LED Plant Lighting Array with Segmented Control Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for growing plants lack the ability to dynamically control illumination and light distribution across different growth stages, leading to inefficient use of energy and suboptimal growth conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting array system utilizing LED boards with adjustable LED placement patterns and power signal lines, controlled by a control circuit that receives plant characteristic data to tailor light intensity, wavelength, and distribution based on the plant's growth stage, size, and type, reducing waste and optimizing photosynthetic photon flux density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light bars are used to provide fixed illumination, then the lighting structure is simple, but the light distribution cannot be optimized for different growth stages and energy is wasted illuminating areas where light is not beneficial
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting array is divided into multiple independently controllable LED groups arranged in different placement patterns (first, second, third patterns) corresponding to different plant growth stages. Each segment can be activated selectively based on the current growth stage, enabling optimized light distribution without requiring the entire array to be complex control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different LED placement patterns and activates different LED groups based on the plant's current growth stage (germination, nursery, finishing). This dynamic adaptation allows the lighting system to optimize illumination for each stage while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that evolves through software control
2Loss of energy
If conventional light bars provide fixed illumination, then the device is easy to operate, but power is wasted illuminating areas around the plant where light has no beneficial effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates plant characteristic parameter detection (through imaging systems or sensors) that provides feedback on plant size, growth stage, and position. This feedback is used to automatically adjust which LED placement patterns are activated and at what intensity, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing energy usage by directing light only where needed based on real-time plant conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system automatically adapts to different plant growth stages and adjusts illumination patterns without requiring user intervention. The control circuit autonomously selects appropriate LED groups and patterns based on detected plant parameters, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making
3Productivity
If the lighting array uses multiple LED placement patterns for different growth stages, then light distribution is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single lighting array hardware structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different LED placement patterns (first, second, third patterns) that correspond to different growth stages. The same physical array can optimize illumination for germination, nursery, and finishing stages through software control, eliminating the need for separate lighting systems for each stage while maintaining high growth efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes growth efficiency by changing control parameters (which LED groups are activated, intensity levels, duty cycles) rather than changing the physical hardware structure. Multiple LED placement patterns are implemented through software control of the same hardware, allowing the system to adapt illumination characteristics to match different plant growth stages without increasing physical device complexity
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 dynamically adjusts light levels and spectra to match plant growth needs, enhancing growth efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and improving plant health by providing precise illumination tailored to each stage of growth.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode (LED) board including a plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting array and a method of using the same facilitate a lighting strategy that dynamically provides the photosynthetic photon flux density needed by a plant throughout its stages of growth while reducing power loss and waste caused by providing excess light during all stages of plant growth. LED placement patterns may be used to form a number of lighting channels on an LED board or an array of LED boards. These lighting channels may be individually controlled such that the ON/OFF state, intensity, and wavelength, of a plurality of LEDs may be adjusted to provide variable illumination levels and wavelengths of light customized for attributes of the plants being illuminated, such as their stage of growth, size, type, and/or shape.