Modular Planting Structure with Hollow Trough for Root Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above-ground cultivation systems face challenges in controlling the growth environment for crop roots, are susceptible to external temperature variations, and are heavy and difficult to assemble, limiting crop types and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight planting structure with a trough and lateral covers that creates a controlled environment for temperature and humidity, recycles nutrient solutions and moisture, and allows for flexible design and easy assembly, using a hollow space design to reduce weight without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid-core overall body structure is used, then sufficient overall strength is provided, but the overall weight becomes heavier and installation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The planting structure is divided into multiple modular components including planting trays, support racks, and connection elements that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain sufficient strength through proper joint design while reducing overall weight by using lightweight materials for each segment and eliminating the need for heavy solid-core construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled but structurally optimized planting trays and cover components that provide sufficient mechanical strength through intelligent geometric design rather than material thickness. These thin-film-like structures significantly reduce weight while maintaining integrity through features such as rib reinforcement and optimized wall thickness distribution.
2Reliability
If conventional above-ground cultivation systems are used, then moisture and nutrient absorption environment is created, but the systems are susceptible to external temperature variations and cannot effectively control root zone temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The planting structure implements local environmental control by creating distinct microclimates for different plant zones. The design includes separate planting trays with individual environmental characteristics, allowing each plant or plant group to experience optimized local conditions including temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability, rather than relying on uniform greenhouse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the external environment and the plant root zone, consisting of insulated planting trays and temperature-regulating substrates. This intermediary structure buffers external temperature variations and maintains stable root zone temperatures, decoupling plant growth conditions from external weather fluctuations.
3Temperature
If greenhouses are used for temperature preservation, then limited temperature control effect is achieved, but the entire indoor space management becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the entire greenhouse environment and concentrates it at the plant level. By implementing temperature regulation directly in the planting trays and root zone area, the system eliminates the need for complex whole-space climate control infrastructure, significantly reducing device complexity and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the approach to temperature control by shifting from macro-environmental parameter control (greenhouse-wide temperature) to micro-environmental parameter control (individual planting tray temperature). This parameter change enables simpler, more targeted temperature management using passive insulation and active local heating or cooling elements.
4Productivity
If chemical fertilizers are applied, then crop growth is promoted, but land pollution increases and human health is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The planting structure incorporates self-fertilizing capabilities through integrated nutrient delivery systems that provide controlled-release fertilization directly to plant roots. The design includes features such as nutrient reservoirs, capillary wicking systems, and slow-release fertilizer compartments that enable the structure to self-regulate nutrient supply without external chemical fertilizer application, eliminating pollution while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A planting structure includes a trough and a plurality of lateral covers. The trough has a hollow space and a planting space, and a canal is formed inside of the trough; the lateral covers cover a lateral side of the trough and seals off the planting space. The inner walls on the two sides have bottom ends thereof integrally extended to form the canal therebetween. In addition, the planting structure possesses features such as being light in weight, easy to assemble and operate, and can be used to effectively lower production costs by modifying the length and the arrangement mode of the structure according to requirements.