Vertical Plant Growth System with Lumens-Enhancing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional farming methods are inefficient due to low plant density, high carbon emissions, and extensive use of petrochemical substances, while existing high-density farming methods like hydroponics and aeroponics still face limitations in light exposure and root nutrient distribution.
Innovation Solution
A soilless high-density plant growth system utilizing a greenhouse structure with lumens-enhancing materials, wave-shaped support members for vertical growth, and a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus to optimize light, temperature, and nutrient delivery, along with a computerized system for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional row planting in soil is used, then plants have sufficient space for growth, but plant density per square meter is low requiring large farming areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional horizontal row planting to three-dimensional vertical stacking. Multiple layers of plants are arranged vertically within a confined space, allowing dozens of plants to occupy what would traditionally require a much larger horizontal area. This dimensional transformation directly resolves the contradiction by dramatically increasing plant density per square meter while minimizing the footprint of farming land required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple layers of plants are stacked one within another in a vertical columnar arrangement. Each layer is positioned within the vertical envelope of the structure, with plants nested at different heights. This nesting approach maximizes the use of vertical space, allowing high plant density within a compact volume, thereby increasing productivity per square meter while reducing the overall area required for farming operations.
2Productivity
If traditional farming with tractors and machinery is used, then plants can be cultivated, but carbon emissions are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical farming systems (tractors, tillers, sprayers) with an automated vertical stacking mechanism. The system uses a automated apparatus to position and arrange plant seedlings in vertical columns without requiring heavy machinery. This substitution eliminates the carbon emissions associated with diesel-powered agricultural equipment while maintaining efficient plant cultivation through automated mechanical placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking system is designed to be self-sufficient in its nutrient delivery mechanism. Nutrient solution is circulated through the vertical structure via gravity feed and recirculation, eliminating the need for external machinery to deliver nutrients and water to each plant. The system serves itself through passive circulation and automated positioning, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive mechanical systems while maintaining high cultivation efficiency.
3Productivity
If petrochemical-based fertilizers and pesticides are used, then plant growth can be supported, but environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the nutrient system by replacing petrochemical-based fertilizers and pesticides with organic compost tea and natural nutrient solutions. The nutrient composition is transformed from synthetic chemicals to organic matter decomposed in aerated water, creating a biologically active solution that supports plant growth without the harmful environmental effects of petrochemicals. This parameter change in chemical composition eliminates pollution while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a closed, controlled environment where nutrient solution is recirculated in a sealed vertical structure. This controlled atmosphere prevents the escape of nutrients and chemicals into the external environment, containing all nutrient delivery within the system boundaries. The inert enclosed environment ensures that no petrochemical substances are released into the atmosphere or surrounding ecosystem, eliminating environmental pollution while maintaining effective plant growth support through controlled nutrient delivery.
4Productivity
If plants are spread out in a single plane with roots in nutrient solution, then nutrient supply is simple, but light exposure and plant density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the single-plane horizontal arrangement into a multi-layer vertical structure. Plants are distributed across multiple vertical levels rather than spread in one horizontal plane, allowing each plant to receive adequate light exposure from above while dramatically increasing the number of plants that can be accommodated in the same footprint. This dimensional reorganization simultaneously improves light exposure, increases plant density, and maintains manageable structural complexity through modular vertical stacking.
5Reliability
If greenhouse tunnels are used to protect plants, then plants are protected from elements, but plant density and carbon emission reduction are minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent evolves from traditional horizontal greenhouse tunnel structures to vertical stacked arrangements within enclosed spaces. Plants are arranged in vertical columns that maximize the use of three-dimensional space within the protected environment. This vertical configuration allows significantly higher plant density within the same protected volume compared to horizontal tunnel arrangements, thereby improving productivity and carbon reduction efficiency while maintaining reliable protection from environmental elements through the enclosed vertical structure.
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
This system achieves a 100 to 1000% increase in plant density, reduces carbon emissions by using solar power and eliminating petrochemicals, and creates a self-sustainable environment with optimized light and nutrient distribution, enhancing plant growth and reducing pathogen risks.
Implementation Method 1
a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus to optimize light, temperature, and nutrient delivery
Implementation Method 2
The lumens enhancing means may be in the form so called light penetrating material for allowing a predetermined amount of sunlight to penetrate the structure
Implementation Method 3
The material may include reflective properties for allowing sunlight to penetrate the structure, but to inhibit sunlight to reflect back to outer the structure
Implementation Method 4
wave-shaped support members for vertical growth
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a soilless system for high density plant growth, said system including a greenhouse type structure, at least one elongate support member arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse type, structure, the support member having a body having a flow channel defined therein, and a plurality of vertically spaced apart receptacles angularly disposed to the vertical axis of the body for receiving a plant therein, the. receptacles being in flow communication with the flow channel, a fluid supply system in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid stream to the said flow channel and a fluid collection system for collecting residual fluid which has flowed through the flow channel.