Hydroponic Tray Divider Layout for Rapid Flood-Drain Nutrient Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydroponic systems face inefficiencies in nutrient solution distribution and saturation, leading to suboptimal plant growth and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A hydroponic growth system utilizing a divider with arcuate-shaped recesses and channels, combined with an air blower and shuttle valve, enables rapid nutrient solution distribution and drainage, allowing for flash flooding and draining within short time frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional hydroponic systems use simple nutrient solution circulation, then the system structure remains simple, but nutrient distribution becomes uneven and plant growth is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient solution distribution uniformityVSAvoiddivider structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is segmented into multiple functional zones including arcuate-shaped recesses, channels, and apertures that collectively distribute nutrient solution uniformly across the growth medium, resolving the contradiction between distribution precision and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the divider are designed with distinct features (recesses for solution storage, channels for flow distribution, apertures for drainage) to optimize nutrient solution distribution in specific locations, achieving uniform nutrient delivery without requiring complex overall system design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If rapid nutrient solution circulation is implemented through flash flooding, then plant growth is enhanced, but the system requires complex timing control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growth rateVSAvoidtiming control automation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic flash flooding cycles where the air blower operates intermittently to flood and drain the growth medium, creating rhythmic nutrient delivery that enhances plant growth without requiring continuous complex control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The arcuate-shaped recesses and channels in the divider automatically regulate nutrient solution flow and timing through their geometric design, allowing the system to self-regulate flood-drain cycles without external timing control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If the nutrient solution is circulated continuously, then nutrient availability is maintained, but over-saturation occurs leading to root rot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient solution availabilityVSAvoidroot rot from over-saturation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between flooding and draining phases, providing nutrient solution periodically rather than continuously, which maintains nutrient availability while preventing waterlogging and root rot through regular drainage cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system discards excess nutrient solution during drainage phases and recovers it for reuse in subsequent flooding cycles, maintaining optimal nutrient availability while preventing harmful over-saturation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 achieves rapid and efficient nutrient solution circulation, preventing over-saturation and enhancing plant growth by combining hydroponic and soil-based methods, resulting in superior growth outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

A hydroponic growth system includes an air blower which forces air into the lower chamber so as to rapidly displace the nutrient solution from the lower chamber to the upper chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir displacement: Gas Lift

Implementation Method 2

The divider includes at least one elongate channel via which the arcuate-shaped recesses thereof are in fluid communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through channels:

Data Source

PatentUS20250366418A1Hydroponic growth system and plant tray assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 RAPIDGROW IND INC

AI summary

There is accordingly provided a hydroponic tray assembly according to one aspect. The assembly includes a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The assembly includes a divider between the lower chamber and the upper chamber thereof. The divider has at least one aperture. The divider has a planar top with at least one concentrically positioned and radially spaced-apart set of arcuate-shaped recesses thereof extending therein. The divider includes at least one elongate channel. The arcuate-shaped recesses are in fluid communication via the at least one elongate channel according to one aspect. The arcuate-shaped recesses are concentric about a portion of the at least one elongate channel according to another aspect. The divider, according to a further aspect, has a pair of spaced-apart sides and at least one laterally-extending groove extending between the sides thereof, with the laterally-extending groove enabling fluid communication between the arcuate-shaped recesses.