Hydroponic Growing System with UV-C Sterilization and Movable Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroponic growing systems face inefficiencies in crop growth and contamination control, particularly in maintaining a high care environment to minimize microbiological contamination, which can lead to reduced yields and crop loss.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic growing system comprising a support structure with moveable vehicles on a low-friction guideway, an irrigation system with UV-C treated recirculated water, and an illuminating apparatus, along with a high care portion for seeding, germination, and growth, utilizing UV-C radiation and antimicrobial measures to reduce contamination, and a modular design for efficient space use and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional stationary hydroponic system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the crop growth efficiency is reduced and contamination control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where grow trays are mounted on movable vehicles that travel along guideways. The vehicles can be positioned at different locations along the guideway to provide optimal growing conditions at various growth stages, transforming the static hydroponic system into a dynamic one that adapts to crop needs throughout the growth cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the growing space into multiple segments along the guideway, with different zones providing different environmental conditions (lighting, irrigation, temperature). Each grow tray can be independently positioned in the most suitable zone for its current growth stage, enabling segmented control of the growing environment.
2Reliability
If conventional irrigation systems are used, then the system is simple to implement, but microbiological contamination increases and crop yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a controlled, sterile environment through UV-C irradiation of the irrigation water and growing atmosphere. This establishes an 'inert' microbial environment where harmful microorganisms are eliminated, protecting the crop from contamination throughout the growing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation water is pre-treated with UV-C radiation before being delivered to the crops, and the growing atmosphere is continuously irradiated to prevent contamination. This preliminary and continuous sterilization action prevents microbial contamination before it can affect the crop.
3Productivity
If fixed position growing is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the growing environment cannot be optimized at different growth stages
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor crop growth parameters and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the position of grow trays along the guideway and modifies environmental conditions (lighting, irrigation) to optimize growth at each stage, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of grow tray positions and environmental parameters based on automated sensing and control. The vehicles automatically navigate to optimal positions, and the irrigation and lighting systems automatically adjust according to crop needs, enabling the system to serve itself without constant human operation.
4Loss of substance
If non-recirculated irrigation is used, then the system is simpler and easier to maintain, but water consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles irrigation water by collecting it from the grow trays and reservoirs, treating it with UV-C radiation to eliminate contaminants, and reusing it for subsequent irrigation cycles. This recovering process prevents water loss and reduces environmental impact while maintaining system simplicity through automated treatment.
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 crop growth efficiency, minimizes contamination, improves yield and shelf life, and reduces environmental impact through controlled growing conditions and modular scalability.
Implementation Method 1
The irrigation system preferably includes ultraviolet radiation apparatus, more preferably UV-C radiation apparatus, to treat the water
Implementation Method 2
The system preferably includes ultraviolet radiation apparatus, more preferably UV-C—for irradiating a growing atmosphere around the crop
Implementation Method 3
The guideway preferably comprises a low-friction path or track and may include a one or more low-friction bearings, such as rollers or wheels, against which a portion of the support vehicle is arranged to roll
Implementation Method 4
The growing system preferably comprises an illuminating apparatus, such as one or more lamps, for illuminating the growing crop, more preferably with a growth-promoting light source
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use in a hydroponic growing system is described. The apparatus include a frame of vertical members and horizontal members supporting horizontal tracks or guideways on which a set of growing vehicles are mounted. The growing vehicles each contain a number of growing trays in which plants or crops are accommodated whilst they grow. The apparatus is located within a high care facility within the hydroponic growing system.