Reciprocating Cam Mechanism for Dynamic Grow Tower Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical farming systems face limitations in efficiently conveying and spacing grow towers within controlled environments, which can impact crop yield and light interception, and lack an efficient irrigation system for nutrient distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vertical farming structure with a reciprocating cam mechanism for conveying grow towers, allowing adjustable spacing and an integrated irrigation system that supplies an aqueous nutrient solution through a funnel structure for optimal crop growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed spacing between grow towers is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but light interception and crop yield are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spacing between grow towers through a variable speed conveyance system. The conveyance mechanism can adjust the distance between adjacent towers during transport, allowing optimal spacing for light interception and crop growth while maintaining structural simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by making the spacing adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter (distance between towers) dynamically during the growth cycle. By adjusting the conveyance speed and tower positioning, the system optimizes light interception angles and spacing based on crop growth stages, thereby improving crop yield without requiring complex reconfigurable structures.
2Productivity
If continuous conveyance is used, then productivity is improved, but spacing control and light interception are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system operates continuously but with variable speed control. Different sections of the conveyance path can move towers at different speeds, allowing optimal spacing to be maintained during critical growth phases while maintaining continuous production flow. This dynamic speed adjustment ensures both continuous productivity and adequate light interception.
3Productivity
If manual irrigation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but nutrient distribution efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is integrated with the conveyance mechanism, allowing automated nutrient solution delivery as towers pass through irrigation zones. The system self-regulates by positioning towers in sequence through the conveyance path, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the integration of irrigation with existing conveyance infrastructure.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.