Modular Fluid Routing Frames for Space-Efficient Indoor Grow Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor grow facilities face inefficiencies due to separate and ad-hoc routing of air, water, and carbon dioxide supply lines, leading to wasted space, reconfiguration challenges, and high maintenance costs, particularly in large facilities where lengthy supply lines require complex and costly air handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid routing system comprising interchangeable frames that support multiple supply lines, including air, nutrient, and carbon dioxide lines, allowing for consolidated and efficient distribution along a single path, reducing the footprint and increasing usable space by eliminating the need for overhead air handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate supply lines for air, water, and carbon dioxide are routed independently throughout the facility, then each system can be installed and operated independently, but the supply lines interfere with each other and waste potential grow space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate supply lines (air, water, carbon dioxide) into a single integrated routing structure. The frames provide a unified pathway that accommodates all supply lines in close proximity, eliminating the need for separate routing paths and reducing space waste while maintaining independent controllability of each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal/åæ£ routing of supply lines to a vertical/d consolidated routing approach using frames positioned above plant supports. This dimensional change allows multiple supply lines to be routed vertically through frame members, freeing up horizontal grow space while maintaining system independence.
2Ease of manufacture
If supply lines are routed separately and ad hoc, then installation is straightforward for each system, but re-routing supply lines to accommodate reorganization of grow space is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the routing system into modular frames that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each frame is a discrete unit that can be moved or repositioned without affecting the entire system, enabling easy reconfiguration to accommodate changes in grow space organization while maintaining simple installation of individual components.
3Reliability
If air handling systems are configured for installation adjacent to a ceiling and sized to condition air throughout an entire floor-to-ceiling space, then complete air conditioning is achieved, but initial cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized air conditioning by positioning frames and supply lines in close proximity to plant supports, enabling air conditioning to be delivered directly at the point of need rather than distributing conditioned air throughout the entire floor-to-ceiling space. This reduces the size and cost of air handling systems while maintaining effective air conditioning coverage for plants.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid routing system for use in an indoor grow facility includes a plurality of supply lines, and a plurality of frames aligned in series and spaced apart from each other. Each of the frames includes a plurality of support openings. Each of the support openings is sized to receive and retain a corresponding one of the supply lines.