Vertical Carousel Cultivation System with Automated Plant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical farming systems lack the ability to work on plants at ground level, provide full 360° lighting, and have fully automated irrigation and dry back systems.
Innovation Solution
A vertical cultivation system that includes an automated carousel, lighting, and irrigation system, with a vertical racking system and integrated assemblies for environmental control, pest management, and treatment optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If plants are cultivated on elevated shelves in vertical farming systems, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for plant maintenance and harvesting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a robotic arm with dynamic positioning capability that can move along the vertical shelves and adjust its position to access plants at any height. The robotic platform can dynamically change its working position and orientation, transforming the static elevated cultivation system into a dynamically accessible one through automation.
2Ease of manufacture
If lighting is provided from above in vertical farming systems, then installation simplicity is improved, but lighting coverage and plant growth optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can illuminate plants from above during normal growth phases, and the robotic arm can reposition lights to provide side or bottom lighting when needed. This multi-functional lighting system optimizes illumination coverage for different plant growth stages and spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a static overhead configuration to a dynamic, repositionable arrangement. The robotic arm can move lighting components to different positions and angles, allowing the system to adapt lighting coverage to match plant growth needs at various stages.
3Device complexity
If manual irrigation is used in vertical farming systems, then system complexity is reduced, but irrigation efficiency and water management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system incorporates sensors that automatically detect soil moisture levels and trigger irrigation when thresholds are met. The system monitors its own water needs and performs irrigation autonomously based on real-time environmental data, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing water usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses moisture sensors to continuously monitor soil conditions and provides feedback to the irrigation controller. This closed-loop control system adjusts irrigation timing and duration based on actual plant water needs, significantly improving irrigation efficiency compared to manual or fixed-schedule systems.
4Area of stationary object
If vertical shelves are packed closely to maximize density, then space efficiency is improved, but air circulation and plant health deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs fans and air circulation devices that use pneumatic forces to move air through the densely packed vertical shelves. These devices create forced convection currents that penetrate deep into the shelving units, ensuring adequate oxygen supply and humidity distribution even in tightly configured vertical farming spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical cultivation system and method. The vertical cultivation system includes a vertical carousel with associated platforms that each hold a plant. The carousel moves the platforms through different levels during the daily growing cycle and the plants receive treatments at each level. The treatments include irrigation, lighting, environmental control, pest management, and deep-water culture. The movement of the carousel (e.g., its speed and rotational positioning) is controlled by a controller that receives input from sensors configured with the plants. The sensors communicate sensed readings (e.g., moisture levels) and the controller controls the carousel's movement based on the readings. When at ground level, the plants are held at a level that is ergonomic for pruning and other plant maintenance activities.