SCALABLE VERTICAL FARMING SYSTEM WITH PRECISION NUTRIENT CIRCULATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention is a scalable vertical farming system designed for urban environments, utilizing hydroponic techniques to maximize crop production in limited spaces. The system features vertical columns that support multiple PVC pipes, each containing holes for net pots filled with a soilless growing medium, allowing for efficient growth of leafy vegetables. A closed-loop nutrient delivery mechanism circulates nutrient-rich water from a reservoir through the pipes, ensuring consistent nourishment for the plants. Automated control via a timer optimizes nutrient delivery based on plant needs. This innovative design enhances crop yields, improves produce quality, and reduces environmental impact by eliminating the need for soil and minimizing resource waste. The system is user-friendly and portable, making it accessible for urban households and small-scale growers, ultimately contributing to local food security and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. Dated this …….Day of October, 2024 Dr. Monica Gulati Registrar Lovely Professional University

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of this invention encompasses urban agriculture, specifically focusing on vertical farming and hydroponic systems. It integrates soilless cultivation techniques with space-efficient designs to optimize crop production in limited urban environments. The invention leverages advanced nutrient circulation methods to enhance plant growth and yield while addressing challenges related to soil quality and land scarcity. This technology aims to contribute to sustainable food production in metropolitan areas, promoting local food security and resource efficiency.
BACKGROUND
[002] Urbanization has drastically reduced available agricultural land, particularly in metropolitan areas where population density continues to rise. This has led to increased food demand, creating significant pressure on urban food systems. Traditional agriculture relies heavily on arable land and soil quality, both of which are compromised in urban settings due to pollution and construction. Consequently, urban agriculture faces unique challenges, necessitating innovative solutions that maximize limited space and resources.
[003] Vertical farming has emerged as a promising alternative, utilizing vertical space to grow crops without soil. This method is particularly advantageous in urban environments where ground-level farming is unfeasible. By employing hydroponic techniques, crops can be cultivated in nutrient-rich water solutions, which not only enhances growth rates but also minimizes water usage. This approach optimizes land use and allows for the cultivation of a variety of vegetables in compact spaces like balconies or rooftops.
[004] Several patents have been published in the field of vertical farming and hydroponics, highlighting advancements in soilless cultivation technologies. For example, US20240245018A1 describes a spiral growing system housed in a vertically elongated silo, focusing on a continuous track for plant growth. However, this system operates separately from integrated methods that combine different hydroponic techniques to optimize nutrient delivery and space efficiency.
[005] Current hydroponic systems often do not integrate features that address both space constraints and the need for efficient water and nutrient use. Research has shown that combining various methods, such as Dutch bucket systems and aeroponics, can yield superior results in terms of productivity and sustainability. However, there remains a gap in exploring these integrations within urban contexts, particularly in regions facing severe land and water limitations.
[006] The need for scalable and adaptable urban farming solutions has never been more critical. As food security becomes a pressing global issue, innovative approaches like vertical farming are essential for local communities to grow their own food. This empowers residents to take control of their food sources, reducing dependence on external supply chains that may be vulnerable to disruptions.
[007] In addition to enhancing food security, vertical farming systems can significantly reduce environmental impacts associated with traditional agriculture. By minimizing the need for arable land and decreasing transportation requirements for produce, these systems contribute to a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, the closed-loop nutrient circulation helps conserve resources and reduces waste, promoting sustainable practices in food production.
[008] Despite the advancements in vertical farming technologies, challenges remain in terms of user accessibility and ease of implementation. Many existing systems are complex and require significant investment or technical knowledge, limiting their adoption among urban households and small-scale growers. A user-friendly, portable solution that is easy to set up and operate could bridge this gap and encourage more individuals to engage in urban agriculture.
[009] The integration of innovative vertical farming techniques presents a viable solution to the pressing challenges of urban food production. By addressing space, resource use, and sustainability, this invention not only aims to increase crop yields but also contributes to a more resilient and self-sufficient urban food ecosystem.
SUMMARY
[010] This invention presents a scalable vertical farming system that utilizes hydroponics to address the challenges of urban agriculture, particularly in densely populated areas with limited space. By employing vertical columns and PVC pipes, the system maximizes crop production in just one square meter, allowing urban households to grow up to 50 bunches of leafy vegetables without soil. The use of net pots filled with a soilless medium facilitates efficient nutrient absorption, while a closed-loop nutrient delivery system conserves resources and minimizes waste.
[011] The innovative design of this system not only enhances crop yield but also improves the quality of produce by providing optimal growing conditions. The automation of nutrient circulation, controlled by a timer, ensures consistent nourishment, promoting healthier plant growth and better nutritional content. This user-friendly approach makes it accessible to individuals with limited gardening experience, empowering urban residents to grow their own food.
[012] Furthermore, the system addresses the issues of soil pollution and degradation, making it particularly suitable for urban environments where soil quality is compromised. By eliminating the need for soil, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods, contributing to environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
[013] The integration of various hydroponic techniques within this compact design sets it apart from existing systems, which often operate in isolation. This modular approach allows for scalability, enabling users to expand the system according to their needs and available space, thereby increasing its adaptability across different urban contexts.
[014] This invention not only enhances food security by allowing urban residents to grow fresh vegetables but also promotes sustainable practices in urban agriculture. By providing a practical solution for limited-space farming, it encourages self-sufficiency and resilience in local food systems, addressing the growing demand for fresh produce in urban areas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1provides the working prototype of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention is a scalable vertical farming system designed for urban environments, utilizing hydroponic techniques to maximize crop production in limited spaces. It consists of vertical columns that support multiple PVC pipes arranged vertically, optimizing space utilization for growing leafy vegetables.
[021] Each PVC pipe has holes that accommodate net pots filled with a lightweight, soilless growing medium. This medium allows for efficient nutrient absorption while eliminating the need for soil, addressing issues of soil contamination and degradation prevalent in urban areas.
[022] The hydroponic setup enables users to cultivate crops like lettuce, spinach, and coriander in compact spaces such as balconies or rooftops, making it accessible for urban households and small-scale growers with limited gardening experience.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, A closed-loop nutrient delivery system connects a nutrient reservoir to the PVC pipes via delivery and return flow pipes. This system is equipped with a submersible pump that circulates the nutrient solution, ensuring consistent nourishment for the plants.
[024] The use of a timer allows for precise control over the nutrient delivery schedule, optimizing the timing and amount of nutrients based on the plants' growth stages and environmental conditions. This automation enhances the efficiency of the system.
[025] Regular monitoring of the system is crucial for maintaining optimal plant health and productivity. Users can check nutrient levels, pump performance, and plant growth, making necessary adjustments to ensure efficient operation.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that One of the primary advantages of this system is its ability to significantly increase crop yields per unit area. By utilizing vertical space effectively, it allows for high-density planting, leading to greater production compared to traditional flatbed farming methods.
[027] The closed-loop nutrient system conserves water and minimizes waste, enhancing resource efficiency. This sustainable approach reduces overall resource consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint associated with food production.
[028] The system's design is portable and modular, allowing users to easily expand or relocate it based on their needs. This flexibility makes it suitable for various urban settings and encourages more individuals to participate in urban agriculture.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, thatEnhanced quality of produce is another significant benefit of this hydroponic system. The controlled growing environment leads to vegetables with improved flavor, texture, and nutritional value, catering to the increasing demand for fresh, high-quality food.
[030] Discussions about the system emphasize its potential to strengthen urban food security by enabling residents to grow their own food, reducing dependence on external sources, and fostering community resilience in the face of food supply disruptions.
[031] This vertical farming and hydroponics system presents a practical solution to urban agricultural challenges, promoting sustainability, enhancing food production, and improving access to fresh produce, ultimately transforming urban food systems.
[032] Referring to figure 1, image depicts a modern vertical farming system designed for urban environments, showcasing two tall vertical columns that support multiple horizontally arranged PVC pipes. These pipes, prominently featured, have evenly spaced holes that contain net pots filled with a soilless growing medium, where leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach thrive. A visible water reservoir is connected to the pipes through a network of delivery and return flow tubes, highlighting the system's closed-loop nutrient delivery mechanism. At the base, a submersible pump is positioned to circulate nutrient-rich water from the tank into the pipes, ensuring consistent nourishment for the plants. Additionally, a timer is shown, indicating automated control over the nutrient delivery schedule. The entire setup is designed to fit compactly in limited urban spaces, emphasizing its accessibility for home gardeners and small-scale urban farmers. The vibrant green of the plants contrasts with the neutral tones of the PVC pipes and the sleek design, showcasing the potential for high-density crop production in a modern urban context.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024
Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University
, Claims:We claim:
1. A vertical farming system for urban agriculture, comprising:
A. a pair of vertical columns supporting multiple vertically arranged PVC pipes, each having holes for net pots filled with a soilless growing medium, wherein the system facilitates the growth of leafy vegetables without soil, utilizing a closed-loop nutrient delivery mechanism.
2. The vertical farming system of claim 1, wherein the soilless growing medium comprises a lightweight material that enhances nutrient absorption and moisture retention, providing an ideal environment for plant roots.
3. The vertical farming system of claim 1, further comprising a nutrient reservoir connected to the PVC pipes through a network of delivery and return flow pipes, ensuring efficient circulation of the nutrient solution.
4. The vertical farming system of claim 1, wherein the nutrient delivery is automated by a timer that regulates the operation of a submersible pump, allowing for precise control of nutrient intervals based on plant growth stages.
5. The vertical farming system of claim 1, wherein the PVC pipes have a diameter of approximately 4 inches to accommodate the growth of various leafy vegetables, optimizing space utilization in urban settings.
6. The vertical farming system of claim 1, wherein the net pots are designed to allow for optimal air circulation around the plant roots, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of root rot.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024

Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University

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