Seedling Propagation Container With Segmented Base And Irrigation Mat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seedling propagation containers are prone to instability, making handling difficult and risking root damage, and lack integrated irrigation and ventilation systems, making them unsuitable for greenhouse use.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a main body with a central wall and hingeably connected wall sections forming cells with bottom openings, a supporting structure, and an irrigation mat system that allows for secure handling and efficient watering and ventilation, facilitating root growth and easy transplanting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a book-type container design is used for raising seedlings, then the container can be opened to remove plants, but the container becomes unstable and prone to tipping over during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a base portion and a cover portion that can be separated. The base portion contains the plants and soil, while the cover portion can be removed or opened to access the plants. This segmentation allows the container to remain stable during handling while still enabling easy plant removal by separating the cover from the base.
2Ease of operation
If wall sections are hingeably connected to allow opening, then plant access is improved, but structural integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a base portion and a cover portion that can be separated rather than using hinge connections. This separation maintains the structural integrity of each portion while allowing easy opening and closing access to the plants without compromising overall strength.
3Reliability
If individual plant cultivation is implemented to prevent root entanglement, then root structure quality improves, but container complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container base is divided into multiple separate compartments or cells, each capable of holding a single plant. This segmentation prevents root entanglement between adjacent plants while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure. Each compartment is independent but integrated into the unified base design.
4Productivity
If integrated irrigation system is added to greenhouse arrangement, then watering efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation mat is designed to be placed directly into the container base, where it automatically absorbs and distributes water to the plants through capillary action. The system is self-regulating, requiring minimal external intervention or complex controls, thus improving watering efficiency while maintaining simplicity.
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
The container provides a stable and secure means for handling multiple plants, promotes healthy root growth through efficient irrigation and ventilation, and allows for easy integration with greenhouse systems, reducing the risk of root damage during handling and transplanting.
Implementation Method 1
The base comprises a supporting structure at the lower part of the main body. The main body is provided with supporting means for holding an irrigation mat.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container for propagating growth of seedlings, having a main body comprising a base, a central wall extending vertically from the base. A first wall section and a second wall section are arranged to the main body. The first wall section and the second wall section are hingeably connected to the main body. The base, the central wall, the wall sections forms in the closed condition at least two cells being open at top. The base comprises a supporting structure at the lower part of the main body, wherein the main body is provided with supporting means for holding an irrigation mat. The present invention also relates to a tray designed for receive and carry one or more of said containers, a greenhouse including the tray and one or more of the mentioned containers, and a method for propagating growth of seedlings.