Inflatable Monotub Pockets for Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monotubs used for growing mycological products such as mushrooms are difficult to store due to their fixed shape and size, which does not change between use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A monotub system with a body made of flexible material, featuring plural surfaces with pockets that can be inflated or deflated using a first passage, allowing the shape and size of the monotub to change between an inflated state for use and a deflated state for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a monotub is made with fixed shape and size, then it maintains structural stability for growing mycological products, but it becomes difficult to store due to occupying constant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the monotub body flexible and capable of changing its shape and volume. The monotub transitions between an inflated operational state and a deflated storage state, allowing it to adapt its volume based on usage requirements while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the monotub through inflation and deflation. By changing the volume and shape parameters of the monotub body using flexible material and fluid pressure, the system achieves both operational stability and storage efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a monotub is made flexible to change shape and size, then it becomes easier to store, but it may compromise structural stability needed for growing mycological products
Solution Approach 1:
The monotub uses dynamic flexibility to switch between states: when inflated, it provides the structural stability needed for growing mycological products; when deflated, it becomes easy to store. The flexible material allows controlled transformation between these states without compromising either requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible material for the monotub body, allowing it to be inflated to a rigid-like state during operation and deflated to a compact state for storage. This flexible shell approach enables the monotub to maintain structural stability when needed while providing ease of storage when deflated.
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 enables efficient storage by collapsing to a smaller size when not in use, while maintaining a larger size for optimal growth conditions, thus optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
Directing the first fluid into the first passage inflates at least one of the one or more pockets within the first fluid, and directing the first fluid out of the first passage deflates the at least one of the one or more pockets
Implementation Method 2
a monotub system includes a body having plural surfaces defining an interior cavity... The body may include a first passage extending into at least a portion of one of the plural surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable monotub system includes a body having plural surfaces defining an interior cavity. One or more of the plural surfaces may include a pocket disposed within the one or more of the plural surfaces. The plural surfaces may define plural side surfaces and a bottom surface of the body. The body may include a first passage extending into at least a portion of one of the plural surfaces and fluidly coupled with one or more of the pockets of the plural surfaces. A first fluid is directed into or out of the first passage. Directing the first fluid into the first passage inflates at least one of the one or more pockets within the first fluid, and directing the first fluid out of the first passage deflates the at least one of the one or more pockets.