Rotating Aeroponic Plant Growth Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroponic systems lack a proper nutrient feeding mechanism for controlled nutrient delivery, expose plants to ambient light and noise, are large, costly, and immobile, making them inefficient and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
An aeroponic/hydroponic system with a support structure, trough, lid, baskets, drive mechanism, and climate control components that allow for controlled nutrient delivery, light regulation, and air circulation, enabling the plants to be rotated for uniform exposure to light and nutrients within a closed, compact, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydroponic systems use open configuration apparatuses, then manufacturing cost and size are reduced, but plant growth is adversely affected due to exposure to ambient light and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the growing environment into controlled zones using modular panels that can be assembled to create enclosed spaces. Each panel acts as an independent segment that contributes to the overall enclosure, allowing light and noise control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts plants from the open environment and places them within an enclosed controlled environment. This separation removes plants from harmful ambient factors (light and noise) while maintaining access to necessary resources through the designed enclosure system.
2Device complexity
If hydroponic systems lack a cover arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but light regulation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic control of light exposure. Panels can be positioned or configured to regulate light intensity and duration, providing adaptability without requiring complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure panels serve multiple functions: structural support, light regulation, noise reduction, and environmental control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive light control.
3Volume of moving object
If customized apparatuses are large in size, then plant growth space is increased, but space requirement and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal space expansion to vertical space utilization. By stacking multiple growing layers vertically, the apparatus provides increased growing volume without proportionally increasing footprint area, achieving space efficiency in both dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates nested structures where growing containers, reservoirs, and support elements are arranged concentrically or hierarchically. This nesting maximizes the use of available space, allowing multiple functional zones within a compact overall form factor.
4Device complexity
If hydroponic systems lack proper nutrient feeding mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but nutrient delivery control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nutrient feeding system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust nutrient delivery based on plant needs and environmental conditions. Sensors detect parameters such as nutrient concentration and flow rate, automatically adjusting delivery to maintain optimal levels without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-regulating nutrient delivery mechanisms that automatically adjust feeding rates based on internal conditions. The apparatus monitors its own nutrient levels and delivery patterns, making adjustments without external intervention, thereby achieving precision control with minimal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for growing plants in a controlled environment comprises an enclosure, at least one basket for receiving plant material to be grown in the apparatus, and at least one cassette for receiving a basket therein. The apparatus further comprises a drive mechanism, said drive mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one basket and/or the at least one cassette, that imparts a drive force to cause the at least one basket to rotate in the at least one cassette and in the enclosure. The apparatus and system also include a climate-control mechanism that may include a light source, a fan, a ventilation system, an air passage, and ductwork. The apparatus and system also include a trough with a sump for drainage of the trough, an intake aperture, a baffle, a closure, an air intake sleeve, and an intake fan.