Hydroponic Channel Cover With Elastic Movable Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydroponic systems face challenges with lids that require time and skill to place and close, leading to inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

A hydroponic system with a cover element movably connected to a channel element via a connecting means, allowing for easy and quick placement and closure, utilizing materials with varying dimensional stability and elasticity to facilitate movement and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lid is used to cover the channel, then fluid loss through evaporation is reduced and seedlings are protected from external influences, but placement and closing of the lid requires time and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of seedlings and reduction of fluid lossVSAvoidplacement and closing of lid

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is transformed from a static component requiring manual placement to a dynamic component that can move along the channel. The connecting means allows the lid to be attached at one end and then moved into its final closed position, converting a complex placement operation into a simple attachment followed by linear movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting means is introduced as an intermediary element between the lid and the channel. This connecting means facilitates the attachment and movement of the lid, acting as a mediator that enables easy operation while maintaining the protective function of the lid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the connecting means is made of softer material with lower dimensional stability, then movement of the cover element is enabled, but the structural stability of the overall system may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement of cover elementVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the system have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The connecting means is made of softer, more elastic material to enable movement, while the main structural components maintain high dimensional stability. This local differentiation of material properties allows both movement and stability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite construction with different materials for different components. The connecting means uses elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomeric materials that provide flexibility and movement capability, while the overall structure uses rigid materials for stability, creating a composite system that combines both properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables easy and secure closure of the lid, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the time required for lid placement and closure, while allowing for cost-effective mass production through coextrusion manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting means is preferably inherently elastic, allowing multiple movements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4623672A1Hydroponic system

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BARNSTORFER KUNST

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydroponic system with a channel element (11) and a cover element (12) made in particular of extruded plastic, wherein the cover element (12) is movably connected to the channel element (11) along one longitudinal side by a connecting means (13) and the connecting means (13) preferably extends over the full length of the channel element (11) and/or the cover element (12), in particular over its entire surface.