Stackable Grow Box Coupling for Automated Fluid and Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor farming systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing space, resources, and maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants and proteins, particularly in varying climatic conditions, with a need for improved resource management and automation in stacking and fluid/electrical connections between modular units.
Innovation Solution
A stackable grow box system with modular, interlocking components that facilitate automatic fluid and electrical coupling, allowing for efficient resource distribution and alignment without manual intervention, featuring fluid handling, power coupling, and positioning means to ensure seamless stacking and growth support for plants or insects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tubing and alignment are used for connecting fluid and electrical systems between modular units, then system assembly is simple, but operation efficiency is low and resource management is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units are designed with self-aligning fluid coupling means and positioning means that automatically connect when units are stacked. The fluid coupling means includes complementary male and female coupling elements that guide and secure fluid connections without manual intervention, enabling the system to self-assemble and self-connect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines fluid coupling means, power coupling means, and positioning means into an integrated stacking system. When modular units are stacked, all these coupling mechanisms engage simultaneously through a single stacking action, merging multiple connection functions into one operation to improve efficiency
2Productivity
If modular units are designed with automatic fluid and power coupling mechanisms, then resource distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into identical modular units, each containing complete fluid coupling means, power coupling means, and positioning means. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual modules that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into larger systems
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit is designed as a universal building block with standardized coupling interfaces. The same fluid coupling means, power coupling means, and positioning means are used across all modules, enabling them to function interchangeably in any position within the stacked system
3Manufacturing precision
If modular grow boxes are stacked without automatic alignment mechanisms, then device complexity is low, but positioning precision and stacking accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means includes guide elements and alignment features that automatically align modular units during the stacking process. When units are placed on top of each other, the positioning means self-corrects minor misalignments and ensures precise positioning without requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning means employs asymmetric geometric features such as tapered guides or key-way mechanisms that provide directional alignment. These asymmetric features naturally guide the stacking process and ensure correct orientation and positioning of modules
4Productivity
If fluid connections between stacked units require manual tubing, then system complexity is low, but fluid management efficiency and resource utilization are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling means are designed to automatically connect when modular units are stacked. The coupling includes self-aligning features and secure engagement mechanisms that create tight fluid connections without manual tubing, enabling automatic fluid distribution throughout the stacked system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tubing and mechanical connection methods with integrated fluid coupling means that are built into the modular unit structure. This substitution eliminates the need for separate tubing installation and manual connection procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
Stackable Grow Box and Modular Grow Box System The disclosure relates to a stackable grow box and a modular grow box system. The stackable grow box (10) comprising an upper part (20), a middle part (30) and a lower part (40), wherein the lower part (40) comprises a tray to carry plants or insects to be grown in the box, the middle part (30) interlinking the upper part (20) and the lower part (40). The upper part (20) and the lower part (40) comprise corresponding fluid coupling means configured to provide an automatic fluid coupling when an upper grow box (10) is arranged on top of a lower grow box (10). The box further comprises fluid handling means configured to dispense fluid received from the fluid coupling means of the upper part (20) to the plants or insects in the tray and for collecting excess fluid from the tray and passing it to the fluid coupling means of the lower part (40).