Modular Rotating Hydroponic Apparatus for Dynamic Plant Growth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydroponic systems are costly, inflexible, and difficult to transport, requiring 'hothouses' for plant growth, which is challenging and expensive for individual farmers, and struggle with consistent growth media replenishment and optimal light distribution, limiting their ability to adapt to different plant loads and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular, rotating hydroponic apparatus with a payload carrying station connected via a link belt and sprockets, allowing for adjustable height and capacity, and a mobility system for easy repositioning, which includes a support frame that can be lifted and lowered, enabling flexible and dynamic plant growth configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional hydroponic systems are used, then plants can be grown, but the systems are costly and require expensive hothouses that are challenging to build

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of constructionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydroponic system is divided into modular components including frame sections, shelving units, and irrigation modules that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows individual farmers to construct systems incrementally without requiring expensive pre-built hothouses, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as height-adjustable shelves, movable irrigation components, and flexible support structures. These dynamic features enable the system to adapt to different plant types and growth stages without requiring complete reconstruction, reducing both construction costs and overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing hydroponic apparatuses are used, then plants can be grown, but they are rigid and cannot adapt to different plant loads or configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to plant configurationsVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus features dynamically adjustable components including height-adjustable shelving, reconfigurable support frames, and flexible irrigation routing. These elements allow the system to adapt to varying plant loads and configurations throughout the growing season without increasing overall system complexity, as the adjustments are made through simple mechanical means rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal mounting points, standardized connection interfaces, and multi-purpose components that can serve different functions depending on configuration needs. This universality enables a single apparatus design to handle diverse plant types and growth requirements, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If fixed hydroponic systems are used, then infrastructure can be established, but repositioning existing apparatuses is difficult and plants do not receive optimal light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repositioningVSAvoidlight optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is constructed from modular, separable components with standardized connection points, enabling easy disassembly and repositioning of individual units or entire structures. This segmented design allows farmers to relocate apparatuses to optimize light exposure without requiring complex demolition and reconstruction, directly improving both ease of operation and productivity through light optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates flexible support structures and adaptable framing elements that can be easily reconfigured during relocation. These flexible components maintain structural integrity during movement while allowing the system to be repositioned to capture optimal light conditions, thereby enhancing both ease of operation and agricultural productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If traditional growing systems are used, then plants can be cultivated, but growth media replenishment is inconsistent and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth efficiencyVSAvoidirrigation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation system is designed to be self-regulating with automatic nutrient delivery mechanisms that maintain consistent growth media replenishment without requiring complex external control systems. The system uses passive flow regulation and simple mechanical components to ensure consistent nutrient distribution, improving growth efficiency while keeping the irrigation system relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11297777B2Apparatus and methods for growing organic matter

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 OBERTHIER JOHN H

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to agricultural growing apparatuses and methods. More specifically the present invention relates to a dynamic, modular, rotating apparatus, and methods related to the apparatus' use and/or function.