided, but a lot of heating energy is wasted and large pipe diameter requires enormous amount of water in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the conventional hot water heating system and implements it directly at the plant root level through heating elements integrated into the tabletop structure. This eliminates the need for large-diameter pipes and extensive water circulation, thereby reducing both energy waste and water quantity in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system provides localized heating directly at the plant root area through heating elements embedded in the tabletop, rather than heating the entire greenhouse air space. This local quality approach ensures heating energy is delivered precisely where needed, minimizing energy waste and reducing the overall water requirement in the heating system.
2Reliability
If metal pipes are used for heating, then heating can be provided, but pipes corrode due to the material and can lead to contamination of the heating medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but corrosive metal pipes with cheaper, non-corrosive plastic hoses that have sufficient service life for the application. These plastic hoses eliminate corrosion and contamination risks while being cost-effective and easy to replace if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system uses plastic hoses instead of metal pipes, utilizing the corrosion-resistant properties of plastic materials. This material substitution eliminates the harmful effects of corrosion and contamination while maintaining the heating function.
3Loss of energy
If floor heating systems are used, then room temperature can be reduced by supplying heat directly where needed, but complex assembly is required including vibrating devices and tension-carrying cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating elements directly into the tabletop structure itself, merging the support function and heating function into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate complex assembly components like vibrating devices and tension-carrying cables, while still achieving efficient localized heating at the plant root area.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are pre-integrated into the tabletop structure during manufacturing, so that when the tabletop is installed, the heating system is already in place and ready for use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations.
4Loss of energy
If heating mats are used with screed layer, then heating can be provided, but shrinkage is not taken into account leading to cracking in the screed layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cement-bound leveling layer that is applied over the heating elements and is designed to accommodate shrinkage and movement. This preliminary preparation of the leveling layer prevents cracking by allowing for material shrinkage while maintaining a smooth, level surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties of the leveling layer by using cement-bound material that can accommodate shrinkage without cracking. This parameter change in material selection and properties allows the leveling layer to maintain integrity while providing a smooth surface for plant containers.
5Loss of energy
If conventional heating systems are used, then heating can be provided, but homogeneous heat distribution under plant bowls is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heating elements that are positioned and configured to provide localized heating directly under each plant bowl or container. This local quality approach ensures homogeneous heat distribution to each plant's root area, optimizing heating efficiency and plant growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional air-based heating to direct contact heating through the tabletop structure, adding a new dimension of heat transfer. The heating elements are embedded in or attached to the tabletop, providing heat directly to the plant containers through the table surface, achieving uniform heat distribution.
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 solution provides energy-efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble heating with improved heat distribution, promoting healthier plant growth and significant energy savings, while being durable and low-maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat-insulating, preferably mineral, carrier plate (6) with a flat heating device (8, 12) arranged thereon or integrated in its surface area
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat-insulating, preferably mineral, carrier plate (6) with a flat heating device (8, 12) arranged thereon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The cultivation table (1) comprises a table base frame (3) and a table plate element (2), which has a monolithic light building board, particularly a cement bonded mineral light building board (6) that is combined with a flat heating unit in their surface area. The light building board comprises a light weight aggregate containing core layer.