Multi-Wavelength Light Emitter Control for Plant Active Ingredient Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sources for plant cultivation primarily focus on photosynthesis and lack additional functions to enhance the production of active ingredients beneficial to humans, such as chlorophylls, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in plants like the Asteraceae family.
Innovation Solution
A light source system comprising a first light source emitting visible light, a second light source emitting longer wavelength light, and a third light source emitting shorter wavelength light, controlled by a controller to generate specific light patterns that increase the content of active ingredients in plants, including ultraviolet light to enhance production of chlorophylls, flavonoids, anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids, and sesquiterpene lactones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light sources (incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps) are used for plant cultivation, then photosynthesis is supported, but additional functions to enhance production of active ingredients are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independent LED modules, each emitting at specific wavelengths (e.g., blue, red, ultraviolet). This segmentation allows independent control of each wavelength component to target specific physiological functions: blue light for leaf development, red light for photosynthesis, and ultraviolet for active ingredient production, thereby achieving multiple functions without requiring a completely complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The LED-based light source system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting photosynthesis (red light),促进 leaf development (blue light), and enhancing active ingredient content (ultraviolet light). This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified LED module structure that can emit different wavelengths, avoiding the need for separate conventional light sources for each function
2Quantity of substance
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to enhance active ingredient content, then nutritional value of plants is improved, but light source complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED modules emitting at different wavelengths are integrated into a single light source unit that can be positioned close to the plants. This merging approach combines the benefits of multiple wavelength lights (blue, red, ultraviolet) in one compact system, reducing the need for multiple separate light sources and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high active ingredient content
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the intensity and duration of light emission at different wavelengths as adjustable parameters. By optimizing the ratio and timing of blue, red, and ultraviolet light emission, the system maximizes active ingredient production without requiring an excessive number of light sources, as the same modules can be dynamically adjusted to provide different spectral compositions
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 effectively increases the content of active ingredients in plants by alternating light patterns during the light and dark periods, ensuring precise wavelength control and dosage, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of plants like the Asteraceae family without affecting their growth or color.
Implementation Method 1
The active layer is disposed on the first semiconductor layer to emit a light having a specific wavelength due to a band gap difference in an energy band depending on a material used to form the active layer
Implementation Method 2
Various light sources, as an alternative to sunlight are under development and have been used as lightings for plant cultivation
Data Source
AI summary
A light module includes a first light emitter, a second light emitter, a third light emitter, and a controller. The first light emitter is configured to emit a first light having a first peak wavelength in a visible range, the second light emitter is configured to emit a second light having a waveform having a second peak wavelength higher than the first peak wavelength, and the third light emitter is configured to emit a third light having a third peak wavelength that is shorter than the first peak wavelength. The controller is configured to control the first light emitter, the second light emitter, and the third light emitter to generate a first light pattern and a second light pattern. The first light pattern comprises a first light spectrum and the second light pattern comprises a second light spectrum including at least one more peak wavelength than the first light spectrum.