Hydroponics Ventilation Path Stabilizes Nutrient Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroponics devices lack measures to stabilize the flow rate of nutrient solution flowing into cultivation tanks, leading to inadequate nutrient supply when the flow is too low and potential overflow when it's too high, affecting plant growth.
Innovation Solution
The hydroponics device incorporates a supply flow channel with a ventilation path that allows communication between external and internal spaces, stabilizing the flow rate by adjusting pressure and preventing variations, and includes a support unit to prevent nutrient solution from adhering to non-root plant parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the flow rate of nutrient solution is increased to ensure adequate nutrient supply, then the nutrient supply to roots is improved, but the liquid level rises and may overflow from the cultivation tank
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where the flow rate of nutrient solution is detected and used to control the pump's operation. When the flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pump is stopped, preventing overflow. This closed-loop control ensures the flow rate remains within the optimal range, simultaneously guaranteeing adequate nutrient supply to roots while preventing the liquid level from rising too high.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow rate of nutrient solution is decreased to prevent overflow, then the liquid level is controlled, but the root may not receive sufficient nutrient solution
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the flow rate and adjusts pump operation accordingly. When the flow rate drops below the predetermined threshold, the pump is activated to increase flow. This ensures the flow rate is maintained within the optimal range, providing sufficient nutrient solution to roots while preventing overflow.
3Device complexity
If no flow rate stabilization measure is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the flow rate varies greatly affecting plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a feedback control system that monitors flow rate and adjusts pump operation to maintain stable flow. This relatively simple feedback mechanism significantly improves flow rate stability without requiring complex additional components, thereby enhancing reliability while keeping the overall device structure manageable.
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
This configuration ensures a consistent nutrient solution flow rate, preventing overflow and ensuring all plant parts receive the necessary nutrients, promoting balanced plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
the ventilation path inhibits a variation in a flow rate of the nutrient solution flowing into the cultivation tank from the supply flow channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydroponics device (100) includes: a cultivation tank (106) that constitutes a flow channel through which a nutrient solution (50) to be supplied to a plant (10) flows; a nutrient solution tank (108) that reserves the nutrient solution (50); a supply flow channel (109) that guides the nutrient solution (50) from the nutrient solution tank (108) to the cultivation tank (106); a discharge flow channel (110) that guides the nutrient solution (50) from the cultivation tank (106) to the nutrient solution tank (108); and a pump (107) that circulates the nutrient solution (50) between the nutrient solution tank (108) and the cultivation tank (106) by way of the supply flow channel (109) and the discharge flow channel (110). The supply flow channel (109) has a ventilation path (VP) that allows an external space of the supply flow channel (109) and an internal space of the supply flow channel (109) to communicate with each other. The ventilation path (VP) inhibits a variation in a flow rate of the nutrient solution (50) flowing into the cultivation tank (106) from the supply flow channel (109).