Stackable Vertical Farming Container with Drainage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeroponic and hydroponic farming systems face challenges with algae growth, increased water evaporation, and high costs associated with cleaning and maintenance, which affect harvest yields and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container design with features for efficient fluid delivery, drainage, and plant support, including a non-flat bottom for enhanced drainage and ribbing for structural integrity, allowing for nesting and connection of containers to reduce evaporation and algae growth, and facilitating automated farming systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If growth chambers are stacked to save space, then space utilization is improved, but algae growth between chambers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the growth chamber into multiple separate containers that can be stacked. Each container is an independent unit with its own drainage and fluid delivery system, allowing space-efficient vertical stacking while preventing algae spread between chambers through physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the drainage tray from the growth chamber structure, making it a separate removable component. This allows the drainage tray to be easily removed for cleaning and disinfection, preventing algae accumulation and spread in the stacked chamber configuration.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cleaning frequency is increased to control algae, then algae growth is reduced, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tray is designed with features that prevent algae growth in the first place, such as smooth surfaces and proper drainage geometry. This preliminary design action reduces the need for frequent cleaning interventions, lowering operational time and costs while maintaining effective algae control.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage tray is designed to be easily removed and cleaned by the operator without requiring complex disassembly or special equipment. This self-service design allows quick cleaning operations, reducing the time and labor costs associated with maintaining the stacked chamber system.
3Area of stationary object
If containers are made stackable to improve space efficiency, then space utilization is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container features asymmetric stacking interfaces with protruding and recessing elements that provide both structural support and alignment. This asymmetric design enables secure stacking for space efficiency while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage tray is designed to nest within the container structure, with the tray fitting into a recessed area. This nesting arrangement provides structural support for the stacked configuration while maintaining the integrity of both the container and drainage components.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed container defines (i) an “interior” configured to interact with a fluid and/or developing plants, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The disclosed container may further include stacking features/elements which allow one container to be stacked/nested one upon the other. The disclosed container may further include features/elements which enable one container to be connected adjacent to the other. The disclosed container may further include (i) features/elements for delivering fluid, (ii) features/elements for draining fluid, and (iii) features/elements for supporting developing plants that are conducive to their growing within the disclosed container.