Mobile Terrace Growing System Conveyor Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved and efficient systems for growing high-density vegetation indoors in a controlled environment, particularly in urban areas where space allocation efficiency is crucial and carbon footprint reduction is desirable.
Innovation Solution
An automated mobile terrace growing system utilizing a closed loop system with conveyors and terrace structures that support aeroponic or hydroponic watering, allowing for efficient transportation and servicing of plants without the need for ladders or stairs, and incorporating a lighting system for optimal growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional stationary growing systems are used, then plants can be grown in controlled environment, but space allocation efficiency is low and labor costs are high due to need for walkways and manual servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs mobile conveyors that can dynamically move terrace structures through different growing zones (propagation, growth, flowering, harvest) rather than having fixed stationary beds. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes space utilization and eliminates the need for permanent walkways, directly addressing the space allocation efficiency problem while introducing controlled mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The growing space is divided into discrete terrace structures that can be independently transported on conveyors. Each terrace represents a modular unit that can be moved between different functional zones, enabling high-density vertical stacking and efficient space utilization without requiring traditional walkway access between fixed beds
2Productivity
If manual planting and harvesting is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile conveyors automatically transport terrace structures through the growing cycle, enabling automated or assisted planting and harvesting operations. The conveyor system brings plants to workers at designated stations rather than requiring workers to access each plant location, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between automated production and manual harvesting. It transports plants to designated stations where workers can efficiently harvest, combining the benefits of automated transport with manual dexterity where needed
3Area of stationary object
If high-density vertical growing is implemented, then space utilization is maximized, but access to plants for servicing becomes difficult requiring ladders or stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile conveyor system brings high-density vertically stacked terraces to ground-level servicing stations, eliminating the need for workers to climb ladders or stairs. The terraces are transported horizontally through the facility and only positioned at elevated growing zones when needed, maintaining high density while ensuring easy access
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bringing workers up to the plants through ladders and stairs, the system inverts the approach by bringing the plants down to ground-level servicing stations via mobile conveyors. This reverses the traditional access model and eliminates safety hazards associated with elevated plant access
4Productivity
If traditional grow room layout is used, then simple structure is maintained, but carbon footprint is higher due to less efficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile conveyor system enables dynamic optimization of resource utilization by efficiently transporting plants through different growing zones and enabling precise environmental control in each zone. This increases overall productivity and resource efficiency, justifying the added complexity through measurable performance improvements
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 system enables high-density vegetation growth with maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) in a small space, reducing the carbon footprint and labor costs by bringing the growing system to the plants, eliminating the need for walkways and enhancing the efficiency of planting, harvesting, and servicing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lights positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A closed loop system for growing vegetation is provided. The closed loop system includes at least a first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. Each of the first and second transport conveyors includes a front end opposite a rear end. The present invention further includes at least a first transfer conveyor. A lighting system is positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. The present invention further includes at least one terrace structure. The first transport conveyor transports at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end, the first transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from rear end of the first transport conveyor to the front end of the second transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end.