Side Lighting for Flowering Plant Canopy Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cultivating flowering plants, such as cannabis, are suboptimal in maximizing floral yield due to limitations in light penetration and energy efficiency, leading to stressed plants and reduced bud production during the flowering stage.
Innovation Solution
Irradiating the lateral sides of flowering plants with red spectrum light, supplemented by targeted additional lighting devices within the canopy, to enhance light penetration and promote healthier growth and yield during the flowering stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If full-spectrum overhead lighting is used, then low power consumption is achieved, but light penetration through the canopy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from overhead lighting (vertical dimension) to side lighting (horizontal dimension). By positioning LED light bars vertically along the sides of the plant canopy, light penetrates horizontally through the canopy edges, overcoming the limitation of overhead lighting that cannot effectively penetrate dense canopy structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different lighting strategies to different parts of the plant. Side lighting is applied to the canopy edges where light penetration is most needed, while the center receives diffused light. This localized approach ensures adequate lighting without requiring high power consumption across the entire canopy.
2Illumination intensity
If extensive pruning of lower canopy portions is performed, then light penetration is improved, but plant stress and stunted growth occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing plant material (pruning) to improve light penetration, the patent inverts the approach by adding light sources at the sides. This allows light to penetrate through the canopy edges without requiring any plant removal, thereby maintaining plant health while achieving adequate light distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional overhead grow light panels are used, then broad-spectrum lighting is provided, but floral yield is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the lighting system by using red and blue LED light bars with specific wavelength ranges (red: 610-750nm, blue: 450-485nm). This targeted spectral approach, combined with side lighting geometry, optimizes photosynthesis and floral development, resulting in improved floral yield compared to conventional broad-spectrum overhead lighting.
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 method increases floral yield by ensuring adequate light penetration and reducing stress on the plants, resulting in improved bud production and plant health during the flowering stage.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the lateral sides of the flowering plant with red spectrum light... Plant growth occurs rapidly during the flowering stage... promote healthier growth and yield
Data Source
AI summary
A method for increasing floral yield of a flowering plant includes positioning the plant between side lights at the onset of a flowering stage of the plant, such that the plant is flanked by the side lights. The method also includes irradiating lateral sides of the flowering plant along the total height via the side lights with light in a predetermined red spectrum range for a duration of the flowering stage, such that at least 80 percent of the light has a wavelength of between 580 nm and 780 nm. The plant may be positioned between first and second sets of equally-spaced elongated side lights on respective first and second lateral sides of the plant. Supplemental lighting devices may be attached to the plant, with an interior of the plant irradiated with the red spectrum light for the duration of the flowering stage using the lighting devices.