Electronic Mist Detection for Mycelium Growth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for growing mycelium-based products face challenges in precisely controlling moisture concentrations within the growth environment, leading to inaccuracies in mist deposition rates and unreliable humidity measurements, which affect the quality and efficiency of mycelium growth.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electronic mist detection using sensors such as near-infrared or infrared sensors, fog sensors, and cameras to monitor airborne mist concentrations, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal mist levels, independent of relative humidity, and enabling precise control of misting rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional humidity sensors are used to monitor moisture levels, then the monitoring system is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to unreliable humidity measurements in saturated conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical humidity sensors with optical detection systems (lasers, cameras, or other electromagnetic sensors) to measure airborne liquid concentrations. This substitution resolves the measurement precision issue by using light scattering or absorption properties of mist particles, which remain reliable even in saturated conditions where traditional humidity sensors fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from relative humidity (which becomes unreliable in saturated conditions) to direct optical detection of liquid droplet concentration and size distribution. By measuring the physical presence and characteristics of airborne liquid particles rather than inferential humidity levels, the system achieves accurate measurements across the full range of moisture conditions.
2Productivity
If misting rates are increased to maintain moisture levels, then mycelium growth efficiency improves, but mist deposition accuracy deteriorates due to lack of precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where optical sensors continuously monitor airborne liquid concentrations and provide real-time data to a control system. The controller adjusts misting rates dynamically based on actual measured conditions, ensuring both high productivity through adequate moisture supply and high precision through accurate deposition control. This resolves the contradiction by making misting rate a responsive variable rather than a fixed setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-set misting rates to dynamic, real-time adjustment of misting parameters. The misting system responds continuously to changing environmental conditions and growth stage requirements, optimizing both growth efficiency and deposition accuracy by adapting mist concentration, particle size, and distribution patterns to current needs.
3Manufacturing precision
If electronic mist detection is implemented, then mist deposition control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors and cameras that serve multiple functions: detecting airborne liquid concentration, measuring droplet size distribution, mapping spatial distribution of mist, and monitoring growth conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving high precision mist deposition control.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring is used to maintain optimal moisture levels, then mycelium growth quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or interval-based monitoring rather than truly continuous operation. The optical detection system can rapidly scan and evaluate conditions, allowing for less frequent but still effective measurements. The system adjusts monitoring intensity based on growth stage and environmental stability, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable growth quality through strategically timed observations.
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 approach allows for accurate and adaptive control of misting rates, ensuring stable and efficient mycelium growth by providing real-time feedback and maintaining ideal moisture levels, even in saturated conditions, thereby improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of mycelium production.
Implementation Method 1
electronically detecting the concentration of airborne mist within the portion of the growth environment... via a sensor, such as... near-infrared or infrared sensor
Implementation Method 2
electronically detecting the concentration of airborne mist within the portion of the growth environment... via a sensor, such as... optical, laser... sensor
Implementation Method 3
electronically detecting the concentration of airborne mist within the portion of the growth environment... via a sensor, such as... fog sensor
Implementation Method 4
electronically detecting the concentration of airborne mist within the portion of the growth environment... via a sensor, such as... camera
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and processes to grow a biomaterial made of aerial mycelium by sensing and controlling airborne mist concentration, regardless of relative humidity. A growth matrix comprising a growth medium and a fungus, is grown under controlled environmental conditions to produce a mycelium product. To control growth conditions precisely and efficiently, airborne mist is electronically detected using one or more sensors, configured to measure airborne mist concentration visually, optically, chemically, electromagnetically, or by laser, ultrasonically, with radar, or other means. Electronic detection of airborne mist using one or more sensors generates a signal that is transmitted to a processor that can either maintain, increase, or decrease airborne mist concentration in a growth environment. The present invention provides processes of growing mycelium that are repeatable and resource efficient, while providing high quality and quantity mycelium-based products.