RU224420U1 - MODULAR DESIGN FOR AEROPONIC PLANT GROWTH - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to agriculture and can be used for growing plants under controlled hydroponic conditions. The objective of the claimed utility model is to create an aeroponic vertical modular installation of ergonomic design. The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the efficiency of using the module for growing plants hydroponically due to the compactness of the installation, namely reducing the distance between plants vertically and horizontally, and locating the light source as close as possible to the plant. To achieve this task, it is proposed to create an aeroponic vertical modular installation for growing plants, containing a supporting frame on which a prefabricated manifold is installed, consisting of a stand that is attached to the frame, a bowl, which is the main element from which a column of any height, having four seats, is assembled for plants with holes at the bottom for uniform distribution of the solution to the next floor, a distributor installed on the upper cup of the column, and a cover with a hole on top, which closes the column from above and serves to fix the supply of irrigation solution, the irrigation system and the additional lighting system. 5 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to agriculture and can be used for growing plants in controlled hydroponic conditions.

State of the art

A module for growing plants hydroponically is known from the prior art (see invention patent RU 2178637 C2 dated January 27, 2002), containing a vertically oriented structure with holes and a mechanism for providing nutrient fluid. The vertically oriented structure is made of layers, with the front layer being made of a form-building material with seats in the form of pockets with holes for seeds and/or plants. The back layer is made in the form of a protective waterproof film, and the intermediate space between the front and back layers is a capillary surface. The module allows you to increase the efficiency of using working space in the vertical direction.

A module for growing plants is known (see utility model patent RU 109368 U1 dated October 20, 2011), characterized in that it includes a container consisting of a bottom and four walls, at least one of which is made with at least one upper protrusion and one lower depression, located along one axis one above the other, along the upper perimeter of the container walls there are recesses for installing connecting elements, designed to ensure simultaneous connection of the container with an adjacent installed container of a similar module and with a lid made with sides, shaped the inner perimeter of which is made in response to the shape of the outer perimeter of the container bottom, while on the sides along their lower edge there are recesses for installing connecting elements, located coaxially with the recesses made in the walls of the container.

The closest in technical essence to the claimed device is a modular hydroponic installation for growing plants with a vertical flow of liquid (see invention patent CN 114208651 dated March 22, 2022), consisting of a support body equipped with space for forming a flow cavity, the upper part of the mounting body is equipped with an inlet hole for water, and the lower part of the mounting body is equipped with an outlet hole for water, a landing plate fixed on the side surface of the mounting body, with landing holes made in the landing plate, a water drainage core, a water deflection core, which is fixed in the internal cavity.

The disadvantages of this type of installation include the monolithic structure, which does not provide the ability to vary the height and density of planting. In addition, the design of the modules is quite bulky, which complicates the process of assembly and maintenance.

Disclosure of utility model

The objective of the claimed utility model is to create a modular design for aeroponic growing of plants with an ergonomic design.

The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the efficiency of using the module for growing plants hydroponically due to the compactness of the installation, namely reducing the distance between plants vertically and horizontally and locating the light source as close as possible to the plant.

To achieve this task, it is proposed to create a modular design for aeroponic growing of plants, containing:

supporting frame (1) (see Fig. 1), which serves as the basis for the vertical installation of columns (2), installation of lighting fixtures and supply of irrigation solution,

prefabricated manifold (see Fig.3), consisting of a stand (3) (see Fig.3, Fig.4), which is the base for a column that is mounted on a frame, bowl (4) (see Fig.3, Fig. .5), which is the main element from which a column of any height is assembled, having four seats with holes at the bottom for uniform distribution of the solution to the next floor, while the bottom also serves to support the roots, distributor (5) (see Fig.3 and Fig.6), installed on the upper cup of the column, which serves as the beginning for distributing the irrigation solution during watering of the uppermost cup of the column, and a cover (6) (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 7) with a hole on top, which closes the column from above and serves to fix the irrigation solution supply,

irrigation system (7) (see Fig. 8), consisting of a main pipeline and tubes supplying irrigation solution from the main pipeline through a hole to the cover into the column,

additional lighting system (8) (see Fig.9), containing lamps that are attached to the supporting frame using longitudinal strips.

The supporting frame can be made of either metal or polymer.

The prefabricated manifold is based on any polymer pipe with a diameter of, for example, 110 mm. The lower elements of the column are hermetically glued onto this pipe using any inert glue.

The cups have four seats - two on one side and two on the reverse side. The cups are assembled into a column and are also fixed around the perimeter with inert glue. The diameter of the seats on the cup is about 60 mm. The height of the column is determined by the project.

The irrigation system ensures uniform saturation of plant roots with a nutrient solution. Simultaneously with watering, the solution, falling from floor to floor of the column, is saturated with oxygen. At the time of irrigation, the solution, starting from the upper distributor, flows through all floors of the column and enters the collector. From the collector, the solution enters a collection container, is filtered and again sent for irrigation.

The supplementary lighting system, thanks to the technology and design of the frame, allows you to install the light source as close as possible to the plants, use the simplest lamps and use the generated light energy more effectively than all analogues for the vegetation of plants.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 shows the supporting frame (installation complete with plants).

Figure 2 shows an example of the height of the columns.

Figure 3 shows a prefabricated manifold.

Figure 4 shows the stand.

Figure 5 shows a cup.

Figure 6 shows a distributor.

Figure 7 shows the cover.

Figure 8 shows the irrigation system.

Figure 9 shows the additional lighting system.

Implementation of a utility model

This section of the description will present the most preferred embodiment of the utility model, which, however, does not limit other possible embodiments that are clearly evident from the application materials and understandable to a specialist.

1. Assembling the frame.

To assemble a standard line of the selected profile, a frame measuring 6 × 0.7 × 2.3 m is assembled. For structural rigidity, at least seven vertical posts are used. To install the prefabricated manifold, in accordance with the technical specifications, transverse crossbars are fixed in the racks, ensuring a uniform slope of 2 mm per 1 linear meter in the direction of draining the solution.

2. Assembling and installing the prefabricated manifold on the frame.

The collector pipe is marked under the columns, matted and degreased. Next, a stand is glued onto it in the amount determined by the technical specifications. After the pipes have dried, the collectors are installed on the frame and connected. Check the correct slope and secure the pipes using mounting tape.

3. Assembly of columns.

For each column, take the same number of cups. The number of cups in each column can be from 1 or more, depending on the technical specifications. Degrease the sizing areas. After this, the selected geometric dimensions are glued, assembled and calibrated using guides. And left to dry.

4. Installation of columns on the line.

A distributor and a lid are installed on top of each finished column. Next, the column is installed strictly vertically on the prefabricated manifold in the stand. If necessary, for structural rigidity, longitudinal and transverse frame elements are added to hold the columns in a vertical position.

5. Installation of an irrigation system.

After installing the columns, an irrigation system is installed. It is recommended to use low-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a diameter of 32 mm as the basis of the main pipeline and saddles with an adapter for the pipe or hose supplying the solution to the column as distribution devices. When installing the saddle, it is possible to adjust the diameter of the feed hole. This allows you to achieve a uniform supply of solution along the entire length of the pipeline. After installing the irrigation system, it is necessary to conduct testing and visually assess the uniformity of the nutrient solution throughout the entire line

6. Installation of lighting fixtures.

To install lamps on the frame, a longitudinal strip is mounted at the height of the uppermost cup. Next, lamps are installed on this bar and connected to the electrical network. Then it is necessary to conduct random testing of the luminous flux on the seats. The minimum value should be 6000 lux.

7. Planting plants.

To grow plants on the line, seedlings are prepared 5-12 days after sowing, depending on the crop. Seedlings for planting are grown on an inert substrate that holds its shape well (for example, coconut, mineral wool) in a cup with an upper diameter of 56 mm. At the time of planting, watering and lighting should be turned off. A cup with seedlings is placed in each cup seat on the column. After planting is completed, you can turn on automatic systems to control light and watering

8. Growing plants.

Each crop has its own nutritional profile. After each watering, the nutrient solution is adjusted in accordance with the nutritional profile. The growing period on the line, depending on the crop, is 3-4 weeks.

9. Harvest.

Harvesting is carried out after the plants reach marketable size and weight. The plant is removed from the column manually by pulling the formed rosette. If the plant is overgrown, there is a possibility of long and strong roots forming. In this case, it is recommended to hold the column with one hand and remove the plant with the other. After collection, plant debris and dirt are removed from the column and line. And the line is ready to go again.

The entire design of the system is aimed at the most economical use of available resources, be it space, electricity or employees. This is achieved by the size of the system modules, the design of the supporting frame, and the lighting mechanism. The distance between plants vertically and horizontally is the minimum possible. The light source is as close to the plant as possible. The design is very compact and does not require special equipment for operation by a person of average height, unlike analogs that require much more space, either horizontally or vertically, and at the same time require lifting equipment.

Claims (1)

A modular design for aeroponic growing of plants, containing a supporting frame on which a prefabricated collector is installed, consisting of a stand fixed to the frame, which is the basis for a column assembled from bowls, each of which has four seats for plants with holes in the bottom for uniform distribution of the solution to the next floor, a distributor installed on the upper cup of the column, and a cover with a hole, which closes the column from above and serves to fix the supply of irrigation solution, an irrigation system consisting of a main pipeline and tubes supplying irrigation solution from the main pipeline through a hole to the cover in column, illumination system containing lamps that are attached to the supporting frame using longitudinal strips.