Hydroponic Display Apparatus with Basin Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional agricultural produce display methods result in wilting, cosmetic damage, and reduced nutrition due to harvesting and transportation, leading to decreased consumption and shorter shelf life, while lacking an engaging consumer experience.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic produce display apparatus featuring a basin with irrigation systems and modular hydroponic containers that allow for in-store and market display of living, growing plants, maintaining their health and vitality through controlled nutrient delivery and modular exchange, eliminating the need for refrigeration and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional harvesting and transportation methods are used, then produce can be displayed in markets, but the produce suffers wilting, cosmetic damage, and reduced nutrition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary irrigation and nutrient delivery to plants before they are harvested and displayed. The hydroponic containers are pre-filled with nutrient solution and irrigation infrastructure, allowing plants to be prepared and maintained in optimal condition before market display, thereby preventing wilting and cosmetic damage that would otherwise occur during traditional harvesting and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydroponic containers as an intermediary system between traditional farming and market display. These containers serve as portable, self-contained hydroponic systems that act as a bridge, allowing plants to transition from growth environment to display environment without traditional harvesting damage by maintaining continuous nutrient and water supply throughout the process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional harvested produce is displayed, then market display is achieved, but shelf life is dramatically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroponic display system maintains continuous irrigation and nutrient delivery to plants throughout the display period. The irrigation means continuously move liquid from the basin to the hydroponic containers, ensuring plants receive ongoing water and nutrients while on display, which dramatically extends shelf life compared to traditional harvested produce that receives no further care after harvesting.
3Reliability
If living plants are displayed in hydroponic containers, then plant vitality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroponic containers are designed as multi-functional units that combine several functions into a single device: they serve as plant growth chambers, nutrient reservoirs, irrigation distribution systems, and display fixtures. This universality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, making the system manageable despite its advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where hydroponic containers are placed within or upon display fixtures, and irrigation components are nested within the container structure itself. The basin holds multiple containers, and irrigation means are integrated within the container design, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces spatial complexity and simplifies installation while maintaining plant vitality.
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 hydroponic display apparatus significantly extends the shelf life of produce, enhances consumer experience, and reduces costs by maintaining plant vitality and eliminating spoilage, packaging, and harvest-related labor, while promoting local production and sustainable marketing practices.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid introduction mechanism introduces liquid to the plants mounted to the display backing
Implementation Method 2
Excess liquid from the liquid introduction means not absorbed by the plants is moved into the basin
Implementation Method 3
A cover is positioned on the open top of the basin with the cover being permeable to liquid
Implementation Method 4
A cover is positioned on the open top of the basin with the cover being permeable to liquid
Implementation Method 5
Irrigation means move liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.