Modular Hydroponic System with Segmented Lighting and Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroponic systems are incomplete, lacking adequate volume for maintenance, space for mature plants, and proper lamp movement, leading to root damage and plant death due to blocked nutrient solution aeration, and pose safety risks with exposed electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular personal growing system (PGS) comprising a stand, trellis, vessel, luminaire, and enclosure, designed for scalable and ergonomic use, with features like modular vessels, air pump support, and secure electrical connections, allowing for efficient nutrient solution circulation and plant support from seed to maturity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized lamp is used in typical hydroponic systems, then the system structure is simple, but the lamp cannot move to accommodate mature plant growth and does not provide adequate light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple individual lamps rather than a single centralized lamp. Each lamp can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to accommodate mature plant growth while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamps are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed in position. This dynamic capability allows the lighting system to adapt to changing plant growth stages and spatial requirements without complicating the overall system structure.
2Ease of operation
If the growing lid is removed for maintenance in typical hydroponic systems, then access to the reservoir is improved, but root damage occurs to live plants
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the growing lid function from the reservoir maintenance function. Maintenance can be performed on the reservoir without removing the growing lid that contains live plants, eliminating root damage while maintaining accessibility for routine maintenance tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary maintenance access mechanism is introduced that allows reservoir service without direct access to the growing chamber. This mediator enables maintenance operations while protecting the live plants from disturbance.
3Volume of moving object
If plants are grown to maturity in typical hydroponic systems, then adequate plant development is achieved, but the volume under the vessel is insufficient for maintenance and the system lacks space for mature plants
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional configuration to provide adequate volume for both mature plant growth and maintenance activities. By optimizing the spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions, sufficient room is created underneath vessels for maintenance while accommodating full plant development.
4Ease of manufacture
If exposed electrical connections are used in typical hydroponic systems, then the system construction is simple, but safety risks increase for outdoor use
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible conduit or protective sheathing is used to enclose electrical connections, providing safety protection while maintaining the simplicity of system construction. This approach protects exposed electrical elements without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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
The modular system supports plant growth from seed to maturity, prevents root damage through adequate aeration, and ensures user safety with secure electrical connections, providing a complete and sustainable hydroponic solution for residential or commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
The air pump (66) delivers pressurized air through tubing (128) to a point near the bottom of the vessel (46)
Implementation Method 2
A ball valve (64) controls the flow of nutrient solution between vessels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular personal growing system (PGS). The components of a PGS are designed to work in unison to grow plants hydroponically from seed to maturity. A PGS can be scaled and configured into a desired interior or exterior space requirement for residential or commercial use. The individual components of a PGS may include a stand, a trellis, a vessel, a luminaire and an enclosure.