Movable Nutrient Masts and Adjustable Lighting for Hydroponic Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroponic and aeroponic systems face challenges in efficiently delivering nutrients to plants while minimizing nutrient loss and ensuring even light distribution, which affects plant growth and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The proposed growing system incorporates a nutrient delivery system with vertically and horizontally moveable components, including masts with nozzles and splash plates, and a modular light system that adjusts to provide uniform light distribution, along with a tray and foot configuration that allows for efficient space use and nutrient collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nutrient delivery systems use fixed masts and nozzles, then the system structure is simple, but nutrient distribution uniformity and adaptability to different plant positions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable masts that can be repositioned along the growing system, transforming the fixed nutrient delivery structure into a dynamic one. This allows the same nozzle to serve multiple plant positions over time, improving adaptability without requiring nozzles at every possible location simultaneously, thus managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mast and nozzle assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: delivering nutrients to different plant positions at different times, collecting runoff, and potentially adjusting height. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, improving versatility while controlling overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If light systems are positioned close to plants for optimal illumination, then light distribution is improved, but access for maintenance and harvesting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light system is mounted on movable masts that can be adjusted in height and position. This dynamic positioning allows the lights to be moved closer to plants when optimal illumination is needed and moved away when access for maintenance or harvesting is required, resolving the contradiction between light distribution and operational access.
3Productivity
If narrow aisles are used to maximize planting density, then space utilization is improved, but access for maintenance and harvesting is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mast system allows the nutrient delivery and light components to be accessed from aisle ways without requiring permanent overhead structures. This enables wider aisles to be used for better access while maintaining high planting density through efficient use of vertical space and movable components that can be positioned as needed.
4Loss of substance
If fixed nutrient delivery points are used, then the system is simple to construct, but nutrient loss increases due to inability to target specific plant needs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle assembly can be positioned to deliver nutrients precisely to target plants or plant groups. This dynamic targeting reduces nutrient loss by avoiding overspray and enabling precise application, while the mobility is achieved through relatively simple mechanical means that don't significantly increase system complexity.
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
This system ensures optimal nutrient delivery and even light distribution, enhancing plant growth while optimizing space usage by allowing for wider aisles and adjustable light positioning, thereby improving crop yields and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a nutrient delivery system configured to deliver a nutrient supply to a root zone of the plants
Implementation Method 2
tray and foot configuration that allows for efficient space use and nutrient collection
Implementation Method 3
modular light system that adjusts to provide uniform light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.