Stackable Hydroponic Growth Trays With Gravity Drainage Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroponic systems face inefficiencies in land use, capital, and labor, and struggle to minimize the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in crops, which can be harmful to human health.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hydroponic system that includes stackable growth trays with integrated drainage systems, light boxes for optimal lighting, and automated movement capabilities, all controlled by a central system to maximize efficiency and minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional farming methods are used, then large areas of land are required, but land use efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based farming to three-dimensional vertical stacking of growth trays. Multiple layers of trays are stacked vertically, allowing crops to be grown in multiple levels within the same footprint area, thereby dramatically increasing crop yield per unit of land area.
Solution Approach 2:
The growth trays are designed to be nested within each other in vertical stacks. Each tray contains crops at different growth stages or types, with trays positioned one above another. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and allows efficient use of vertical space while maintaining access to all trays.
2Loss of substance
If hydroponic systems are used, then water and nutrient utilization is improved, but capital and labor efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage routing structure is designed to automatically channel excess water and nutrients from upper trays to lower trays without requiring manual intervention. The gravity-driven flow system self-regulates water distribution across multiple levels, reducing labor requirements while maintaining efficient water and nutrient utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked growth tray system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it grows multiple crop types or stages in different trays, recycles water and nutrients across levels, provides structural support for multiple layers, and enables automated monitoring. This multi-functionality improves capital efficiency by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If crops are grown in soil, then natural growing conditions are provided, but pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts crops from soil-based growing environments and places them in controlled hydroponic growth trays. By removing the soil medium entirely and replacing it with controlled nutrient solutions, the system eliminates the source of pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination while maintaining optimal growing conditions through precise control of nutrients, pH, and environmental parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydroponic system creates a controlled, sterile environment that is inert regarding harmful contaminants. The nutrient solutions and growth medium are carefully managed to prevent introduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, while the enclosed tray structure protects crops from environmental contamination sources that would be present in outdoor soil farming.
4Area of stationary object
If storage containers are arranged in stacks, then storage density is improved, but access to specific containers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking system is divided into modular growth trays that can be independently accessed. Each tray is a discrete unit that can be removed or accessed without disturbing other trays in the stack. The drainage routing structure is also segmented into separate channels for each tray, allowing independent maintenance and access while maintaining the integrity of the overall stacked system.
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 system enhances the efficiency of hydroponic operations by optimizing water and nutrient use, reducing labor requirements, and minimizing PA levels in crops, thereby improving crop quality and yield while reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined growing surface, inclined in a direction to at least one drainage hole
Implementation Method 2
a drainage routing structure positioned over the at least one drainage hole, and having a down-pipe and a connecting routing pipe, wherein the down-pipe is for receiving fluid from an adjacent-above stackable item and transmitting the fluid to an adjacent-below down-pipe or a drain-pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Storage, growing system and methods for storing, germinating, propagating and or growing living organisms, exemplary systems including stackable growth tray(s) containing: a drainage system, the drainage system including: an inclined growing surface, inclined in a direction to at least one drainage hole; a drainage routing structure positioned over the at least one drainage hole, and having a down-pipe and a connecting routing pipe, wherein the down-pipe is for receiving fluid from an adjacent-above stackable item and transmitting the fluid to an adjacent-below down-pipe or a drain-pipe, and the connecting routing pipe is for receiving fluid from an adjacent-above drainage hole and routing the fluid to the down-pipe, and wherein fluid propagating from the inclined growing surface or an adjacent-above stackable item is directed through the growth tray to a down-steam point in the drainage system.