Modular Hydroponic Rack With Mobile Plant Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional soil-based plant growing systems are difficult to automate and require significant labor and resources, while hydroponic systems, although more efficient, are limited in deployment and lack the ability to relocate plants for further processing.

Innovation Solution

An automated modular plant growing system featuring a nutrient solution supply system, rack structure with guiding tracks, and mobile modules connected by a robotic manipulator, allowing for flexible placement on various environments and structures, including rooftops and greenhouses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional soil-based plant growing systems are used, then plants can grow in natural conditions, but the systems are difficult to automate and require large amounts of labor and resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular units (mobile modules with plant containers) that can be independently handled and repositioned by robotic manipulators, enabling automation while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with robotic manipulators that use programmable mechanical systems to perform plant handling, nutrient delivery, and module repositioning, significantly increasing automation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hydroponic systems are used, then plant growing efficiency is improved and resource usage is optimized, but the systems lack the ability to relocate plants for further processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growing efficiencyVSAvoidrelocation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static hydroponic setups to dynamic mobile modules that can be repositioned along guiding tracks by robotic manipulators, enabling both efficient hydroponic growth and flexible relocation for processing or redistribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile modules serve multiple functions: they provide hydroponic growth environments, can be transported to different locations, and facilitate easy access for harvesting and processing, making the system versatile for various agricultural operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If plants are grown in fixed locations, then system structure is simplified, but plant handling and relocation for processing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant handling easeVSAvoidtime for plant relocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Plants are grown in discrete mobile modules that can be individually grasped and moved by robotic manipulators, enabling efficient plant handling and relocation without requiring complex disassembly or manual transplantation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11498774B2Automated modular plant growing system

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 BUBERMAN ARKADI

AI summary

An automated modular plant growing system includes a rack structure with primary guiding tracks and secondary guiding tracks transverse to each other, and upper guiding tracks in parallel and above the primary guiding tracks. The automated modular plant growing system also includes a plurality of mobile modules detachably connected to the upper guiding tracks and to a nutrient solution supply system.