Modular Vertical Agriculture Assembly with Angled Troughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical farming systems face challenges such as inefficient use of space, ergonomic issues, increased energy consumption, and limited plant growth due to horizontal orientation, leading to reduced yields and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular vertical agriculture assembly featuring impervious backplanes with horizontally mounted troughs that allow for vertical vegetation growth, incorporating angled tabs for secure attachment and apertures for controlled irrigation, enabling efficient water management and ergonomic access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If horizontal shelves are stacked vertically to increase plant density, then space utilization improves, but ergonomic access deteriorates requiring users to reach, twist or bend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal shelf stacking to vertical wall-mounted troughs, changing the primary growth dimension from horizontal to vertical. This allows plants to grow upward along the wall surface while keeping all planting positions within easy reach of the user, eliminating the need to reach, twist, or bend through stacked shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of stacking shelves horizontally and accessing them from the front, the patent inverts the approach by mounting troughs vertically on walls and accessing them from the side. This inversion maintains high plant density while keeping all plants accessible within a single ergonomic plane.
2Productivity
If horizontal shelves are stacked to increase production density, then yield improves, but equipment requirements increase requiring more lights and energy use
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting troughs vertically on walls rather than stacking horizontal shelves, the system increases production density in the vertical dimension. This allows plants to grow upward where they can be illuminated from above by a single light source, eliminating the need for multiple lights required by stacked horizontal shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple plant growth positions into a single vertical wall assembly that can be illuminated by one light source. This merging of growth spaces reduces the total number of lights required compared to separate horizontal shelves that each require individual lighting.
3Area of stationary object
If horizontal shelves are stacked closely to increase density, then space utilization improves, but air circulation deteriorates creating tight dense configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical wall-mounted configuration opens up air circulation space in the horizontal dimension. Air can flow freely around and above the vertically oriented plants, preventing the stagnant, humid conditions that occur in tightly stacked horizontal shelves.
4Length of moving object
If horizontal shelves are used for vertical farming, then plant growth space increases, but maintenance requirements increase due to confined height restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows plants to grow vertically along wall-mounted troughs, providing extended growth height while keeping all plants within easy reach. This eliminates the need to access confined spaces between stacked shelves, making pruning, harvesting, and maintenance simple and accessible.
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 system supports large-scale vegetative growth while minimizing maintenance, water, and energy use, reducing the risk of work-related injuries by providing an ergonomically correct working position and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one angled tab extending from a longitudinal edge of the back wall
Implementation Method 2
each of said troughs includes at least one aperture in a wall to limit a level of liquid accumulated within said trough
Data Source
AI summary
A modular assembly is disclosed to support, feed, and water live vegetative growth on an inclined or vertical surface, using a series of horizontally mounted troughs affixed to an impervious backing panel.