Stackable Cultivation Modules for Vertical Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop cultivation apparatuses are inefficient in utilizing space, particularly for soil crops with long roots or stems, as they often require uniform cultivation spaces and are not suitable for hydroponic crops like hemp.
Innovation Solution
A crop cultivation apparatus with stackable cultivation modules that adjust the size of the cultivation space vertically by stacking modular accommodation parts, allowing for customizable space based on crop length, and includes a solution supply and discharge system for nutrient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common cultivation box is used, then plants can be cultivated, but a large cultivation space is unnecessarily occupied and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal cultivation arrangement to vertical stacking arrangement. Multiple cultivation boxes are stacked vertically one on top of another, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase cultivation capacity without occupying additional horizontal space. This resolves the contradiction by improving space utilization efficiency while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The cultivation boxes are designed to be nested within each other in a vertical stacking configuration. Each box can be placed inside the space created by the box below it, creating a compact nested structure that maximizes space utilization while maintaining individual box functionality for plant cultivation.
2Productivity
If stacked flowerpots are used, then space utilization is improved, but the spaces between flowerpots cannot be utilized and it is inconvenient to take out plants and plant new plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cultivation system into separate, independent cultivation boxes that can be individually handled. Each box is a discrete unit with removable walls and openings, allowing plants to be accessed, removed, and replaced without disturbing the entire stacked structure. This segmentation maintains space utilization efficiency while significantly improving operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The cultivation boxes incorporate dynamic features such as removable walls, adjustable positions, and flexible access mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the boxes to transition between stable stacked positions and accessible states for plant maintenance, combining space efficiency with ease of operation during plant removal and replacement activities.
3Productivity
If conventional stacked flowerpots are used, then vertical stacking is achieved, but the structure is complicated and equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics to different parts of the cultivation box. The walls have varying thicknesses and heights at different locations to accommodate stacking requirements while maintaining simplicity. The structure incorporates localized features such as coupling protrusions and recesses only where needed for stacking, keeping the overall design simple and cost-effective while achieving vertical stacking capability.
4Device complexity
If uniform cultivation spaces are used, then structure simplicity is maintained, but crops with long roots or stems cannot be grown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and extendable wall structures that can dynamically change their dimensions based on crop requirements. The walls can be extended upward or downward, and their positions can be adjusted, allowing the same basic box structure to accommodate crops with varying root and stem lengths. This dynamic adaptability maintains structural simplicity while enabling versatility across different crop types.
Data Source
AI summary
A crop cultivation apparatus includes: a shelf case composed of one or more layers, and provided with loading spaces in the respective layers; one or more cultivation modules disposed in the loading spaces of the shelf case, and configured to provide respective cultivation spaces for cultivating soil crops therein; a solution supply line extending to the individual layers of the shelf case, branched to the individual cultivation modules, and configured to supply a nutrient solution to the cultivation spaces; and a solution discharge line extending to the individual layers of the shelf case, branched to the individual cultivation modules, and configured to discharge a nutrient solution from the cultivation spaces. Each of the cultivation modules includes one or more stackable accommodation parts and a support part. The stackable accommodation parts are provided in a modular form to adjust the height of the first space.