Modular Plant Support Assembly for Vertical Farming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor vertical farming technologies lack adequate equipment with high load-bearing capability, efficient space utilization, and flexible design for scalability, which hinders the widespread adoption of indoor vertical farming and revitalization of inactive urban buildings.
Innovation Solution
A modular plant growing support assembly with adjustable platforms, elongated posts, and a height control mechanism that allows for flexible configuration and reconfiguration of plant growing systems, enabling the growth of a variety of produce and efficient use of space, while being easily transportable and adaptable to different indoor spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional indoor vertical farming systems are used, then they can provide indoor plant growth, but they lack adequate load-bearing capability to support heavier crops
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components including adjustable support arms, platform sections, and connection elements that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high strength through proper structural distribution and adaptability through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable support arms with movable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration of platform heights and positions. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different crop requirements while maintaining load-bearing strength through engineered joint designs.
2Ease of operation
If fixed configuration plant growing systems are used, then they provide stable support, but they cannot be easily reconfigured or transported to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into discrete modular components including platform sections, support arms, and connection elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular design enables simple transport and reconfiguration while maintaining structural stability through engineered connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses over-constrained joints with multiple attachment points that provide excessive connection options, ensuring structural stability when assembled while allowing easy disassembly and reconfiguration when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional farming spaces are converted to vertical farming, then existing buildings can be utilized, but the spaces lack optimized use of vertical volume and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal to vertical dimensionality with adjustable support arms and platforms that can be positioned at multiple heights. This vertical optimization maximizes the use of indoor building volume while maintaining adaptability to different space configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamically adjustable support arms and platform heights allow the system to adapt to various indoor space configurations and optimize vertical volume utilization for different crop types and growth stages.
4Strength
If heavy-duty support structures are used to bear heavy crops, then load-bearing capability is sufficient, but the system becomes complex and difficult to reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy-duty support structure is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent connection interfaces. This segmentation distributes structural loads efficiently while keeping individual components simple and easy to reconfigure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms and connection elements are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and positions within the system. This universality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adequate load-bearing capability through proper structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant growing apparatus includes a support assembly and a height control mechanism. The support assembly includes a plurality of platforms, a plurality of elongated posts spaced apart from one another about the plurality of platforms, and a plurality of support clips selectively attachable to the posts to support selected platforms at different heights along the posts. The plurality of platforms include a bottom platform supporting lower ends of the posts, a top platform supported on upper ends of the posts, and upper and lower platforms movable along the posts toward and away from the top and bottom platforms. The height control mechanism is mounted by the top platform and coupled to the upper platform such that it operates to selectively raise or lower the upper platform along the posts.