Hydroponic Reservoir Spheroidality and Segmentation for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroponic cultivation systems face issues with uneven temperature distribution leading to hot or cold spots, mold formation due to humidity, and difficulty in relocation and movement, which affect nutrient efficacy and plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus with a reservoir design featuring an arched cover and spherical shape to maintain temperature consistency, reduce mold growth, and facilitate easy relocation using rollers, along with a fluid distributor and improved sealing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a flat cover and conventional reservoir shape are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but uneven temperature distribution occurs creating hot or cold spots that adversely affect nutrient storage
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed with a spherical or substantially spherical shape instead of conventional flat or angular shapes. This curved geometry promotes uniform heat distribution throughout the nutrient solution, eliminating hot and cold spots while maintaining optimal storage temperature for plant nutrients.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flat cover is used, then the structure is simple, but moisture accumulates on the cover causing mold formation that affects nutrient quality
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a curved or arched shape instead of a flat surface. This curvature prevents moisture accumulation by facilitating water runoff and improving air circulation, thereby preventing mold formation on the cover interior surface while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the reservoir is filled with nutrient rich water, then the system is ready for plant cultivation, but the weight becomes burdensome making relocation difficult and potentially causing water spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed as a separable container that can be detached from the planting column and support structure. This segmentation allows the reservoir to be easily removed and relocated independently, reducing the weight burden during movement while preventing water spillage through controlled handling of the separate components.
4Ease of operation
If the reservoir is lifted for relocation, then movement is possible, but water shifts during relocation causing potential spillage and waste of nutrient rich water
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the planting column. This allows the reservoir to be moved independently in a controlled manner, preventing water shifting and spillage during relocation while maintaining the capability to easily move the system to different locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus (10) including a reservoir (12) having a base (14) defining a first portion (18) of the reservoir (12) and a cover (16) defining a second portion (20) of the reservoir (12). An upper opening (28) is defined in the cover (16). A planting column (24) with a hollow interior is positioned above the upper opening (28). At least one planting port (46) is defined in the planting column (24). A conduit (54) can pass through the hollow interior of the planting column (24), the conduit (54) fluidly communicated with the reservoir (12). A fluid distributor (58) is positioned atop the planting column (24), the fluid distributor (58) in fluid communication with the conduit (54). Fluid is selectively circulated from the reservoir (12) through the conduit (54) in the planting column (24) to the fluid distributor (58), where the fluid is redirected down the hollow interior of the planting column (24) and back to the reservoir (12). A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus (10) including a reservoir (12) positioned on a plurality of rollers (104).