Vertical Conduit Crop Production System with Modular Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeroponic and hydroponic production systems occupy significant space, are costly, and lack scalability, making them inefficient for large-scale crop production, and their nutrient delivery mechanisms are not easily extendible.
Innovation Solution
A modular crop production system utilizing conveyance systems with floating crop trays in liquid conduits, integrated with automated loaders and adjustable lighting, allows for scalable and space-efficient crop cultivation, incorporating hydroponic and aeroponic nutrient delivery with controlled nutrient and light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aeroponic and hydroponic production systems are used, then nutrient delivery control is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from ground-based horizontal cultivation to vertical stacking of conduits, utilizing the vertical dimension to multiply planting capacity. Multiple conduits are stacked vertically with supports positioned at different heights, enabling space-efficient three-dimensional crop production while maintaining controlled nutrient delivery to each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests multiple cultivation conduits within a vertical stack structure, where each conduit contains crops and nutrient delivery systems, and multiple such conduits are nested within the same vertical space. This nested arrangement maximizes crop production within a compact footprint, addressing both the need for controlled nutrient delivery and reduced space occupation.
2Manufacturing precision
If aeroponic and hydroponic production systems are used, then nutrient delivery control is improved, but purchase costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular, interchangeable components including individual conduits, supports, and nutrient delivery mechanisms. Each conduit can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for standardized production that reduces costs. The modular design enables flexible configuration and easier maintenance, improving overall cost-effectiveness while preserving precise nutrient delivery control.
3Manufacturing precision
If aeroponic and hydroponic production systems are used, then nutrient delivery control is improved, but system extendibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable supports that can be repositioned vertically along the conduits, allowing dynamic adaptation to different crop heights and growth stages. The modular conduit design enables easy addition or removal of individual units, providing flexibility for system expansion or reconfiguration while maintaining consistent nutrient delivery control across all levels.
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
Enables efficient use of space, reduces costs, and allows for customizable crop growth environments, enhancing scalability and viability of indoor crop production.
Implementation Method 1
Each crop tray is configured to float in the liquid conduit along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
passage of liquid in the liquid conduit is controllable by the liquid propulsion system to create a current
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
A crop production system is disclosed, comprising a support configured to hold a plurality of conduits in a suspended, stacked, configuration with one conduit stacked on top of another, the support being operable to move the stacked conduits with respect to each other, wherein each conduit is configured to receive and sequentially convey a plurality of crop trays along a route from one end of the respective conduit to an opposite end.