Hydroponic Tray with Adjustable Paddle Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior hydroponic systems lack customization for different plant types and growth stages, requiring multiple systems and frequent pump operation, leading to increased costs and space usage, and insufficient nutrient delivery due to fixed flood depths and times.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic tray with adjustable paddle assemblies that partition the tray into compartments, allowing for varying nutrient solution depths and reduced pump operation time, enabling simultaneous cultivation of different plants with distinct irrigation needs in a single tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hydroponic system is used for all plants, then system simplicity is maintained, but customization for different plant types and growth stages cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroponic tray is divided into multiple compartments using adjustable paddle assemblies, allowing each compartment to be customized for different plant types and growth stages. This segmentation enables varied irrigation treatments within a single tray without requiring multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assemblies are made adjustable and movable, allowing users to dynamically reconfigure the tray compartments based on different cultivation needs. This dynamic capability provides versatility for different plant types while maintaining a single system structure.
2Ease of operation
If pump operation is frequent to supply nutrient solution, then adequate irrigation is ensured, but energy consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic flooding and draining phases instead of continuous pump operation. The adjustable paddle assemblies hold nutrient solution in compartments during flooding phases, then allow controlled draining, reducing pump runtime while maintaining adequate irrigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable paddle assemblies enable passive water retention and distribution within compartments during flooding phases, reducing reliance on continuous active pumping. The system utilizes gravity and the mechanical structure to maintain irrigation without constant energy input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flood depth is used in nutrient film technique, then system simplicity is maintained, but adequate nutrient delivery to all roots cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment equipped with adjustable paddle assemblies can have its nutrient solution depth independently customized to match the specific root requirements of different plant types, ensuring adequate nutrient delivery to all roots regardless of length while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 tray allows for efficient and customizable irrigation of multiple plant groups with different requirements, reducing energy consumption and space needs while ensuring adequate nutrient delivery to all plant roots, extending system longevity and improving plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
A levee system comprising paddle assemblies extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tray is disposed between the first end and second end of the tray. The paddle assemblies are adapted to partition the tray to define compartments and to impede the downstream flow of nutrient solution from the first end to the second end.
Implementation Method 2
The tray has a first end and a second end having a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. An inlet is provided at the first end for receiving nutrient and an outlet is provided at the second end for draining nutrient solution.
Data Source
AI summary
The tray (10) of the present invention is for use in hydroponics. The tray has a first end and a second end having a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. An inlet (20) is provided at the first end for receiving nutrient and an outlet (30) is provided at the second end for draining nutrient solution. A levee system comprising paddle assemblies (40) extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tray is disposed between the first end and second end of the tray. The paddle assemblies are adapted to partition the tray to define compartments and to impede the downstream flow of nutrient solution from the first end to the second end. The paddle assemblies are adjustable so as regulate depth of nutrient solution in each compartment to enable optimal irrigation of the plants cultivated in each compartment. To complete a hydroponic system, the tray of the present invention connects to at least one reservoir for holding nutrient solution. The reservoir comprises conduits in flow communication with the inlet of the tray or outlet of the tray. Nutrient solution held in the reservoir is supplied to the tray via the inlet, and nutrient solution in the tray is drained into the reservoir via the outlet.