Wave-Shaped Soilless Cultivation Container with Segmented Flow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Soilless plant cultivation systems face issues with nutrient-rich fluid leakage and oxygen deficiency for plant roots, leading to algae growth and impaired root health when oriented vertically, and high capital investment for high-density cultivation.

Innovation Solution

A soilless plant cultivating container with a wave-shaped body featuring a flow channel, receptacles for plant support, v-shaped ridges for fluid channeling, air passages for oxygen and temperature control, and engagement formations for coupling multiple containers, preventing fluid overflow and enhancing root exposure to oxygen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If plants are cultivated in vertically oriented containers with constant nutrient fluid supply, then nutrient delivery to roots is improved, but fluid leaks through planting holes causing algae overgrowth on container surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient deliveryVSAvoidalgae overgrowth

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple sealed compartments separated by partitions. Each compartment has its own planting hole configuration, allowing independent control of fluid flow and plant root access. This segmentation prevents fluid leakage from one compartment affecting others, eliminating the algae growth problem while maintaining nutrient delivery to each plant section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the container have different properties: some areas have planting holes for root access, while adjacent areas have sealed surfaces to prevent leakage. The partitions create localized zones with specific fluid flow characteristics, allowing nutrient delivery where needed while preventing overflow and algae growth in other zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If roots are constantly exposed to nutrient fluid, then nutrient uptake is improved, but oxygen availability decreases impairing root respiration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient uptakeVSAvoidoxygen deficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic flooding and draining cycles rather than constant fluid exposure. During flooding periods, roots receive nutrients; during draining periods, oxygen-rich air reaches the root zone. This periodic action alternates between nutrient delivery and oxygenation, satisfying both requirements without constant compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If multiple containers are coupled for high density cultivation, then plant density is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant densityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual container units are coupled together through standardized engagement formations on the partitions. The partitions serve dual purposes: they separate fluid compartments within each unit and provide coupling mechanisms for joining units. This merging approach achieves high plant density while using standardized components that reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partitions perform multiple functions simultaneously: they separate nutrient compartments, provide structural support, enable coupling between units through engagement formations, and facilitate modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system despite high plant density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 container maximizes nutrient delivery to plant roots, prevents algae growth, and allows for controlled oxygen and temperature exposure, optimizing plant growth and density in vertically oriented systems while reducing capital costs.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate body of generally wave shaped form having a flow channel defined therethrough; and at least one receptacle defined in a sidewall of the body, located in a concave region of the elongate body, the receptacle being in fluid communication with the flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through channel:

Implementation Method 2

air passages for oxygen and temperature control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through passage:

Implementation Method 3

v-shaped ridges for fluid channeling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid channeling:

Implementation Method 4

elongate body of generally wave shaped form having a flow channel defined therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid containment:

Data Source

PatentEP3261431B1Soilless plant cultivating container

Publication Date: 2020.07.08 E SMARTS GLOBAL LICENSING LTD

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AI summary

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a soilless plant -cultivating container which Includes an elongate body of generally wave shaped form having a flow channel defined therethrough, and at least one receptacle defined in a sidewall of the body In fluid communication with the floe channel for receiving and supporting a plant therein, wherein the receptacle Is angularly disposed to the vertical axis of the body.