Horticultural Tray Reservoir Shielding for Algae Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydroponic cultivation systems face challenges such as algae growth and oxygen retention in nutrient solutions, particularly in commercial settings with automated filling and draining of containers.
Innovation Solution
A tray assembly with a reservoir and water inlet section featuring a water flow guide and permeable membrane to shield water from the external environment, combined with a lifting mechanism for floats to maintain a humid and oxygen-rich environment for plant roots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reservoir is open to the external environment for easy filling and draining, then the operation simplicity is improved, but algae growth increases due to light and air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible water-permeable membrane is used to seal the reservoir, preventing light and air exposure that causes algae growth while allowing water to pass through for filling and draining operations. The membrane can be manually or automatically opened/closed to enable water flow while maintaining shielding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the reservoir interior and external environment, selectively allowing water passage while blocking light and air. This mediator enables both shielding from harmful factors and ease of water filling/draining operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reservoir is shielded from the external environment to prevent algae growth, then algae growth is reduced, but filling and draining operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the membrane automatically opens or is easily opened by the operator during filling/draining and automatically closes afterward. This minimizes manual intervention and complexity while maintaining shielding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nature of the water-permeable membrane allows it to be easily opened and closed manually or automatically, simplifying the filling and draining process while maintaining environmental shielding when closed.
3Productivity
If water is exposed to ambient air for filling operations, then filling speed is improved, but oxygen dissolution decreases affecting plant root health
Solution Approach 1:
The water-permeable membrane allows water to pass through while maintaining shielding from ambient air, enabling controlled filling operations that preserve dissolved oxygen levels while still achieving adequate filling speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves as an intermediary that enables water transfer while preventing harmful air exposure, maintaining oxygen dissolution levels during the filling process.
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
Reduces algae growth and maintains oxygen levels in the nutrient solution, facilitating easy and controlled filling and draining while preventing water spillage, suitable for automated horticultural systems.
Implementation Method 1
the throughflow opening comprises a water permeable membrane configured to substantially shield water within the water inlet section from the external environment
Implementation Method 2
defines a downward sloping guide surface configured to guide water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir under a level at which the one or more than one float is arrangeable in the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
one or more than one float in the reservoir to substantially shield water contained in the reservoir from the external environment, wherein the one or more than one float is configured to receive one or more than one plant
Data Source
AI summary
A tray for a tray assembly for cultivating horticultural crops. The tray includes a reservoir to contain water and to receive a float in the reservoir to shield water contained in the reservoir from the external environment. The float is configured to receive a plant. A water inlet section is arranged adjacent the reservoir and comprising a water flow guide. The water flow guide defines a downward sloping guide surface configured to guide water received on the water flow guide into the reservoir under a level at which the float is arrangeable in the reservoir, and/or includes a throughflow opening to guide water into a chamber of the water inlet section in fluid connection with the reservoir. The throughflow opening includes a water permeable membrane to shield water within the water inlet section from the external environment. A horticultural method comprising using the aforementioned tray.