Hydroponic Partitioning Door for Root Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroponic cultivation apparatuses require complicated procedures to observe the underground part of a plant, as the partitioning member must be removed to allow visibility, which complicates the observation process.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic cultivation apparatus with a partitioning portion that has a light shielding property, comprising a fixed member and a door member, where the door member is movable to allow easy access and observation of the underground part without removing the partitioning portion, utilizing elastic members to securely fit around the plant stems and prevent light from reaching the underground area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a partitioning portion is provided to separate aboveground and underground spaces, then light shielding is improved, but observation of underground part becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning portion is divided into a fixed member and a movable door member. The fixed member provides stable light shielding structure, while the door member can be independently opened for observation. This segmentation allows the light shielding function to remain intact while enabling easy access to the underground space for observation purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The door member is designed to be movable relative to the fixed member, transforming the static partitioning structure into a dynamic one. This allows the partitioning portion to switch between closed state (providing light shielding) and open state (allowing observation), resolving the contradiction between maintaining light shielding and enabling observation.
2Ease of operation
If the partitioning portion is made removable to allow observation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the partitioning portion into fixed and movable components, the structural stability is maintained through the fixed member while the door member provides controlled access. The fixed member remains in place to ensure structural integrity, while only the door member is removed or opened for observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable door member provides dynamic access without compromising the static stability of the fixed member. The door can be opened when needed and closed when not needed, maintaining structural stability while enabling observation operations.
3Reliability
If elastic members are used to secure the partitioning portion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members automatically adjust to fit around plant stems of varying diameters, providing a secure fit without requiring manual adjustment or additional fastening mechanisms. The elastic property allows the members to self-adjust and maintain reliable contact with the stems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members utilize material parameter changes (elastic deformation) to adapt to different stem sizes. This allows a single component design to accommodate varying plant dimensions while maintaining reliable securing, avoiding the need for multiple sized components.
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 straightforward observation and potential photography of the underground plant part by simply opening the door member, maintaining a dark environment for the roots and preventing light interference.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members 5, each having an arcuate shape, are attached to the plate like members 1 to 3
Implementation Method 2
The partitioning portion 50 comprises a plurality of plate like members 1 to 3 arranged side by side along one direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The hydroponic cultivation apparatus (100) comprises: a cultivation tank (80) that has a light shielding property and is configured to accommodate underground part (12) of a plant (10); a partitioning portion (50) that has a light shielding property and that is configured to cover the opening at the upper end of the cultivation tank (80) and partitions an underground space (12A) where the underground part (12) of the plant (10) grows and an aboveground space (11A) where aboveground part (11) of the plant (10) grows, wherein the partitioning portion (50) includes; a fixed member (123), a position of which is fixed with respect to the cultivation tank (80), and including a through hole surrounding a stem of the plant (10) and maintains a closed state where it is suppressed that light is irradiated to the underground part (12) of the plant (10); and a door member (4) that is attached to the fixed member (123) in a state where it is movable with respect to the fixed member (123) and changes to a closed state where it is suppressed that light is irradiated to the underground part (12) of the plant (10) and to an open state where it is possible to view the underground part (12).