Rotatable Plant Modules in Stacked Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for large-scale plant production using rotatable plant-growing modules face limitations in efficiently rotating and watering plants, as well as maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency in large arrays.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an array of stacked containers with rotatable plant-growing modules that rotate radially inward toward a light source, featuring a fork-lift apparatus for module handling, water troughs for hydration, and a cover to enclose the growing space, with mechanisms for synchronized module rotation and water delivery, ensuring efficient watering and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotatable plant-growing modules are used to improve space utilization and lighting efficiency, then plant growth efficiency is improved, but the complexity of rotating and watering mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the plant-growing operation into discrete modular units (containers with plant trays) that can be independently handled, rotated, and watered. Each module is a self-contained unit that simplifies the overall mechanism by breaking down the complex continuous system into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic rotation mechanisms that allow containers to be rotated to optimal positions for lighting and watering. The rotation is controlled and adjustable, enabling the system to adapt to different growth stages and environmental conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If large arrays of containers are used to increase production scale, then productivity is improved, but maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The large-scale system is divided into multiple independent container modules that can be stacked and arranged in arrays. Each module operates semi-independently, which maintains structural integrity by isolating potential failures to individual modules rather than compromising the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are stacked vertically to form multi-level arrays, with plant trays nested within containers. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining a compact, structurally sound configuration that is easier to support and manage at scale.
3Ease of operation
If automated fork-lift apparatus is used for module handling to improve operational efficiency, then labor requirements are reduced, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fork-lift apparatus is designed to handle containers autonomously, with automated control systems that can identify, grasp, and reposition modules without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors and programmable logic to manage the handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems (fork-lift apparatus). This substitution reduces labor-intensive operations while the modular design keeps the mechanical complexity manageable through standardization.
4Manufacturing precision
If synchronized rotation and water delivery mechanisms are used to ensure consistent hydration, then plant growth uniformity is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position of rotating containers and the status of water delivery. This feedback allows the system to make real-time adjustments to maintain precise synchronization between rotation and watering cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple functions (rotation control, water delivery timing, container positioning) through a unified centralized controller. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic rather than using separate independent systems for each function.
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
This setup enhances plant growth by ensuring consistent illumination and hydration, supports large-scale operations with structural integrity, and facilitates efficient maintenance and harvesting through automated module handling and water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp positioned at the axis of the drum
Implementation Method 2
A trough of water under the drum is spaced from the drum such that the lower part of the containers contacts the water as the drum rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A structure (20) for growing plants comprises an array (22) of containers (24), for example intermodal shipping containers, each having a floor (28) and an open end (30), and being arranged in a plurality of stacked rows (32), each row comprising a plurality of containers. The array defines a space (34) bounded on its sides by the open ends of the containers. Each container holds a plant-growing apparatus (26) of the type having a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (52) in which plants grow radially inwardly toward a light source (56) inside the module. The structure (20) includes means (58, 60) for moving the modules along a path within each container and means (74) for removing the modules from the containers and for placing the modules into the containers. The array of containers and the bounded space are covered by a flexible fabric (50) or rigid dome (48).