Vertical Plant Cultivation Airflow Layout for Uniform Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation apparatuses face inefficiencies in temperature control, air circulation, and manufacturing costs due to suboptimal placement of cooling/heating modules and fans, leading to uneven temperature distribution and inadequate wind provision for plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A plant cultivation apparatus with a heat exchanger on the rear wall and a blower assembly positioned ahead, allowing for direct and indirect heating/cooling, along with a blower cover that ensures uniform air distribution around the light assembly and bed, promoting even temperature control and plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling/heating module is disposed at a lower portion and temperature is controlled by circulating air using an air-conditioning fan, then the system can control temperature, but direct cooling ability is insufficient and temperature control efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the lower-positioned cooling module and relocates it to the rear wall where the heat exchanger is positioned. This allows the cooling/heating function to be directly applied to the cultivation space without relying on air circulation from a lower position, thereby improving direct cooling ability and temperature control efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blower assembly as an intermediary component positioned between the heat exchanger and the cultivation space. The blower assembly actively circulates air between the heat exchanger and the cultivation space, enabling efficient heat transfer and improving both temperature control efficiency and cooling ability.
2Temperature
If the blowing fan is disposed at a side under the cabinet, then the fan can be installed, but it is difficult to maintain uniform temperature throughout the entire cultivation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of fan placement from the horizontal plane (side under cabinet) to the vertical dimension (rear wall area). By positioning the blower assembly vertically at the rear wall and directing airflow upward and forward through the cultivation space, the system achieves more uniform temperature distribution across the entire growth area.
3Ease of operation
If the blowing fan is disposed under the tray where plants grow, then the fan can provide air flow, but it is difficult to effectively provide wind to the area where plants actually grow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the blower assembly ahead of the heat exchanger at the rear wall, allowing it to preliminarily cool or heat the air before it enters the cultivation space. This pre-conditioned air is then distributed throughout the space, ensuring that plants receive optimal airflow and temperature conditions for growth.
4Volume of stationary object
If the heat exchanger and blower assembly are disposed in the rear area over the machine compartment, then space can be utilized, but manufacturing precision and space utilization need optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the rear wall area to serve multiple functions: housing the heat exchanger for thermal exchange, positioning the blower assembly for air circulation, and utilizing the space over the machine compartment for component integration. This multi-functional arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining precise component placement for effective operation.
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 solution enhances temperature control efficiency, ensures uniform temperature maintenance, promotes plant growth by providing appropriate airflow, and improves the external appearance and manufacturing productivity of the cultivation space.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger is disposed on the rear wall surface of a cultivation space
Implementation Method 2
a blower assembly is disposed ahead of the heat exchanger, so the cultivation space can be directly and indirectly heated or cooled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet having a cultivation space; a plurality of beds that is vertically disposed in the cultivation space and on which plants are cultivated; a plurality of light assemblies disposed over the plurality of beds, respectively, and radiating light toward the top surfaces of the beds; a water tank storing water to be supplied to the beds; a heat exchanger disposed on the rear surface of the cultivation space and controlling the temperature of the cultivation space; and a blower assembly disposed ahead of the heat exchanger and circulating air in the cultivation space.