Movable Plant Receptacles for Dynamic Spacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation systems face challenges such as increasing space requirements, the need for frequent repotting, and the transfer of pests or bacteria between plants due to their proximity.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable units that can adjust the distance between plant receptacles, allowing for flexible spacing to accommodate growing plants and reduce the risk of disease transmission, featuring multiple rows with units that can be displaced along guide rails to optimize space usage and maintain maximum distance between plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If plants are grown in fixed positions with small distances between them, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of pest and bacteria transmission between plants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the plant holder units movable relative to each other along guide rails. The units can be adjusted between a first position (close together for space efficiency) and a second position (farther apart for pest prevention). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt the distance between plants based on growth stage and health requirements, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and disease prevention.
2Area of stationary object
If plants are grown in fixed positions from the outset, then initial space requirements are met, but the increasing space needs of growing plants cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plant holder units allow the system to dynamically adjust spacing as plants grow. Initially, units can be positioned close together to maximize space utilization for young plants. As plants grow and require more space, the units can be moved apart along the guide rails, providing adaptability throughout the plant's growth cycle without requiring repotting or system redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable units are introduced to adjust plant spacing, then adaptability to growing plants is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plant cultivation system into independent movable units, each capable of being adjusted individually or in groups along separate guide rails. This segmentation allows for flexible spacing adjustments without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms. Each unit can be moved independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high adaptability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If maximum distance between units is maintained to prevent disease, then pest transmission is reduced, but space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distance between plant holder units based on operational requirements. During critical growth phases or when disease risk is high, units can be positioned at maximum distance apart to prevent disease transmission. During routine growth phases with low disease risk, units can be moved closer together to maximize space utilization. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal spacing to vary over time.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for growing plants, comprising at least two units (100) disposed in the device for accommodating a plant, wherein at least two units are disposed in a first row (30) and at least one of said units (100) can be moved relative to at least one further unit of the first row (30), whereby the spacing thereof relative to one another can be varied.