LED Lighting Assembly for Plant Spectral Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plant growth methods do not effectively optimize photosynthesis by controlling light emission to match the spectral sensitivity of plants, leading to inefficient energy use and potential strain on plant pigments due to continuous light exposure.
Innovation Solution
A horticultural assembly using AC-powered light source assemblies with dimmable LED technology that emits controlled periods of red and blue light, simulating natural light-dark cycles to enhance plant growth, utilizing phase cutting to manage light duration and intensity, and incorporating a magnetic device for magnetic flux to support plant development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous light exposure is provided to plants, then photosynthesis can occur continuously, but plant pigments become strained and energy is wasted through harmful oxidation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent light exposure cycles with specific durations of light and dark periods. The system alternates between providing light at specific wavelengths (400-700nm) and complete darkness, allowing pigments to recover during dark periods while maintaining photosynthesis during light periods. This periodic modulation prevents continuous pigment strain and harmful oxidation that would occur with constant illumination.
2Use of energy by moving object
If light is provided across the full PAR spectrum (400-700nm), then all photosynthetically active wavelengths are available, but energy efficiency decreases and specific pigment absorption is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different spectral qualities (wavelengths) at different time periods rather than uniform full-spectrum illumination. The system selectively provides specific wavelength ranges (400-700nm) during light periods and complete darkness during rest periods, optimizing energy utilization by matching spectral output to plant absorption needs rather than continuously providing all wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes spectral parameters by modulating the presence and absence of specific wavelength ranges over time. By varying the light-dark cycles and potentially adjusting intensity and spectral composition during different growth stages, the system optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining adaptability to different plant requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plant varieties are grown, then diverse crop production is achieved, but different lighting setups are required for each variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single lighting system capable of supporting multiple plant varieties through programmable light-dark cycles. The system provides the full PAR spectrum (400-700nm) and can be adjusted to provide appropriate light durations and intensities for different plant types, eliminating the need for separate lighting setups for each variety while maintaining optimal growth conditions for diverse crops.
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 solution enhances plant growth by optimizing light absorption, reducing stress, and promoting faster maturation and higher yields, while also being cost-effective and adaptable for multiple plant varieties without the need for different lighting setups.
Implementation Method 1
A light engine assembly is provided that is dimmable and through phase cutting can stop current from going to LEDs in the assembly
Implementation Method 2
The assembly includes AC powered light source assemblies adjacent plants and adapted to the spectral sensitivity of plants
Implementation Method 3
During photosynthesis the chlorophyll pigments in a plant absorb photons in order to drive a metabolic process
Implementation Method 4
chlorophyll, the most abundant plant pigment and the pigment responsible for plant metabolism is most efficient at capturing red and blue light
Implementation Method 5
A light engine assembly is provided that is dimmable and through phase cutting can stop current from going to LEDs in the assembly to provide periods where no light is being emitted by the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.