Hydroponic Lid with Funnel and Openings for Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban residents face challenges in accessing fresh food due to the distance between urban areas and food sources, and existing hydroponic systems are not cost and space efficient for in-home food production.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic growing system utilizing nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria algae as a nutrient source, eliminating the need for soil and chemical fertilizers, and using ambient light, with a biodegradable and compostable design that includes a vase, accordion support, and lid portion to facilitate plant growth and water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hydroponic systems are used, then plant growth is supported, but space and cost efficiency deteriorates for in-home use
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroponic system employs nested structures where the upper tray is positioned within the base member, and the lid portion covers the entire assembly. This nesting arrangement maximizes vertical space utilization while minimizing the horizontal footprint, making the system space-efficient for in-home environments while maintaining productive plant growth area
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal hydroponic layouts to a vertical three-dimensional structure. By stacking the base member, upper tray, and lid portion vertically, the system achieves high food production efficiency within a compact vertical footprint, directly addressing the space efficiency challenge for urban in-home gardening
2Productivity
If traditional hydroponic systems are used, then plant growth is supported, but cost efficiency deteriorates for in-home use
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroponic system is divided into separable components including the base member, upper tray, and lid portion. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts using cost-effective materials and processes, reducing overall production costs while maintaining the system's productivity for in-home food cultivation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs biodegradable and compostable materials for the trays and structural components, replacing expensive durable plastics. These biodegradable components are designed for single-use or limited use cycles, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and material expenses while maintaining effective plant growth support throughout their service life
3Illumination intensity
If open hydroponic systems are used, then plant access to light is improved, but water evaporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid portion features selectively positioned openings that provide localized light access to plants while maintaining overall water containment. This local quality approach allows specific areas to have high light penetration for plant growth while other areas remain sealed to minimize water evaporation, achieving both objectives simultaneously
4Productivity
If tall plants are grown, then food production variety is improved, but structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flexible yet supportive structures including the accordion insert and resilient lid material that can dynamically adapt to the growing height and weight of plants. These dynamic structures provide necessary support for tall plants throughout their growth cycle without requiring overly rigid or strength-intensive construction
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 space and cost-efficient method for urban food production, promoting sustainable and organic plant growth while reducing water evaporation and supporting taller plants with a biodegradable and eco-friendly setup.
Implementation Method 1
A hydroponic growing system utilizing nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria algae as a nutrient source
Implementation Method 2
The lid portion comprises a funnel extending from a top end of the lid toward a bottom end of the lid
Implementation Method 3
with a biodegradable and compostable design that includes a vase, accordion support, and lid portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroponic growing system includes a base member, an upper tray removably inserted into the base member, and a lid portion removably attachable to the base member. The lid portion comprises a funnel extending from a top end of the lid toward a bottom end of the lid and a sidewall having a plurality of openings formed therein.