Vertical Tower Conveyance Mechanism for Dynamic Plant Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical farming systems face limitations in dynamically adjusting plant spacing and efficiently conveying grow towers within controlled environments, which can impact crop yield and growth optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a vertical tower conveyance mechanism with a reciprocating cam structure and integrated irrigation and nutrient supply, allowing for dynamic plant spacing and precise control of growing conditions, along with a load conveyance mechanism for moving grow towers to optimal positions within the farming structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed plant spacing is used in vertical farming systems, then structural simplicity is maintained, but crop yield optimization and growth efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a reciprocating cam mechanism that dynamically adjusts the spacing between plant supports as plants grow. The cam structure converts rotational motion into linear displacement, allowing the distance between support arms to vary over time according to the growth stage of the plants, thereby optimizing light exposure and resource distribution throughout the growth cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing adjustment mechanism operates periodically through the reciprocating cam structure, which cycles through different radial positions to provide varying spacing intervals at different stages of plant development. This periodic variation in spacing allows the system to adapt to changing plant requirements without requiring continuous complex control
2Productivity
If manual loading of grow towers is used, then system complexity is reduced, but labor requirements and loading efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automated loading mechanism where the reciprocating cam structure and tower positioning system work together to automatically load and position grow towers without manual intervention. The mechanism uses the same cam-driven motion to both adjust plant spacing and control tower positioning, allowing the system to serve itself in multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts plant spacing, controls tower positioning during loading, and maintains operational cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each task, balancing automation benefits with structural efficiency
3Productivity
If uniform exposure to lighting and nutrients is provided, then system simplicity is maintained, but crop optimization and growth efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides differentiated lighting and nutrient exposure to different zones along the grow tower based on plant growth stage and position. The reciprocating cam mechanism creates varying distances between light sources and plants, as well as between nutrient delivery points and root zones, allowing each plant to receive optimized local conditions rather than uniform treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled environment system dynamically changes parameters such as light intensity, nutrient concentration, and exposure duration based on plant growth stage. The periodic motion of the cam mechanism naturally creates parameter variations over time, with plants receiving different levels of resources at different phases of their growth cycle to maximize efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system for a vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. An irrigation line having apertures at the select positions provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers, while a gutter structure captures excess solution. In a closed loop system, the excess solution returns to a recirculation tank.