Inverse Lighting System for Vertical Plant Canopy Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vertical plant growing systems face challenges in providing effective and consistent lighting, leading to competition for light energy and space among plants, with underutilization of the space between the light source and plant canopy, limiting yield and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inverse lighting system where light sources are placed under or behind the plants, directing light away from the structure, providing a positive phototropic force to promote growth and increase canopy area and yield without the need for additional supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light sources are placed above the plant canopy in traditional vertical growing systems, then the plants can receive light energy, but the plants compete for light energy and space, and the space between the light source and plant canopy remains underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional lighting arrangement by placing light sources below the plant canopy instead of above. This inversion allows light to travel upward through the canopy, illuminating leaves from underneath and creating more uniform light distribution. The inverted arrangement eliminates the wasted space between light source and canopy, maximizes canopy area utilization, and reduces plant-to-plant competition for light energy, thereby increasing yield per square foot.
2Area of moving object
If traditional vertical plant growing systems are used, then more canopy area can be achieved, but additional structural supports are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted lighting system enables plants to self-regulate their growth orientation. By positioning light sources below the canopy, plants naturally orient their leaves and stems toward the light source through phototropism, eliminating the need for external structural supports to direct growth. The system allows the plants themselves to determine their spatial arrangement, reducing device complexity while maintaining or increasing canopy area.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned away from the structure, then light can be directed away from the structure, but the space between the light source and plant canopy remains underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal lighting arrangements to a vertical dimension by positioning light sources below the plant canopy. This dimensional change allows light to penetrate through the canopy from underneath, creating uniform illumination across all leaves. The inverted arrangement fully utilizes the space between the light source and canopy, converting previously wasted three-dimensional space into an effective lighting zone that enhances both illumination intensity and space utilization.
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 inverse lighting system increases canopy area and yield per square foot, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for additional structural supports by ensuring even light distribution and promoting healthier plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may be adapted to provide a positive phototropic force on the plurality of plants towards the structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cultivating a plant are disclosed, including an inverse lighting system in which photosynthetic energy sources, such as lamps or lights, are placed under or behind the plants such that the light is directed away from the structure housing the plant. Photosynthetic energy sources are disposed behind or under the canopy of the plant to direct energy away from the structure in which the plant is growing.