Sun-Tracking Pivot Growing System for Optimal Plant Light Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional growing systems for photosynthetic organisms like plants and algae are fixed, leading to over-exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours and insufficient light during other times, failing to provide optimal sunlight exposure.
Innovation Solution
A sun-tracking growing system with a body that pivots about a central axis, equipped with a sun-tracking mechanism to adjust its orientation and ensure consistent sunlight exposure, allowing for tailored light exposure based on plant species needs, and optionally incorporating artificial lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed growing system is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but plants receive inconsistent sunlight exposure leading to over-exposure during peak hours and insufficient light during other times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed growing system into a movable one that can track the sun's movement. The growing system is mounted on a rotating mechanism that adjusts its orientation throughout the day to maintain optimal sunlight exposure for plants, converting static structural stability into dynamic adaptability for consistent illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If a sun-tracking system maximizes sunlight exposure like solar collectors, then light availability is improved, but plants become over-exposed to intense sunlight during peak hours when photosynthesis is saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the sunlight exposure requirements of different plant zones. The growing system is divided into multiple sections that can be independently oriented to receive different amounts of sunlight, allowing plants with varying light requirements to be positioned in zones that match their specific needs rather than uniform exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing only the amount of sunlight that plants actually need for photosynthesis rather than maximizing exposure. The tracking mechanism is calibrated to limit direct sunlight during peak intensity hours when photosynthesis is saturated, preventing harmful over-exposure while maintaining sufficient light availability during less intense periods.
3Device complexity
If plants are arranged in fixed rows, then spacing and support structures are simplified, but plants shade each other and receive insufficient light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the entire growing structure rotatable rather than fixing plants in static rows. This dynamic arrangement allows the plant supports to follow the sun's path, ensuring that all plants receive direct sunlight throughout the day without mutual shading, while maintaining relatively simple spacing and support requirements.
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
Ensures optimal sunlight exposure for photosynthetic organisms by adjusting to the sun's position throughout the day, preventing over-exposure and ensuring consistent light levels, while accommodating different plant species' requirements and providing supplemental artificial light when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
A sun tracking mechanism is provided which senses or calculates the position of the sun and adjusts the orientation of the body about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
A mounting enables the body to pivot about a pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sun tracking plant growing system includes a body having a first face, a second face opposed to the first face and a peripheral connecting edge which is relatively small, as compared to the size of the first face and the second face. A mounting enables the body to pivot about a pivot axis. Plant supports, which receive plants, are supported by the body. A sun tracking mechanism is provided which senses or calculates the position of the sun and adjusts the orientation of the body about the pivot axis to maintain a selected portion of the peripheral connecting edge of the body facing the sun so as to provide desirable and naturally attenuated sunlight exposure according to plants' needs on both faces throughout a day. This system allows that multiple rows or single row of the plural bodies are arrayed closely together without creating shadows to each other.