Light Emitting Structural Member for Plant Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems for plant growth lack efficient and adaptable solutions for providing optimal light distribution and control, particularly in hydroponic and vertical farming setups, where plants require specific light spectrums and intensities at various growth stages.
Innovation Solution
The development of a light emitting structural member integrated with LEDs and a flexible printed circuit laminate, allowing for customizable light emission patterns and spectrums, which can be assembled into arrays or lattices to support plant growth, with a lighting control system for precise control of LED activation and deactivation based on plant growth cycles and environmental data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting systems are used for plant growth, then basic illumination is provided, but light distribution efficiency and adaptability to plant growth stages are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable LED modules, each capable of emitting different wavelengths. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific LED groups according to different plant growth stages, providing adaptability without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where LED modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time plant growth monitoring. The control system adjusts lighting parameters dynamically to match different growth phases, transforming a static lighting system into an adaptive one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED modules with different wavelengths are integrated into a single structural member, then customizable light emission patterns are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED modules with different wavelengths are integrated into a single structural member, combining multiple functions into one component. This merging approach enables customizable light emission patterns while consolidating manufacturing processes, as all LED modules share the same mounting structure and control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of LED modules. This multi-functional design allows the same structural member to support various wavelength combinations, simplifying manufacturing by using a standardized base design that can be configured for different lighting requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If light emitting structural members are assembled into arrays or lattices, then optimal light distribution for vertical farming is achieved, but system assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular structural members that can be independently assembled into arrays or lattices. Each module is self-contained with mounting features, allowing straightforward assembly into larger configurations to achieve optimal light distribution for vertical farming applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural members are designed with nested assembly capabilities, where smaller modules can be integrated into larger arrays or lattices. This nesting approach enables scalable configurations that maintain assembly simplicity while achieving complex light distribution patterns required for vertical farming.
4Use of energy by moving object
If lighting control system monitors environmental data and controls LED activation, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates environmental sensors that continuously monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and plant growth stage. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust LED activation and wavelength selection, optimizing energy efficiency based on real-time plant needs without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs self-adjustment based on environmental monitoring data, with the control system automatically determining when and which LEDs to activate. This self-service capability reduces the need for external control complexity while maintaining optimal energy efficiency through autonomous decision-making algorithms.
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
This solution provides efficient and adaptable light distribution tailored to plant growth needs, enhancing plant development and productivity by ensuring optimal light exposure at different stages, while minimizing energy consumption and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first, second, and third light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned at different locations within the interior of the bar stock
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting structure includes a plurality of structural members forming a framework, wherein the framework has a plurality of spaces between the plurality of structural members; a lighting circuit integrally connected to one or more of the plurality of structural members; and a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connected to the lighting circuit, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes are integrally connected to the plurality of structural members via the lighting circuit; wherein the plurality of structural members are constructed to support one or more plants.