Movable Vertical Shelf Modules with Flexible Utility Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical tiered growing systems for plants are inflexible and require significant space, limiting their use in urban areas and making it difficult to move or reposition them during the growing cycle without disrupting the growing process.
Innovation Solution
A modular vertical tiered growing system with movable sections along a grid-like track assembly, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and access paths, with centralized power and fluid connections that remain intact during movement, enabling efficient use of space and continuous plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If vertical tiered shelving systems are used to grow plants in limited space, then the area utilization is improved, but the system becomes inflexible and requires walkways between each shelf tier which doubles the footprint area
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular shelf units that can be independently positioned on a grid track. Each module can be moved along the track to create or eliminate walkways as needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration without requiring permanent walkway structures between fixed shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf modules are designed to be movable along the grid track rather than fixed in position. This dynamic capability allows the system to reconfigure its layout, creating walkways only where and when needed, thereby reducing the permanent footprint while maintaining accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the framework of known systems needs to be moved, all lighting and fluid systems must be disconnected, making it impossible to move or re-position parts during the growing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting and fluid connections use flexible tubing that can bend and extend as the shelf modules move along the grid track. This flexible connection system eliminates the need to disconnect lighting and fluid systems when repositioning modules, allowing continuous operation during the growing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible conduits act as intermediaries between the fixed infrastructure and the movable shelf modules. These flexible connections transmit power and fluid while accommodating the movement of modules along the track, serving as a mediator that enables repositioning without system disconnection.
3Ease of operation
If walkways are provided between each shelf tier to allow access to plants, then accessibility is improved, but the footprint area is doubled
Solution Approach 1:
Walkways are created dynamically by moving shelf modules apart along the grid track only when access is needed. When modules are positioned adjacent to each other, no walkway space is required. This dynamic creation of access paths eliminates the need for permanent walkway space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows periodic creation of walkways by moving modules apart when access is required, then returning them to adjacent positions when not needed. This periodic adjustment of module spacing provides accessibility on-demand without permanently doubling the footprint area.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vertical tier growing system for growing plants (8). The system includes at least one vertically tiered shelf section (1) secured to and movable along a floor track. Each section (1) has its own means to direct nutrient fluid and light to plants (8) growing on said section (1).