Hydroponic System with Air-Permeable Membrane for Passive Nutrient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroponic systems rely heavily on electrical devices for solution circulation, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery, making them vulnerable to disruptions and costly to operate.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic system utilizing air-permeable and water-resistant housing membranes that house plant support structures with holes, allowing for a static water table and root growth without the need for electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical devices (pumps, aerators, motors) are used to maintain solution flow and oxygen levels in hydroponic systems, then the system can provide continuous nutrient delivery and oxygenation to plant roots, but the system becomes vulnerable to power disruptions and incurs high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical devices (pumps, aerators, motors) from the hydroponic system entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes both high energy consumption and reliability vulnerabilities. The system replaces mechanical circulation with passive capillary action through specially designed wicking materials, eliminating the need for powered components while maintaining continuous nutrient and oxygen delivery to roots.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydroponic system utilizes self-service mechanisms where capillary forces in the wicking material automatically draw nutrient solution upward and distribute it to plant roots without external power input. The system serves itself by leveraging inherent physical properties of the wicking material to maintain continuous flow and oxygenation, making the system both energy-independent and highly reliable.
2Productivity
If electrical devices are used for continuous solution circulation and oxygenation, then plant growth can be maintained consistently, but the operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of electrical pumps and aerators with a passive capillary action-based system. The wicking material's capillary forces substitute for mechanical pumping, while the porous structure provides passive aeration, eliminating operational energy costs while maintaining consistent plant growth through continuous nutrient solution circulation and oxygen delivery.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical aids (pumps, aerators) are used to maintain solution flow, then nutrient delivery to roots is ensured, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all mechanical aids (pumps, aerators, motors, control systems) from the hydroponic setup, dramatically reducing system complexity. The nutrient delivery function is maintained through simple capillary action in wicking material, making the system easier to operate, install, and maintain while eliminating mechanical failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously through self-service capillary forces that automatically regulate nutrient solution flow to plant roots based on demand, without requiring mechanical control systems, sensors, or external power. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies operation and reduces maintenance needs while ensuring reliable nutrient delivery.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient method for hydroponic cultivation, reducing energy consumption and maintaining healthy plant growth without mechanical aids.
Implementation Method 1
one or more housing membranes that are air-permeable and water-resistant, house a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures
Implementation Method 2
one or more housing membranes that are air-permeable and water-resistant
Implementation Method 3
one or more housing membranes that are air-permeable and water-resistant
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroponic system and method for growing plants. The system comprises one or more plant support structures, one or more housing membranes, and one or more frames. The one or more plant support structures hold plant matter and have one or more holes. The one or more housing membranes are air-permeable and water-resistant, house a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures, and have one or more openings in which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit into. The one or more frames support the one or more housing membranes. Methods for growing plants are also provided.