Plant Cultivation Light Module Using UVB/UVC for Target Phytochemicals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to effectively increase the content of specific phytochemicals in plants, despite increasing total phytochemical content.
Innovation Solution
A light source module for plant cultivation comprising a main light source unit and an auxiliary light source unit that emits UVB and UVC, controlled by a controller to provide specific conditions for increasing the content of target phytochemicals, such as ginsenosides in shade plants like sprout ginseng.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional stress methods are applied to plants, then total phytochemical content increases, but specific phytochemical content does not effectively increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different wavelengths of UV light (UVB and UVC) to different stages of plant growth to selectively increase specific phytochemicals. UVB is applied during early growth stages to promote certain compounds, while UVC is applied during later stages to enhance other phytochemicals, achieving precise control over specific compound production rather than general stress-induced increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of light exposure by varying wavelength (UVB vs UVC), intensity, and duration to specifically target and increase desired phytochemicals. This controlled parameter adjustment allows selective enhancement of specific compounds like ginsenosides without merely increasing total phytochemical content through generic stress.
2Manufacturing precision
If UVB and UVC light are applied to increase specific phytochemicals, then specific phytochemical content increases, but plant growth may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UVB light during early growth stages before UVC light in later stages. This preliminary action with UVB prepares the plant by inducing initial stress responses and metabolic changes, making the plant more resilient to subsequent UVC exposure while still achieving the desired specific phytochemical enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic light exposure regimens with specific durations and intervals for UVB and UVC treatment. This periodic application allows the plant to recover between exposures, maintaining growth stability while still accumulating the desired phytochemicals through repeated controlled stress cycles.
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 effectively increases the content of specific phytochemicals like ginsenosides in shade plants by supplying targeted UVB or UVC light at optimal cumulative doses, enhancing the phytochemical levels beyond conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary light source unit emits auxiliary light including at least one selected from among UVB and UVC to increase the content of phytochemicals in the plant
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module for plant cultivation includes a main light source, an auxiliary light source unit, and a controller. The main light source unit emits background light which is visible light for growth of a plant. The auxiliary light source unit emits auxiliary light including UVB, UVC, or both to increase the content of phytochemicals in the plant. The controller controls operation of the main light source unit and the auxiliary light source unit based on a control signal.