Hydroponic Light Panel Mounting for Automated Multi-Level Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial-scale hydroponics systems require more automation to reduce manual labor and increase efficiency, as existing systems often rely on substantial manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The development of an automated hydroponics system comprising a rectangular frame with a light panel and mounting members, including electrically conductive inserts, and a light maintenance dolly with lifting mechanisms, allowing for the efficient placement and maintenance of light assemblies across multiple levels, thereby automating the process of supporting plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used for light assembly placement and maintenance, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service through the robotic arm that can independently position and replace light assemblies without human intervention. The control system automatically manages the replacement process, including retrieving assemblies from storage and placing them in correct positions, thereby eliminating manual labor while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the light assembly storage and the grow lights, performing the placement and maintenance tasks. This intermediary mechanism automates the process while keeping the overall system relatively simple by using a single robotic component rather than complex automated machinery throughout the entire system.
2Extent of automation
If automated machinery is introduced for hydroponics operations, then productivity increases and manual labor decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm for positioning, a control system for coordination, and a storage mechanism for light assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving high automation levels in the hydroponics operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple tasks including retrieving light assemblies from storage, positioning them accurately over grow lights, and replacing them when needed. This universal component reduces the need for multiple specialized machines, thereby increasing automation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If light assemblies are positioned manually, then ease of operation is maintained, but time consumption increases and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with an automated robotic arm controlled by a computer system. This substitution enables precise positioning through digital control mechanisms while significantly reducing the time required for placement, as the robotic arm can quickly and accurately move assemblies to their designated positions without the time constraints of manual operation.
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 significantly reduces manual labor, enhances efficiency by enabling automated light assembly placement and maintenance across multiple levels, and optimizes plant growth through precise light spectrum emission, addressing the need for increased automation in industrial hydroponics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) secured to the housing that have emit a spectrum selected for plant growth
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. There is a substantially rectangular frame having a plurality of corners with a light panel that is secured to the frame. Brackets a first opening are secured to each corner. Mounting members are secured to the brackets. The mounting members have: a first body; a second and third aligned openings formed in the first body; a fourth opening formed in the first body; and a plurality of second bodies, where each second body extends from the bottom face of the first body. Also, each second body includes a front and a rear, wherein the front of each second body is at least partially set back from the front face of the first body, and wherein the rear of each second body is substantially aligned with the rear face of the first body.