Vertical Modular Hydroponic System with Contiguous Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydroponic systems occupy large floor space and are prone to clogging, limiting their expansion and efficiency in indoor settings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A vertical modular hydroponic plant growing system that includes a base assembly with a nutrient reservoir, a pumping module, and multiple vertical stacking units with plant receiving members, allowing for efficient fluid distribution and expansion without complex tubing, featuring a removable and modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trough-based hydroponic systems are used, then plants can grow in nutrient-enriched fluid, but the system occupies large floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal trough-based system to a vertical stacking unit configuration. Multiple stacking units are arranged vertically, allowing the nutrient reservoir and plant growth chambers to be stacked one above another. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical space utilization dramatically reduces the floor space footprint while maintaining the ability to support multiple plants in nutrient-enriched fluid.
2Area of stationary object
If individual tubing systems are used to provide nutrient fluid to each plant, then floor space is minimized, but the narrow tubes are prone to clogging and occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid distribution into two distinct pathways: a shared wide-bore nutrient reservoir that stores the nutrient solution, and individual narrow channels within each stacking unit that distribute fluid to specific plant zones. This segmentation allows the main fluid pathway to remain wide and clog-resistant while still providing individualized fluid delivery to each plant area through the stacked modular units.
3Area of stationary object
If individual tubing systems are used for each plant, then floor space is reduced, but the system complexity increases and expansion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each stacking unit is designed as a universal modular component that can be independently assembled and configured. The stacking units feature standardized interfaces that allow them to be stacked in various configurations and combined with different plant modules. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture, as the same basic stacking unit design serves multiple functions and can be easily expanded by simply adding more identical modules rather than designing custom tubing routes for each plant location.
4Reliability
If traditional hydroponic systems are used, then plants receive adequate nutrients, but the system is difficult to expand to additional plant locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic, adjustable components including removable stacking units that can be added or removed to change system capacity, adjustable shelving within stacking units to accommodate different plant heights, and flexible plant module positioning. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt and expand to additional plant locations by simply stacking additional units or reconfiguring existing ones, while maintaining reliable nutrient delivery through the consistent modular architecture.
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 reduces floor space usage, minimizes clogging risks, and facilitates easy expansion by providing a contiguous interior channel for fluid distribution, ensuring efficient plant growth and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pump operable to pump fluid, and a pump tube configured to attach to the fluid pump at a first end and permit fluid pumped by the fluid pump to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
Hydroponically-grown plants, where a nutrient-enriched water-based fluid is provided to the roots of plants to facilitate growth
Implementation Method 3
a plant module positioned in the plant receiving member and extending into the interior vertical channel such that a portion of the plant module is in fluidic communication with the interior vertical channel
Data Source
AI summary
A plant growing system including a base assembly, a pumping module, a plurality of vertical stacking units, each vertical stacking unit of the plurality of stacking units including sidewalls defining an interior vertical channel, an attachment section, and a plant receiving member that includes a plant-receiving aperture to permit a plant module to be positioned therein and extend into the interior vertical channel such that a portion of the plant module is in fluidic communication with the interior vertical channel, and an irrigation module comprising sidewalls, a center member having one or more apertures, an inlet port, and an outlet port.