Modular Hydroponic Plant Wall Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for flexible and easy-to-use hydroponic growth assemblies that can extend the growing season and are simple to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A hydroponic grow assembly featuring a base with a reservoir tank and removably connectable plant structures forming a plant wall, utilizing a U-shaped frame and plant panels with tongue and groove connections, and a clam shell structure for easy assembly and disassembly, along with a 360-degree lighting system for plant growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If plant structures are permanently fixed to the base, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hydroponic system is divided into separate modular components: a base structure and removable plant structures. Each plant structure can be independently detached and reattached, providing both stability when assembled and flexibility when disassembled. The connection interfaces are designed to maintain structural integrity during use while allowing easy separation for maintenance or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If plant structures are permanently fixed to the base, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the base from plant structures through removable connections, allowing individual plant structures to be accessed, removed, and maintained without disturbing the base or other plant structures. This modular approach enables easy cleaning, plant replacement, and system maintenance while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If complex connection mechanisms are used, then assembly strength is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses simple, standardized interfaces between base and plant structures. Connection elements such as clips, slots, or friction-fit features provide sufficient assembly strength without requiring complex mechanisms. The simplicity of the connection interface enables easy user assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular plant structures are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure and plant structures are designed with universal connection interfaces that allow multiple configurations and arrangements. The same basic components can be assembled in different patterns to create various plant wall designs, providing adaptability for different spaces and planting needs without requiring multiple specialized parts or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250204347A1Hydroponic grow assembly
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 FORK FARMS LLC
  • US20250204347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250204347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250204347A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydroponic grow assembly including an assembly base and at least one plant structure removably connectable to the assembly base to form a plant wall for growing plants. The plant structure includes a plurality of plant wells opened to a root chamber and the base includes a bottom structure enclosed by a perimeter wall to form an inner cavity of a reservoir tank to supply water to the root chamber of the plant structure. The bottom structure includes a support feature within the inner cavity of the reservoir tank to support the at least one plant structure in an upright position to form the plant wall of the assembly.