A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR MOVEMENT OF ROOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Indian patent application, having application number 202241043260, filled on 28 ^th July 2022, incorporated herein by a reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field greenhouse construction, and more particularly, to a system and method to move a roof mounted on a greenhouse.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditional greenhouses typically feature curved roofs, which allow rainwater to slide off easily, preventing structural damage and water accumulation. However, it significantly increases the cost of setting up the greenhouse due to the complexity of constructing the curved roof. The high setup cost acts as a deterrent for potential greenhouse operators, limiting the widespread adoption of greenhouse technologies for flora production.

[0004] In addition, conventional greenhouses are plagued by the greenhouse effect, leading to the accumulation of heat inside the structure. This requires the use of heavy-duty fans and cooling pads to regulate the internal temperature and create a suitable environment for plant growth. The expenses associated with cooling and temperature control constitute a substantial portion of the overall operational costs, making greenhouse farming economically challenging.

[0005] In light of the above stated discussion, there exists a need of a greenhouse system to overcome the above stated disadvantages.

SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system and method for retractable roof of greenhouse and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one non-limiting implementation of the present disclosure a system for movement of roof is disclosed. The system may comprise of roof. The roof may further comprise of a first layer LI and a second layer L2, a plurality of poles configured to support the roof. Further, the plurality of poles are placed at two opposite sides of the system. Furthermore, the poles may comprise of one or more drive rods at each side of the plurality of poles coupled with a one or more drums. Further, wires are winded on the drums and a pulley at each pole which may be configured to loop the wires back to the drums. Further, the system may comprise of one or more motor configured to actuate rotation of the drive rods. The rotation of the drive rods winds and unwinds the wires, on the drums, depending on the direction of the rotation. The rotation of the drive rods further actuates the movement of at least one of the first layer LI and the second layer L2, depending on the direction of the rotation.

[0008] In another implementation of the present disclosure a method for moving a layer LI of a system is disclosed. The method may comprise steps of: actuating a motor, placed at proximity of a plurality of poles at one side of the system, may be configured to rotate drive rods. Further, rotating one or more drums coupled to the drive rods wherein wires are winded on the drums. Furthermore, winding and unwinding the wires on the drums to actuate the movement of the layer LI, depending on the direction of the rotation of the drive rods.

[0009] In another implementation of the present disclosure a method for moving a layer L2 of a system is disclosed. The method may comprise steps of actuating a motor, placed at proximity of a plurality of poles at one side of the system, may be configured to rotate drive rods. Further, rotating one or more drums coupled to the drive rods, wherein wires are winded on the drums. Furthermore, winding and unwinding the wires on the drums, to actuate the movement of the layer L2, depending on the direction of the rotation of the drive rods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0010] The detailed description is described 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 like features and components.

[0011] Figure 1, illustrates a system (100), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2, illustrates rain collection mechanism (200), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3, illustrates motor connection (300) with a system (100), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 A, illustrates a drum (310), in accordance with the present disclosure; [0015] Figure 3B, illustrates a pulley (320) to loop wires back to the drum (310), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3C, illustrates a delay bracket mechanism (330), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3D, illustrates connection (340) of drive rods (341) connected to pedestal system (342), in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure d, illustrates a method (400) for moving a layer LI of a system (100), in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 5, illustrates a method (500) for moving a layer L2 of a system (100), in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0021] The terms “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, “including”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0022] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a flexible, and movable roof structure (101) for a greenhouse. The movable roof structure (101) may comprise one or more layers (LI, L2) that open and close independent of each other to create an ambient environment and provide protection from heat, rain and other elements of weather under the roof (101). The opening and closing mechanism of the roof may be controlled through a pulley or belt drive system.

[0024] Further in accordance with the exemplary embodiment the roof (101) may be made of a flexible material and may be stitched in a particular or in a defined way that allows for easy folding and unfolding of roof (101) repeatedly. The roof material also allows to limit the amount of heat, water and light that can pass through it.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a system (100) for movement of roof (101) is disclosed, in accordance with the present disclosure. The system (100) may comprise of a flexible and movable roof (101) for a greenhouse may be configured to create an ambient environment and provide protection from heat, rain and other elements of weather under the roof (101). The movable roof (101) may comprise a first layer LI and a second layer L2 that open and close independent of each other. In a related embodiment, the layers LI and L2 may move independent and opposite to each other. The system (100) may further comprises of a plurality of poles (102) which may be configured to support the roof (101). Further, the plurality of poles (102) are placed at two opposite sides (104, 105) of the system (100), as shown in figure 1. Furthermore, the system (100) may comprise of a wire structure (103) configured to suspend the two layers LI and L2, using hooks.

[0026] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the layers LI and L2 may be fixed at opposite sides (104, 105) of the system (100). Further, the layer LI and L2 may be stitched at fixed intervals to provide guidelines for folding the layers, instead of rolling.

[0027] In a related embodiment, LI may be made up of fabric mesh material. Further, the layer LI ensures lower temperature inside the system (100) by providing shade. In another related embodiment, layer L2 may be made up of translucent flexible plastics, to allow sunlight to pass through the layer. Further, the material of L2 may be heat resistant and IR blocking, configured for allowing heat to come in during summer season and further not allowing the heat to escape during winter season.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, a rain collection mechanism (200) is disclosed, in accordance with the present disclosure. The Layer L2 may comprise of a plurality of holes (203) which may be configured to collect and guide rain-water towards the ground. In a related embodiment, the water may be collected by collection pipes (201). In another non-limiting embodiment, the water falling through the roof (101), may be collected through a plurality of flexible or rigid chutes (201) that may be fixed or moveable. Further, the collection pipes (201) may be connected with underground network of pipes (202) for rain water harvesting. In another related embodiment, the water collected through the chutes/pipes (201) may be redirected to water tanks and reused or is used for rejuvenating aquifers.

[0029] Figure 3, illustrates motor connection (300) with a system (100) in accordance with the present disclosure. The system (100) may comprise of one or more motor (301). Further, the motor (301) may be placed at proximity of plurality of poles (102).

[0030] In a related embodiment, the motor (301) may be connected to drive rods (341), as shown in figure 3D. In another related embodiment, the drive rods may be connected to the poles (102) via, a plurality of pedestal system (342), as shown in figure 3D. Further, a plurality of drums (310), as shown in figure 3 A, may be coupled with the drive rods (341). The drums (310) may be fastened to the drive rods (341) via bolts. Further, the drums (310) may be welded to the drive rods (341). Wires, on which the two layers are suspended using hooks, may be winded on the drums (310). Furthermore, the wires may loop back, to the drums (310), using a pulley (320), as shown in figure 3B. The pulley (320) may be placed at each pole of the plurality of poles (102).

[0031] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor (301) may be configured to actuate rotation of the drive rods (341), which in turn actuates the rotation of the drums (310). The rotation of the drums (310) winds and unwinds the wires thus, moving the layers LI and L2 depending on direction of the rotation of the motor (301) and drive rods (341).

[0032] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor (301) may be placed at proximity to the plurality of poles (102) at both sides (104, 105) of the system (100). The layer LI and L2 may be coupled with independent motors for each layer such that, the layers LI and L2 may move independent and opposite to each other.

[0033] Figure 3C, illustrates a delay bracket mechanism (330) in accordance with the present disclosure. The delay mechanism (330) may comprise of a tube carrier, 400 to 500cm long, a cable retainer, 200 to 300 cm long, and a tube (not shown in figures). The delay bracket mechanism (330) may be configured to ensure that the wire does not wind over itself.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wires may be galvanised iron wires. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a stop mechanism may be configured to signal the motor (301) to stop. The signal may be generated when at least one of the layers LI and L2 reach either side of the system (100). Further, the stop mechanism may comprise of shock sensors to determine that at least one of the layers LI and L2 reach either side of the system (100). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (100) may stand on a foundation. The foundation may be configured to provide stability to the system (100).

[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (100) eliminates the need for a curved roof while still ensuring effective rainwater management. By utilizing a different roof design that allows rainwater to be directed away from the structure without the complexities of a curved roof, the setup cost is significantly reduced. In an example, the new design aims to reduce the setup cost by at least 30% to 50% compared to traditional greenhouse structures. In another example, the new design reduces the setup cost by 40%.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (100) includes a roof structure (101) that can be easily opened to enable efficient heat dissipation during hot periods. This feature allows excess heat to escape, minimizing the need for heavy-duty cooling systems. In a non-limiting example, the operational costs related to temperature control are reduced by at least 70% compared to conventional greenhouses. In another non-limiting example, the operational costs related to temperature control are reduced by at least 60% to 80%.

[0037] The combination of reduced setup costs and decreased operational expenses makes the roof structure (101) highly cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. The implementation of system (100) will not only benefit commercial greenhouse farmers but also encourage the adoption of greenhouse technologies in various regions, promoting agricultural development and food security.

[0038] Figure 4, illustrates a method (400) for moving a layer LI of a system (100) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (400) may comprise the steps:

[0039] At step (401), a motor (301), placed at proximity of a plurality of poles (102) at one side (104) of the system (100), may be actuated. The motor (301) may be configured to rotate drive rods (341).

[0040] At step (402), rotating one or more drums (310) coupled to the drive rods (341). Wires, on which the two layers are suspended using hooks, may be winded on the drums (310), and

[0041] At step (403), winding and unwinding the wires on the drums (310), to further actuate the movement of the layer LI, depending on the direction of the rotation of the drive rods (341). [0042] Figure 5, illustrates a method (500) for moving a layer L2 of a system (100) in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (500) may comprise the steps:

[0043] At step (501), a motor (301), placed at proximity of a plurality of poles (102) at one side (105) of the system (100), may be actuated. The motor (301) may be configured to rotate drive rods (341).

[0044] At step (502), rotating one or more drums (310) coupled to the drive rods (341). Wires, on which the two layers are suspended using hooks, may be winded on the drums (310), and

[0045] At step (503), winding and unwinding the wires on the drums (310), to further actuate the movement of the layer L2, depending on the direction of the rotation of the drive rods (341). Technical Advance & Economic Significance

[0046] The presently disclosed system and method to move a roof may have the following advantageous functionalities on the conventional art:

- Delay bracket mechanism: ensures that the wire does not wind over itself.

- Ventilation', allows air exchange and temperature control. - Heating and Cooling Systems: the present system regulates temperatures due to two distinct layers in the roof.

- Irrigation and Watering: layer L2 ensures rain water is collected.

- Shading and Light Control: controls the amount of light entering the greenhouse, using layer LI.