Hydroponic System Flexible Fluid Table Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroponic systems are complex, require many parts to maintain, are difficult to clean, and face challenges with expansion, setup, and energy efficiency due to their intricate designs and high part counts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hydroponic system design featuring a flexible fluid table and support system with fewer parts, including a reservoir with apertures and a coupling system, allowing for easy setup and maintenance, and a grow assembly with a porous layer for efficient nutrient delivery, reducing the need for extensive plumbing and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional hydroponic systems use multiple pipes, valves, pumps, and manifolds, then the system can deliver nutrients effectively, but the device complexity and number of parts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (reservoir, fluid table, support structure, and distribution mechanisms) into an integrated unitary structure. The reservoir forms the base, the fluid table is supported directly on it, and the support structure is attached to both, eliminating the need for separate pipes, valves, and manifolds while maintaining nutrient delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the reservoir stores and distributes nutrient solution, the fluid table supports plants and distributes fluid through its surface, the support structure provides mechanical stability and positioning, and the apertures enable fluid distribution to plant roots. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized separate components.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hydroponic systems use intricate designs with many parts, then nutrient delivery can be controlled, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reservoir, fluid table, support structure, and distribution features into a single unified system, the patent eliminates the need for complex assembly of multiple separate parts. Users simply need to assemble the integrated unit and add nutrient solution, dramatically simplifying setup while maintaining controlled nutrient delivery through the designed apertures and fluid table structure.
3Ease of repair
If traditional hydroponic systems use multiple separate components, then the system can be modular, but the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates all fluid-containing and fluid-distributing components into a unified structure with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices. The reservoir, fluid table, and support structure form continuous surfaces that can be easily wiped and rinsed, eliminating the numerous joints, connections, and hidden spaces in multi-component systems where dirt and algae accumulate.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional hydroponic systems use extensive plumbing, then nutrient distribution can be precise, but the use of energy and material resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the extensive plumbing network (separate pipes, valves, and manifolds) from the system by integrating fluid distribution directly into the structure of the reservoir and fluid table. The apertures in the reservoir bottom and fluid table surface provide direct fluid access to plant roots without requiring intermediate piping, reducing both material usage and the energy needed to pump fluid through long pipe networks.
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 is more compact, easier to set up and maintain, uses less energy, and prevents algae growth, while being modular and scalable, enhancing plant growth efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The porous layer can be any porous material known in the art and can include, but is not limited to, paper towels, coffee filters, sponges, foam, felt, and the like.
Implementation Method 2
a porous layer arranged to wick fluid from the fluid table to a seed
Implementation Method 3
engaging a fluid riser, via a fluid pump, to transfer the fluid from the reservoir to the at least one a flexible fluid table
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroponic system is provided. One such system comprises a reservoir, flexible fluid table and support system. The reservoir comprising a first plurality of apertures. The flexible fluid table is substantially encapsulated by the reservoir. The support system comprises at least one flexible fluid table support and a coupling system. A first portion of the coupling system surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir and a second portion of the coupling system at least one of directly and indirectly couples the at least one flexible fluid table support to the flexible fluid table.