Reconfigurable Growing Tray Unit for Space and Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical farming systems face challenges in making food production more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective while using less water and land resources, and require improvements in ergonomics and mobility for operators.
Innovation Solution
A modular production unit for growing or propagating organisms, featuring a tray or production surface positioning system that can switch between vertical and horizontal configurations, equipped with irrigation, lighting, heating, ventilation, and control systems, and includes mobility options such as rollers or casters, allowing for efficient use of space and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If vertical stacked configuration is used, then space utilization is improved, but operator ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The production surfaces are made dynamically reconfigurable, allowing transition between vertical stacked configuration (for space efficiency) and horizontal table configuration (for operator ergonomics). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between configurations based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The production unit serves multiple functions through its reconfigurable design: it can operate in vertical mode for maximum space utilization and in horizontal mode for improved operator access and ergonomics. This multi-functionality allows the same system to address both contradictory requirements at different times.
2Device complexity
If fixed configuration systems are used, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different growing needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates movable production surfaces that can be repositioned between vertical and horizontal configurations, providing adaptability to different growing needs while maintaining relatively simple mechanical movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The production system is divided into modular production surfaces that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement for different growing requirements while keeping each module relatively simple in design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-mobile systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but mobility and repositioning capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The production unit incorporates mobility mechanisms (such as casters or movable bases) that allow the entire structure to be repositioned when needed, while maintaining structural stability during operation through proper design of the support and locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprout, fodder or forage production unit (10a) includes: a tray positioning system including a plurality of trays (2a) movable between (1) a substantially vertical stacked configuration whereby the trays (2a) extend in spaced substantially horizontal parallel planes above one another, and (2) a substantially horizontal table configuration whereby the trays (2a) are positioned next to one another on substantially a same horizontal plane. The production unit (10a) further includes a temperature controlling system capable of heating or cooling the trays (2a).