Integral Turntable Trellis for Indoor Plant Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In indoor horticulture, the combination of trellises and turntables limits plant rotation due to structural interference, restricting access and uniform exposure to light for plants.
Innovation Solution
A scalable integral turntable and trellis system where the trellis arms and planter base spin in unison with the turntable, allowing for full rotation of plants without structural interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trellis is used to support plants on a turntable, then plant support and trimming guidance are provided, but plant rotation is limited due to structural interference from the trellis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trellis structure with the turntable by integrating the trellis arms into the rotating platform itself. The trellis arms are directly attached to the turntable surface, allowing them to rotate together as a single integrated unit, eliminating the structural interference that would occur with separate trellis and turntable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the trellis structure dynamic by allowing it to rotate with the turntable. The trellis arms are designed to be part of the rotating assembly rather than stationary supports, enabling full 360-degree plant rotation while maintaining structural support throughout the movement
2Area of stationary object
If plants are grown in indoor agriculture with limited space, then space utilization is maximized, but access to all sides of plants is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rotation capability to the growing system. Plants are mounted on a turntable that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing workers to access any side of the plant by rotating it into position. This dynamic element transforms a static space-constrained system into one where accessibility is achieved through movement rather than requiring additional space
3Reliability
If plants are grown in fixed positions to maintain uniformity, then predictability is achieved, but uniform light exposure is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous rotation of the turntable to dynamically expose all sides of each plant to light sources. This constant movement ensures that no single side of the plant receives excessive or insufficient light, achieving uniform light distribution across all plants while maintaining their fixed radial positions on the turntable
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable implements periodic rotation, cycling plants through different positions relative to light sources at regular intervals. This periodic movement ensures that each plant receives equidistant exposure to light from all directions over time, promoting uniform growth while maintaining the organized structure needed for predictability
Data Source
AI summary
The scalable integral turntable and trellis is comprised of a turntable, a planter base, a first u-shaped trellis base, a second u-shaped trellis base, a first plurality of trellis connectors, and first plurality of trellis extensions. The scalable integral turntable and trellis is constructed so that the trellis arms and planter base rotate in unison with the rotational surface of the turntable.