Rotatable Vertical Growing System Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical growing systems face challenges in uniformly exposing plants to light and efficiently circulating nutrients and oxygen due to inadequate rotational energy and flow rates, leading to stagnant conditions and toxicity issues in aquaponic systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable vertical growing system that generates rotational energy and pressure to increase flow rates and uniformly expose plants to light by using a base portion that rotates within an aquaponic vessel, combining hydroponic and aquaponic networks in a closed circulation, with external fluid pressure and rotational energy creating a rolling current to aerate and circulate growth fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional aquaponic systems are used with static positioning, then structural simplicity is maintained, but uniform light exposure and fluid circulation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotatable platform that rotates slowly to uniformly expose plants to light from different angles. This dynamic positioning mechanism transforms a static structure into a dynamic one, allowing uniform light distribution without requiring multiple fixed light sources or complex positioning systems for each plant
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides uniform light exposure, enhances fluid circulation through rotational movement, and improves oxygen distribution. This single multi-functional mechanism addresses multiple problems without requiring separate systems for each function
2Illumination intensity
If rotation is implemented to uniformly expose plants to light, then light distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses slow, periodic rotation rather than continuous high-speed movement. The rotation occurs at a minimal speed sufficient to achieve uniform light exposure over time, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to systems that would require rapid or continuous adjustment of individual plant positions
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: uniform light exposure, fluid circulation, and oxygen distribution. This self-service approach means the same mechanical action serves multiple functions, reducing the need for additional energy-consuming systems for circulation and aeration
3Speed
If flow rate is increased to prevent toxic accumulation and improve oxygen supply, then nutrient circulation is enhanced, but energy consumption for pumping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable platform creates dynamic fluid movement through its rotation, generating natural circulation currents that enhance flow rate without relying solely on mechanical pumps. This dynamic structure utilizes the rotation itself to drive fluid flow, reducing the energy burden on pumping systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages hydraulic principles where the rotational movement of the platform creates pressure differentials and circulation currents in the growth medium. This natural hydraulic circulation enhances flow rate and prevents stagnation while minimizing the need for high-energy mechanical pumping
4Reliability
If stagnant conditions are avoided through increased circulation, then oxygen supply and nutrient distribution are improved, but system complexity and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable platform serves as a multi-functional element that simultaneously improves light exposure, fluid circulation, and oxygen distribution. This single mechanism addresses multiple reliability concerns without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby maintaining relatively simple system architecture while achieving high circulation efficiency
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
Enhances nutrient delivery and oxygenation for both aquatic animals and plants, efficiently recirculating filtered growth fluid, minimizing energy consumption, and optimizing space while promoting equal light exposure for plants.
Implementation Method 1
a base portion disposed to position in a generally concentric area of the aquaponic vessel, the base portion configured to rotatably engage the growth fluid, the rotation of the base portion configured to generate a rotational energy, the rotational energy configured to at least partially increase a flow rate of the growth fluid
Implementation Method 2
The rotational energy and fluid pressure serve to force the growth fluid to flow at a faster rate between the hydroponic network and the aquaponic network. This enhanced circulation flow enables the growth fluid to more efficiently carry nutrients and elements
Implementation Method 3
an external fluid configured to discharge into the aquaponic vessel, the discharge configured to generate a pressure in the growth fluid, the pressure configured to at least partially increase the flow rate of the growth fluid
Implementation Method 4
the growth fluid is configured to circulate between the aquaponic vessel and the at least one hydroponic growing container... efficiently carry nutrients and elements from at least one aquatic animal in the aquaponic network to at least one plant in the hydroponic network
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable vertical growing system enhances circulation between a hydroponic network and an aquaponic network in a closed fluid circulation. The networks are interdependent and operate on a constant body of growth fluid that continuously circulates between an aquaponic vessel and a hydroponic growing container. A rotational energy and a direct pressure generated by an external fluid serve to increase the flow rate of the growth fluid during circulation. A rotatable base portion floats concentrically in the aquaponic vessel. The base portion includes a gear system that enables rotation. Protruding members extend from the rotating base portion to agitate and guide the growth fluid through the circulatory path. The external fluid discharges into the vessel to aerate the fluid, increase the flow rate of the growth fluid, and actuate the gear system. The hydroponic growing container rotates to provide uniform access to light for the plants.