Vertical Hydroponic Wall With Absorbent Layers For Automated Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydroponic systems require significant human intervention for nutrient and water management, leading to issues like algae growth, water loss, and the need for frequent adjustments, making them labor-intensive and inefficient for growing plants vertically indoors.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic growing system featuring a vertically configured wall with absorbent layers and an integrated automatic irrigation system that meters and delivers nutrients and water, with optional humidity control and artificial lighting, allowing for customizable zones and reduced human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional hydroponic systems are used with elevated plantings above water bodies, then plants can be grown hydroponically, but significant human intervention is required for nutrient and water management, algae cleaning, and plant position adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through the absorbent wall structure that automatically retains and releases nutrients and water to plants as needed. The wall self-regulates nutrient delivery without requiring manual intervention for positioning plants or adjusting nutrient levels, as the absorbent material naturally manages the distribution process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical systems (manual nutrient addition, water level management, plant positioning) with an absorbent material-based system. The absorbent wall passively manages nutrient and water retention and release through its physical properties rather than requiring mechanical pumps, valves, or manual adjustments
2Productivity
If plants are grown in fully submerged conditions, then hydroponic growth is achieved, but algae growth occurs requiring frequent cleaning of the water
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts plants from fully submerged conditions and positions them against the absorbent wall where only root systems contact the retained nutrients and water. This separation removes the aerial portions of plants from water contact, eliminating the conditions that promote algae growth while maintaining hydroponic growth benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent wall acts as an intermediary between the nutrient solution and plants. It controls and limits water and nutrient exposure to only the root systems through its absorbent properties, preventing excessive moisture that would otherwise promote algae growth in open water systems
3Area of stationary object
If multiple plants are grown concurrently on a vertical structure to save horizontal space, then space efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases requiring zoned irrigation and humidity control
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is segmented into multiple zones with different absorbent materials or configurations to meet the specific needs of different plant types. Each zone can be independently managed for nutrient and water delivery, allowing diverse plant species to thrive simultaneously without requiring complex centralized control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wall are given different properties through varying absorbent materials or thicknesses to suit specific plant requirements. This localized customization allows each plant zone to receive appropriate moisture and nutrient levels without complicating the overall system, as each section independently manages its own micro-environment
4Loss of substance
If manual nutrient and water management is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but nutrient and water loss through evaporation, run-off, and plant absorption cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent wall serves itself by automatically retaining excess nutrients and water during irrigation and gradually releasing them to plants as needed. This self-regulating mechanism prevents nutrient and water loss through run-off and evaporation without requiring external monitoring or manual adjustment, as the material's physical properties inherently manage the retention and release cycle
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 reduces human intervention by automating nutrient and water delivery, maintaining optimal conditions for plant growth, and enhancing air quality, while being aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for various plant species and spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The wall comprises a plurality of absorbent layers... the wall, through its absorbent layers, retains the nutrients and/or water until accepted by the plants
Implementation Method 2
an integrated and customizable automatic irrigation system for providing nutrients and/or water, with metered absorption of the nutrients and/or water by the plants and regulation of excess nutrients and water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for growing plants hydroponically on a vertical wall. The system can be used to grow many different species of plants concurrently. The system comprises a specially designed wall together with an integrated and customizable automatic irrigation system for providing nutrients and water, with metered absorption of the nutrients and water by the plants and regulation of excess nutrients and water. The wall may be equipped with an automatic release system which releases the nutrients into the wall's absorbent covering.