Modular Grow Box Coupling for Automatic Stacking and Resource Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor farming systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing space, resources, and automation for growing plants or producing proteins, particularly in terms of fluid and electrical coupling, alignment, and resource distribution.

Innovation Solution

A modular, stackable grow box system with integrated fluid and power coupling mechanisms, automatic alignment, and controlled resource distribution, enabling seamless stacking and operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual tubing and alignment are used for fluid coupling between boxes, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic fluid couplingVSAvoidfluid coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid coupling mechanism automatically connects when boxes are stacked, with the upper box's inlet aligning with and coupling to the lower box's outlet through gravity-assisted positioning, eliminating the need for manual tubing installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid coupling interfaces are positioned at corresponding heights and orientations on upper and lower boxes, creating a naturally aligned connection point that requires no additional adjustment or manual intervention for proper fluid flow coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Productivity

If manual alignment is used for stacking boxes, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but stacking speed and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking speedVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning features such as guide rails, alignment pins, and keyed interfaces are pre-integrated into the box structure during manufacturing, enabling automatic alignment to occur during the stacking process itself without requiring post-positioning adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated positioning mechanisms including guide structures and interlocking features that automatically orient and position boxes correctly during stacking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If separate manual connections are used for power supply to each box, then electrical reliability is maintained, but installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic power couplingVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power coupling mechanism is merged with the structural stacking interface, so that when boxes are physically stacked and mechanically connected, electrical power connections are simultaneously established through integrated conductive contacts and terminals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The box stacking interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, fluid coupling, alignment positioning, and electrical power transmission, eliminating the need for separate manual connections for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If traditional indoor farming systems are used, then space utilization is limited, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from horizontal placement to vertical stacking, utilizing the vertical dimension to multiply production capacity while maintaining a compact footprint, with boxes stacked one on top of another to create multi-layer cultivation structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The farming system is divided into modular, standardized box units that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and stacked in various configurations, allowing flexible adaptation to different space requirements while maintaining consistent internal functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260047537A1Stackable grow box and modular grow box system

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 NTFE GMBH

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a stackable grow box and a modular grow box system. The stackable grow box (10) comprising an upper part (20), a middle part (30) and a lower part (40), wherein the lower part (40) comprises a tray to carry plants or insects to be grown in the box, the middle part (30) interlinking the upper part (20) and the lower part (40). The upper part (20) and the lower part (40) comprise corresponding fluid coupling means configured to provide an automatic fluid coupling when an upper grow box (10) is arranged on top of a lower grow box (10). The box further comprises fluid handling means configured to dispense fluid received from the fluid coupling means of the upper part (20) to the plants or insects in the tray and for collecting excess fluid from the tray and passing it to the fluid coupling means of the lower part (40).