Indoor Farming Containers With Passive Root Access and Gravity Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled environment agriculture systems are complex, expensive, and require intricate irrigation infrastructure, making them costly and time-consuming to set up, while also needing backup systems for continuous plant irrigation and using expensive synthetic media, which limits widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A portable container system compatible with standard material handling equipment, using a basin and lid configuration with trenches for soil or media and a nutrient solution, allowing roots to access stagnant water, combined with a gravity-fed conveyor system and automated gantry for plant growth and management, eliminating the need for complex irrigation and enabling use of natural media like dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex irrigation systems are used to continuously water plants, then plant growth is ensured, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex irrigation infrastructure from the vertical farming system. Instead of using pumps, pipes, and control systems to deliver water, the design allows plants to access water directly from their base in a passive manner, removing the need for active irrigation mechanisms while ensuring continuous water availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables plants to self-serve water through passive capillary action and root access to water reservoirs at the base of each vertical pod. The design eliminates the need for external irrigation systems by allowing plants to obtain water autonomously through their root systems, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable hydration
2Reliability
If expensive synthetic grow media is used to prevent clogging, then irrigation system reliability improves, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts inexpensive, naturally decomposable organic materials such as coconut coir, peat moss, or compost as grow media instead of expensive synthetic substrates. These natural media are selected for their ability to prevent clogging while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for costly synthetic alternatives
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical and chemical parameters of the grow media by using organic materials with specific pore structures and decomposition rates that prevent clogging. The media is engineered to maintain optimal aeration and drainage properties while being cost-effective, transforming the traditional approach of using expensive synthetic materials
3Ease of repair
If access aisles are provided between every tower for service, then maintenance reliability improves, but farm density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical farming system is segmented into modular pods that can be independently accessed and maintained. Each pod is designed as a discrete unit with accessible components, allowing maintenance personnel to service individual modules without requiring extensive access aisles between towers, thereby maintaining high farm density while ensuring ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal access aisles between towers to vertical and lateral access points within modular pod structures. Maintenance access is provided through the vertical stacking arrangement and side access points of individual pods, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal aisles and maximizing farm density while maintaining serviceability
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom hydroponic infrastructure is built from ground up, then system functionality is optimized, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, multi-functional components such as standardized vertical pods, modular shelving units, and adaptable mounting systems that can serve multiple functions. These components are designed to be versatile and compatible with various plant types and growing conditions, eliminating the need for custom-built infrastructure while maintaining system optimization and functionality
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 reduces construction and maintenance costs, allows for easy movement and variety of plant growth, withstands power outages, and promotes efficient oxygen absorption through root hair development, reducing operational complexity and water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Each bay can include a gravity feed system configured to urge containers from the plurality of containers towards a front of the rack
Implementation Method 2
promotes efficient oxygen absorption through root hair development
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for indoor farming. Containers having a lid and a basin can be used to grow plants in stagnant liquid growing medium (e.g., water and nutrients). The lid can contain solid growing medium (e.g., dirt) and seeds and/or plants. The lid can define slots that allow roots of plants to access the liquid growing medium. The containers can be stored in bays of a dense vertical rack system. Each bay can include a gravity feed system. A gantry can be operable to deposit containers into and retrieve containers from bays. Containers can be left in bays for plants to grow with no recirculation or agitation of liquid within the basins and little or no handling.