Automated Vertical Plant Tower with Under-Tray LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-layer plant growth systems are inflexible, inaccessible, and costly, with complex and dangerous watering systems, and they do not fully utilize the benefits of LED lighting technology, particularly in commercial horticulture.
Innovation Solution
An automated vertical storage tower with integrated growth trays that feature LED lighting sources on the underside of each tray, allowing for flexible tray spacing, automated retrieval, and precise control of lighting and environmental conditions, including temperature and CO2 levels, while enabling safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plants are grown in static multi-layer systems with fixed lighting positions, then plant growth can be supported, but plant inaccessibility and restricted height occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable lighting apparatus that can be dynamically adjusted in height and position along the vertical axis. The lighting system is no longer fixed but can move up and down to accommodate plants at different growth stages and heights, thereby maintaining plant accessibility while supporting continuous growth in a multi-layer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for plant growth, acts as a movable support structure, and enables access to plants at various heights. By integrating these functions into a single movable unit, the system improves accessibility without compromising its primary function of supporting plant growth.
2Productivity
If complex watering systems are installed in multi-layer systems, then plant irrigation is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capillary wicking material that automatically draws water from a reservoir to the plant roots without requiring pumps, valves, or complex control systems. The system self-regulates water delivery through capillary action, eliminating the need for motorized components and reducing maintenance requirements while ensuring consistent irrigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical watering systems (pumps, hoses, valves) with a passive capillary wicking system. Water is delivered through material properties rather than mechanical force, dramatically simplifying the system architecture and eliminating moving parts that require maintenance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If LED lighting is placed close to plants for efficiency, then lighting efficiency improves, but heat damage to plants occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent or translucent heat-reflective barrier between the LED lighting and the plants. This thin film reflects infrared heat radiation away from the plants while allowing visible light to pass through, enabling the lighting to be positioned close to plants for maximum efficiency without causing thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a heat-reflective barrier as an intermediary element between the LED lighting system and the plants. This mediator reflects heat away from the plants while transmitting useful light, solving the contradiction by decoupling the thermal and optical functions of the lighting system.
4Productivity
If multi-layer vertical systems are constructed to increase growing capacity, then productivity increases, but building cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vertical growing system into modular, standardized layers that can be independently constructed and assembled. Each layer contains standardized components (lighting units, water reservoirs, growing trays) that can be manufactured separately and stacked to create multi-layer systems, reducing overall construction cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where lighting apparatus, water reservoirs, and growing trays are integrated within each vertical layer. Components are arranged concentrically or hierarchically within each module, maximizing space utilization while maintaining a compact, cost-effective structure that can be scaled by simply adding more identical layers.
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 provides a flexible, safe, and cost-effective solution for plant growth, enhancing accessibility and efficiency by integrating LED lighting and automated processes, allowing for optimized lighting distribution and precise environmental control.
Implementation Method 1
a suitable lighting source is located under each tray and is typically provided by strips of LED lighting
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a vertically stacked multi-layer storage system suitable for the provision of temperature and/or humidity controlled storage of materials. There is particularly provided a vertically stacked multi-layer system having suitable lighting for use with any tray, pot, aeroponic and hydroponic plant growing system and apparatus to combine growing in an integrated growth tray having a suitable lighting source located under the growth tray.