Plant Cultivation Light Module with Tailored UV Auxiliary Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV treatment for plants does not consider the specific types of plants and target phytochemicals, resulting in ineffective increases in phytochemical content.
Innovation Solution
A light source module comprising at least one substrate, one growth light source, and one auxiliary light source, where the auxiliary light source emits UV light tailored to increase specific phytochemicals in plants, with adjustable cumulative doses to optimize phytochemical content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional UV treatment is applied to plants, then phytochemical content may increase, but the treatment is ineffective because it does not consider different types of plants and target phytochemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different UV wavelengths (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C) tailored to specific plant types and target phytochemicals. Each wavelength range is optimized for particular applications: UV-A (315-400nm) for general phytochemical enhancement, UV-B (280-315nm) for specific antioxidant production, and UV-C (200-280nm) for targeted phytochemical synthesis. This localized approach replaces the conventional one-size-fits-all UV treatment with customized wavelength selection based on plant species and desired phytochemical outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies multiple parameters including UV wavelength (200-400nm range), cumulative dose (0.3-20.2 kJ/m²), treatment duration, and intensity to optimize phytochemical production. Different cumulative doses are prescribed for different phytochemical targets: lower doses (0.3-20.2 kJ/m²) for general enhancement, specific ranges (2.7-13.4 kJ/m²) for antioxidant capacity, and controlled doses (4.0-8.1 kJ/m²) for lutonarin and saponarin. This parametric optimization ensures reliable and effective phytochemical enhancement.
2Quantity of substance
If UV light is used to increase phytochemical content, then specific phytochemicals may be enhanced, but plant growth may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes UV parameters to enhance phytochemicals while preventing growth damage. Cumulative doses are carefully controlled within safe ranges (0.3-20.2 kJ/m²) that stimulate phytochemical production without causing excessive stress. Treatment durations and intensities are adjusted based on plant stage and species, applying lower doses to young plants and higher doses to mature plants. This parametric control enables phytochemical enhancement while maintaining healthy plant growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermittent UV treatment schedules with alternating treatment and recovery periods. Rather than continuous exposure, plants receive UV treatment in periodic cycles that allow metabolic adjustment and phytochemical accumulation without overwhelming the plant's stress response systems. This periodic approach maintains growth while progressively building phytochemical content.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single UV treatment protocol is applied to all plants, then the treatment process is simple, but it cannot effectively increase specific phytochemicals in different plant types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes customized UV treatment protocols for different plant types and target phytochemicals. Each plant species receives a tailored wavelength and dose regimen optimized for its specific physiology and desired phytochemical profile. This customized approach replaces the simplistic single-protocol method with targeted treatments that effectively enhance specific phytochemicals while maintaining operational feasibility through standardized protocol sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal UV treatment system that can address multiple plant types and phytochemical targets through a standardized framework of wavelength and dose parameters. The system maintains simplicity by organizing treatments into categorical protocols (e.g., antioxidant enhancement, general phytochemical boost, specific compound production) that can be selected based on plant type and desired outcome, providing multi-functionality without excessive complexity.
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 light source module efficiently increases the phytochemical content of plants by delivering UV light at specific cumulative doses, enhancing total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, lutonarin, and saponarin levels without adversely affecting plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
Plants produce organic matter from carbon dioxide and water using light energy through photosynthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module includes at least one substrate, at least one main light source and at least one auxiliary light source. The at least one main light source and the at least one auxiliary light source are disposed on the at least one substrate. The main light source comprises a first main light emitter configured to emit a first main light having a first number of peak wavelengths and a second main light emitter configured to emit a second main light having a second number of peak wavelengths. In addition, the auxiliary light source is configured to emit a third auxiliary light having a third number of peak wavelengths. The first number of peak wavelengths can be different from the second number of peak wavelengths. A peak wavelength of the second main light can be longer than all of the peak wavelengths of the first main light.