Entry 26: Plans for Extension System

8 August 2012

By Kai Xiang

After going through some rounds of evaluation, I have finalised the designs for the extension which allows for more plants to be grown using the current prototype. 

The name of this structure is StairFLOW.

The design is based on staircases and has 2 main functions:

1. To facilitate the flow of water with gravity

2. To provide support and more stability to the the C-shaped prototype.

Sketches:

The materials to be used for the construction of these are plywood, screws and steel brackets. The plywood and screws are compulsory materials to be used, but the use of steel brackets is tangible, based on its availability and suitability for the extension.

First, it's three different levels of elevation serve to purposes: to provide support for more trays and thus, more plants to grow, and to allow water to flow with the aid of gravity which creates enough pressure to force water through the system and reduces the need for pumping. Water flows down the different level of elevation (through trays) until it returns back to the fish tank, creating a a cyclic process for water flow. The different levels of elevation can also easily be separated, allowing for greater effiiency in storage.

Next, there is a backing plank on one of the ends of "StairFLOW". This is supposedly able to fit into the gap in the C-shaped structure of the initial prototype, hence helping to support the plant tray on the prototype by sharing the weight. This also allows it to be attached to the C-shaped prototype, such that it is slightly more space-efficient and alligned for water flow to be conducted effectively.

We have also made plans for the trays. We have decided to make the input hole of the tray on the cover of the tray, which is the upwards surface, reducing leakages and allowing for greater use of gravity's aid.

We hope to complete the construction as soon as possible to keep up with the current busy schedules that we have.