Plant Cultivation Light Source for Phytochemical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminaires for plant cultivation primarily focus on providing light for photosynthesis without promoting the production of phytochemicals beneficial to human health, such as kaempferols and hydrocinnamic acids.
Innovation Solution
A light source comprising multiple light emitting devices, including first and second light sources with different peak wavelengths in the UV spectrum, controlled by a controller to adjust wavelength, intensity, and emission timing to enhance phytochemical production in plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional luminaires (incandescent or fluorescent lamps) are used for plant cultivation, then photosynthesis can be supported with specific wavelength light, but the production of phytochemicals beneficial to humans is not promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides light for photosynthesis while simultaneously promoting phytochemical production through specific wavelength irradiation. The system combines conventional visible light emission with UV or blue light emission capabilities, allowing a single luminaire to serve both traditional plant cultivation needs and the enhanced production of beneficial plant substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spectral parameters of the light source by introducing specific wavelength ranges (UV or blue light at 450-495nm) in addition to the conventional visible spectrum. This parameter modification enables the light source to trigger phytochemical synthesis pathways in plants while maintaining photosynthetic effectiveness, thereby resolving the contradiction between basic cultivation function and enhanced phytochemical production.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple light emitting devices with different wavelengths are used to control phytochemical production, then phytochemical content and type can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitting devices into a single integrated luminaire unit. Different types of light sources (conventional lamps and UV or blue light emitting devices) are combined in one structure, allowing simultaneous emission of multiple wavelengths. This merging approach enables phytochemical control functionality while presenting a unified, manageable device rather than separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated luminaire serves multiple functions within a single device structure: it provides general illumination for photosynthesis, delivers specific wavelength light for phytochemical induction, and can be controlled through a unified system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment while achieving complex phytochemical control objectives.
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 effectively increases the content of phytochemicals like kaempferols and hydrocinnamic acids in plants, facilitating efficient cultivation and potential use in food or pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second light sources may include a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
conventional luminaires for plant cultivation only provide light having a specific wavelength suitable for photosynthesis of plants
Data Source
AI summary
A light source for plant cultivation includes at least two light emitting devices supplying light to a plant. Each of the light emitting devices includes a first semiconductor layer doped with a first conductivity type dopant, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer and doped with a second conductivity type dopant different from the first conductivity type dopant, and an active layer interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The light emitting devices emit light towards the plant under a different condition in terms of at least one of wavelength, radiation intensity, and emission timing to control the type and content of phytochemicals in the plant.