Vertical Growing Insert Retains Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical growing structures face challenges with water retention, as water tends to run along plant roots and drip out, leading to inadequate moisture levels within the growing structure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vertical growing structure with interconnected walls, an aperture for inserting a supporting insert, and a growing media that allows roots to grow. The insert features a supporting member and wings that trap the insert between the media and the wall, supporting plant stems and diverting water back into the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is supplied to plants in vertical growing structures, then plant growth is promoted, but water runs along roots and drips out, leading to water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water running along roots and dripping out into a beneficial circulation system. The supporting member with channels captures the runoff water and redirects it back into the growing media, transforming water loss into water conservation and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member acts as an intermediary element between the plant stems and the growing media. It provides structural support for the stems while simultaneously serving as a water redistribution system through its integrated channels, mediating both mechanical and hydraulic functions.
2Loss of substance
If a supporting structure is added to divert water, then water retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The supporting member simultaneously provides mechanical support for plant stems and serves as a water diversion channel, combining structural and hydraulic functions into one element rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both structural support and water management tasks. This universal element addresses multiple problems (stem support and water retention) with a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
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 retains water within the growing structure by diverting water from plant stems back into the cavity, ensuring adequate moisture levels and preventing water loss, while also providing structural support for the plants.
Implementation Method 1
the first wing and the second wing trapped between the growing media and the one of the plurality of interconnected walls for retaining the insert in the aperture
Implementation Method 2
the supporting member supporting stems of the plant and diverting water from the plant towards the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for growing a plant includes a vertical growing structure having a plurality of interconnected walls, the walls partially enclosing a cavity. An aperture is disposed through one of the plurality of interconnected walls. A growing media is disposed in the cavity. Roots of the plant are growable into the growing media. An insert is received through the aperture. The insert includes a supporting member protruding from the aperture. A first wing extends transversely from the supporting member. A second wing extends transversely from the supporting member opposite the first wing. The first wing and the second wing are trapped between the growing media and the one of the plurality of interconnected walls to retain the insert in the aperture. The supporting member supports stems of the plant and diverts water from the plant towards the cavity.