Vertical Aeroponic Seedling System with Revolver Shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural grow systems for propagating seedlings in aeroponic and deep-water culture environments are limited in size, capacity, and duration, restricting the number of seedlings that can be propagated and the length of time they can remain in the system.
Innovation Solution
The proposed agricultural grow system includes a revolver design with an upper and lower shell, a plumbing system with spray lines and heads, and seedling inserts that allow for aeroponic and deep-water culture propagation, enabling the system to accommodate a larger number of seedlings and extend the propagation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current aeroponic or deep-water culture systems are used, then seedlings can be propagated, but the system size and seedling capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal propagation systems to a vertical three-dimensional structure. Multiple shelves are stacked vertically within a single footprint, allowing seedlings to be propagated in the vertical dimension while minimizing ground space occupation. This enables high-capacity propagation (thousands of seedlings) within a compact area suitable for indoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs nested shelving units where multiple levels are contained within a compact vertical structure. Each shelf is nested within the overall frame, maximizing space utilization. The spray system is also nested within the shelving structure, with nozzles positioned at each level to service seedlings without requiring additional external equipment space.
2Duration of action of moving object
If current grow systems are used, then seedling propagation is possible, but the propagation duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system is designed to continuously or periodically mist water onto seedling roots at each shelf level, maintaining constant humidity and preventing root drying throughout the propagation period. This continuous action enables extended propagation durations (weeks to months) without requiring system redesign or manual intervention, supporting seedlings from germination through transplanting stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical shelving structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates propagation zones at different heights, facilitates air circulation, and integrates the spray distribution system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while enabling long-term propagation, as a single structure accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate systems.
3Productivity
If current systems with limited space coverage are used, then some seedlings can be propagated, but the overall capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits vertical space by stacking multiple propagation shelves one above another, converting a two-dimensional horizontal layout into a three-dimensional vertical structure. This allows the growing area to extend upward rather than outward, dramatically increasing seedling capacity within the same floor space allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The propagation system is divided into multiple independent shelf segments, each capable of holding numerous seedling containers. This segmentation allows the total capacity to be distributed across many small units (shelves and containers) that collectively occupy minimal ground area while maximizing vertical utilization and overall productivity.
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
The system effectively increases the capacity to propagate a large number of seedlings in both aeroponic and deep-water culture methods, while also allowing for extended propagation times and improved root growth.
Implementation Method 1
the spray head is positioned to supply the water to the plurality of seedling inserts
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural grow system for propagating seedlings in both aeroponic and deep-water culture environments without the use of commercial growing media. The agricultural grow system comprises a lower base shell and an upper shell having a plurality of plant sites positioned about a lower edge of the upper shell. The agricultural grow system also comprises a plurality of seedling inserts positioned in the plurality of plant sites of the upper shell and a plumbing system extending from the lower base shell to the upper shell, wherein the plumbing system comprising a spray line connected to a source of water and a spray head connected to the spray line, and wherein the spray head is positioned to supply the water to the plurality of seedling inserts.