Hydroponic Conveyor System for Vertical Growing Area Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional greenhouses are inefficient in utilizing space and often result in significant waste of feed and water when using traditional growing systems, which limits the effective use of floor area for crop production.
Innovation Solution
A soilless plant growing system utilizing a conveyor with a closed-loop configuration that moves carriages with hydroculture growing trays, optimizing light exposure and space usage by tracing out a serpentine path, allowing for vertical extension of growing area and efficient irrigation and lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional greenhouses use traditional static growing systems, then floor area is used for crop production, but space utilization is inefficient and light exposure is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static floor-based growing to a dynamic three-dimensional conveyor system. Carriages carrying growing trays move along overhead conveyor tracks in a closed-loop serpentine pattern, utilizing vertical space and aerial volume rather than only floor area. This dimensional change enables approximately four times more growing area within the same greenhouse footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces static growing beds with dynamic moving carriages that travel along conveyor tracks. The carriages continuously move through the growing space, allowing plants to receive more uniform light exposure from multiple directions over time. This dynamic movement optimizes space utilization and light distribution compared to fixed positions.
2Productivity
If conventional greenhouses use traditional irrigation systems, then water and feed are delivered to plants, but significant amounts are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor plant conditions and resource consumption. The control system adjusts irrigation and feeding rates based on real-time plant needs, preventing over-application. Nutrient solution composition and flow rates are dynamically optimized based on plant growth stage and environmental conditions, minimizing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop conveyor system enables efficient resource recovery and recycling. Nutrient solutions and water are collected from lower trays and reused for upper trays in the vertical stacking arrangement. This cascading reuse pattern recovers resources that would otherwise be wasted, significantly improving water and nutrient efficiency.
3Illumination intensity
If static growing systems are used, then plants receive light from fixed positions, but light exposure is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The moving carriages continuously change position relative to light sources as they traverse the serpentine conveyor path. This dynamic movement ensures that all sides of each plant receive light exposure over time, creating uniform illumination patterns. The system achieves even light distribution through motion rather than requiring complex multi-directional lighting arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a soilless plant growing system using a conveyor to move plants around a closed loop (11), with a plurality of carriages mounted on the conveyor and at least one tray (7) configured to be received on each of the plurality of carriages, each tray (7) configured for growing at least one plant by means of hydroculture.