Modular Growing System for Selective Plant Section Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeroponic and hydroponic growing systems are not feasible for mainstream commercial production due to challenges in scalability, control over plant growth, energy efficiency, and adaptability to different plants, as well as limitations in managing and extending the productive life of crops.
Innovation Solution
A modular growing system comprising interconnected chambers that allow for selective addition and removal of grow chambers to control plant growth, facilitate simultaneous harvesting of various produce sizes, and extend the productive life of plants, incorporating aeroponic and hydroponic features with integrated water and nutrient delivery systems and portability features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aeroponic and hydroponic systems are used, then plant growth control is achieved, but scalability and adaptability to different plants are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The growing system is divided into multiple independent grow chambers that can be selectively added or removed. Each chamber can accommodate different plant types and growth stages, allowing the system to adapt to various plant requirements without redesigning the entire system. The modular chamber design enables flexible configuration for different crop types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic modification of the grow chamber stack during plant growth. Chambers can be added or removed based on plant development needs, enabling the system to adapt to changing growth requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides versatility for different plant types while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized chamber interfaces.
2Productivity
If fixed grow chamber stacks are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but control over plant growth and productivity management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grow chamber stack is segmented into discrete, independently controllable units. This segmentation allows selective addition and removal of chambers to optimize productivity at different growth stages without requiring complex integrated control systems. Each chamber can be managed independently, simplifying the overall control architecture while enhancing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple grow chambers are prepared in advance and can be added to the stack as plants progress through different growth stages. This preliminary preparation of chambers enables seamless transition between growth phases, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time system reconfiguration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If single harvest timing is used, then harvesting simplicity is maintained, but productive life of plants cannot be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The plant growth system is segmented into multiple chambers that can be harvested independently at different times. This segmentation allows the productive life of plants to be extended by harvesting mature chambers while leaving younger chambers to continue growing, without requiring complex coordinated harvesting operations across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Grow chambers are prepared at different developmental stages and can be harvested in a predetermined sequence. This preliminary staging of chambers enables extended productive life through staggered harvesting while maintaining operational simplicity through a standardized harvesting process that can be applied to each chamber independently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-modular growing systems are used, then manufacturing and installation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different market requirements and locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The growing system is manufactured as separate, standardized grow chamber modules that can be produced independently and assembled in different configurations. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different market requirements and locations without requiring custom manufacturing, maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grow chambers are designed as universal modules that can serve multiple functions and be configured for different plant types, market requirements, and locations. This universality allows a single standardized design to be manufactured once and deployed in various configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maximizing adaptability to different applications.
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
Enables efficient control and management of plant growth, extends the productive life of crops, and allows for diverse and tailored control over plant growth, improving energy efficiency and adaptability, thereby enhancing crop yield and market responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Each grow chamber is adapted to at least partially enclose and provide a controlled growth environment for a respective section of a plant
Data Source
AI summary
Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers adapted to be configured in a stacked arrangement with each growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant. The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth, such that different sections of the growing plant may be influenced differently using aeroponic, hydroponic or other growing techniques. The grow chamber stack may be portable and provided with integrated or independent lifting devices to assist an operator in adding or removing chambers from the stack. Three growing processes may be facilitated using such systems. These include a process for producing assorted product from a single plant for simultaneous harvest, a process for producing an extended harvest of a desired size product from a single plant, and a process for extending the productive life of a plant and provide for multiple, continued, and perpetual harvest.