Vertical Hydroponic Tray Transport via Continuous Loop Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroponic farming systems are inaccessible to people with disabilities due to the physical demands of navigating large, uneven outdoor spaces and vertically stacked equipment, which also wastes vertical space and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A vertical hydroponic farming system utilizing continuous loop chains and sprockets to move plant-growing trays to an accessible work area, equipped with sensors and automatic controls to facilitate easy access and operation, and incorporating LED lighting for efficient plant growth, with features like adjustable height and fluid management to accommodate various disabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional outdoor farming is used, then large growing area is available, but accessibility for people with disabilities deteriorates due to uneven terrain and large distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal outdoor farming to vertical indoor farming. Multiple trays are stacked vertically within a confined space, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve large growing area while maintaining compact footprint and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single vertical structure: plant growth chambers, automated irrigation, lighting, and tray transportation all occur within the same vertical framework, maximizing space utilization and accessibility.
2Volume of stationary object
If vertical stacking of trays is implemented, then space utilization improves, but accessibility deteriorates due to height and falling risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated conveyor mechanisms that dynamically move trays between storage positions and working positions. This eliminates the need for manual lifting and positioning of heavy trays, making vertical stacking accessible to people with disabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated conveyor systems act as intermediaries between the vertical storage structure and the worker. The conveyor handles the physical movement of trays, eliminating direct manual handling and reducing falling risks while maintaining vertical space efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If automated conveyor systems are added, then accessibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system operates automatically, transporting trays between positions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability improves accessibility while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical tray handling is replaced with automated conveyor mechanisms. This substitution reduces physical strain on workers and improves accessibility, while the use of standardized mechanical components keeps the overall system complexity controlled.
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 enhances accessibility and productivity for individuals with disabilities, maximizes vertical space, reduces water and pesticide use, and ensures year-round sustainable agriculture, providing fresher and healthier produce while minimizing soil-borne pathogens and transportation energy.
Implementation Method 1
a first continuous loop chain and a second continuous loop chain... Each tray of the plurality of trays is attached to the first continuous loop chain and to the second continuous loop chain
Implementation Method 2
The second continuous loop chain is configured to longitudinally tilt the tray downward towards the drain hole
Implementation Method 3
a fluid-dispensing device that is configured to dispense a fluid into a tray among the plurality of trays
Data Source
AI summary
A system for vertical hydroponic plant growing. The system, and associated apparatuses and methods, may include or use sprockets, a sprocket drive device that is connected to at least one sprocket among the sprockets, a first continuous loop chain that is mounted on the sprockets, a second continuous loop chain that is mounted on the sprockets, and trays. Each tray includes a first end and a second end that includes a drain hole. The trays are attached to the first continuous loop chain and to the second continuous loop chain. The system also includes a fluid-dispensing device that is configured to dispense a fluid into a tray that is moved by the chains to a position adjacent to the fluid-dispensing device. The chains are configured to longitudinally tilt a tray downward towards the drain hole while the tray is near the position adjacent to the fluid-dispensing device.