Modular Indoor Planting Machine with Splicable Tanks and Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planters are cumbersome to connect and arrange, making it difficult to grow plants indoors, especially in limited spaces, and require additional light sources for photosynthesis.
Innovation Solution
A modular planting machine with splicable planting water tanks, a light group, and a controller, allowing flexible arrangement and connection of tanks, integrated light systems, and a controller for managing water and light supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple planters are combined to provide sufficient planting area and water sources, then the planting capacity is improved, but the connection complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The planter system is divided into multiple independent planter units, each with its own planting cavity and water reservoir. These modular units can be individually assembled and disassembled, allowing users to expand planting capacity by simply connecting additional units through the flow holes in the water reservoirs, eliminating complex connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The water reservoir is designed with flow holes that serve dual purposes: enabling connection between multiple planter units and facilitating water circulation throughout the system. This universal design allows the same structural feature to accomplish both expansion and water management functions.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple planters are arranged neatly to provide sufficient planting area, then the planting capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planter system is divided into multiple independent planter units, each with its own planting cavity and water reservoir. These modular units can be individually assembled and disassembled, allowing users to expand planting capacity by simply connecting additional units through the flow holes in the water reservoirs, eliminating complex connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The planting cavity is positioned within the water reservoir structure, with the water reservoir serving as the outer container and the planting cavity as the inner component. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions into a compact unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining expansion capability.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are added to provide sufficient illumination for plant growth, then the plant growth conditions are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is integrated directly into the planter structure, with the light source positioned above the planting cavity and the power supply unit incorporated into the planter body. This merging of lighting functionality with the planter structure eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planter unit is designed to incorporate multiple functions including planting, water storage, water circulation, and lighting. By integrating these diverse functions into a single unified system, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to using separate independent devices for each function.
4Quantity of substance
If water circulation system is implemented to provide sufficient water sources, then the plant growth conditions are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water circulation system is integrated into the planter structure, with the water pump, flow holes, and water reservoir working as a unified system. The pump is positioned at the bottom of the water reservoir and connects to the planting cavity through the flow holes, creating a compact circulation loop without requiring external piping or complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The water circulation system is designed to operate automatically, with the water pump continuously circulating water from the reservoir through the planting cavity and back. This self-sustaining circulation eliminates the need for manual water addition or complex control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while ensuring adequate water provision.
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
Facilitates easy expansion and arrangement of planting systems indoors, providing customizable lighting and water circulation, enhancing usability and aesthetic appeal while supporting plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
a light group, which is suspended or fixed above the planting water tank
Implementation Method 2
the machine comprises spray pipes which are arranged in the planting water tank, and the spray pipes are connected to a water pump, and the nozzle of the spray pipe extends to the root of the plant and sprays water to the root
Implementation Method 3
a magnet is embedded in the mounting plate to attract to an installation surface; and another magnet is set in the luminous plate to attract to the mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A planting machine, comprising a planting water tank which is opened at the upper surface and covered with a movable cover, and planting cups for planting plants are arranged on the movable cover; a flow hold which is provided on at least one side of the planting water tank, and a lid which is set to close the flow hole; a light group, which is suspended or fixed above the planting water tank; a controller which provides an output port, the light group connect to the output port. Multiple planting water tanks can be spliced through the flow holes to form a complete indoor planting system, which can facilitate users to flexibly arrange and design the connection of the planting water tanks according to the home or furniture settings to achieve adaptation, thereby improving the existing indoor planting system. The design of hydroponic planting, the planting water tank and the light group uses a modular design, which is convenient for free matching and installation according to the needs of the planting space, which is more beautiful and convenient.