Overlapping Funnels Decouple Irrigation from Tower Conveyance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled-environment agriculture systems face challenges in decoupling irrigation processes from tower conveyance, limiting flexibility in crop management and harvesting, especially for crops like strawberries that require prolonged growth periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of grow towers with overlapping funnels allows for continuous irrigation while the towers are being conveyed, enabling flexible movement for harvesting without disrupting the irrigation timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grow towers are moved for harvesting operations, then harvesting flexibility is improved, but irrigation timing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is segmented into multiple independent funnels that can operate autonomously. Each funnel serves as an independent irrigation unit that continues to function even when the grow tower it is attached to is moved for harvesting. This segmentation allows the irrigation function to be separated from the conveyance function, resolving the contradiction between harvesting flexibility and irrigation reliability.
2Ease of operation
If irrigation is stopped during tower movement, then tower mobility is improved, but crop growth continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overlapping funnel configuration ensures continuous irrigation action even during tower movement. The funnels are positioned to overlap in such a way that as one funnel moves out of position, another funnel is already in place to continue the irrigation. This maintains the continuous supply of water and nutrients to the crops without interruption, allowing towers to be moved for harvesting while maintaining uninterrupted irrigation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple funnels overlap, then irrigation continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple funnels are merged into an overlapping configuration where they work together as a unified irrigation system. The funnels are combined in space and time, with their overlapping positions creating a continuous irrigation coverage zone. This merging approach achieves irrigation continuity while keeping the overall system relatively simple, as the funnels use the same basic structure and can be integrated into the existing tower design.
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 configuration enhances operational efficiency by allowing crops to be harvested multiple times during their life cycle without interrupting irrigation, improving crop yield and management flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
An irrigation system supplies an aqueous solution to tops of the grow towers. Gravity causes the solution to travel down the inner cavity of the towers to irrigate plant or grow sites located along the towers.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled environment agriculture system that operates in connection with grow towers having overlapping funnels. The use of overlapping funnels functionally de-couples irrigation processes from tower conveyance.