Ceiling-Suspended Rotating Plant Modules for Space-Efficient Growing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary plant-growing apparatuses do not efficiently utilize floor space, as they require dedicated areas for operation and servicing, limiting their mobility and the ability to be moved while in operation.
Innovation Solution
A plant-growing apparatus comprising rotatable cylindrical modules that can be moved vertically or horizontally, with integrated module support and moving mechanisms, allowing for continuous operation and water/nutrient delivery, enabling efficient use of space by allowing modules to be relocated between servicing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotary plant-growing apparatuses are placed on the floor for operation, then plants can be grown with radial illumination from a central light source, but floor space is not efficiently utilized and the apparatus cannot be moved while operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the apparatus from floor-based horizontal operation to ceiling-suspended vertical operation. The cylindrical growing chamber hangs from the ceiling by a suspension rod, allowing plants to grow radially inward toward a light source while the entire assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally in three-dimensional space without occupying floor space. This dimensional change enables mobility while maintaining the radial illumination geometry.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple plant-growing modules are operated in limited floor space, then space utilization improves, but servicing and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the previously static ceiling-suspended apparatus dynamic by introducing a moving mechanism that allows the cylindrical growing module to be repositioned along ceiling tracks or rails. The module can be moved from operational positions to servicing positions, enabling easy access for maintenance while maintaining compact ceiling-mounted operation during growth cycles. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the conflict between space efficiency and serviceability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed to be moved while operating, then mobility and space efficiency improve, but the structural complexity of support and moving mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support mechanism to serve multiple functions: it suspends the cylindrical growing chamber from the ceiling, provides structural support during rotation, enables vertical and horizontal movement, and facilitates positioning for both operation and servicing. This multi-functional support system reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity while achieving the desired mobility.
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
Enables the operation of multiple plant-growing modules in a reduced floor space, allowing for efficient use of space and facilitating easy servicing by allowing modules to be moved between operational and servicing locations while continuing to grow plants.
Implementation Method 1
a light source inside the module and roots of the plants grow radially outwardly of the module
Implementation Method 2
Each module comprises a cylindrical structure for holding plant-growing containers... The apparatus has module support means for supporting each module and rotating it about its longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A plant-growing apparatus (10) has a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules (32) which can be moved between two positions, separated vertically or horizontally. Each module (32) comprises a cylindrical structure for holding plant-growing containers (80) in which the plants grow radially inwardly of the cylindrical structure toward a light source (68). The apparatus (10) has module support means for supporting each module and rotating it in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus has module moving means, for example sprocket driven chains (20, 22), for conveying the modules between the two positions.