®2024

Mechanical

The Mechanical Team designed and built the physical structure of the hydroponic system. Their work focused on the aluminum frame, channel supports, and ensuring the system could be disassembled and reconfigured easily. They prioritized mobility, modularity, and functionality to support testing and optimization.

Team Members

Marlon Buchanan - Piping Design Andrew Nathan - Structural Design

Team Lead

Avry Krywolt

Status

InProgress

Aluminum Frame

Key Component

The main support structure for the garden, designed for flexibility and transport. Purpose: Acts as the base frame that supports all other components How It Works: Made of aluminum extrusion that is easy to adjust and reconfigure Design Choices: Designed to be lightweight, mobile, and customizable for modular testing; uses strut extrusion and 3D printed components for quick prototyping

Grow Channels

Key Component

The grow channels house the plants and guide the nutrient solution along the root zone using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). These channels are elevated and angled to ensure a consistent, shallow flow of nutrients.

Purpose: Hold the plants and allow nutrient-rich water to flow under their roots. How It Works: Channels are angled slightly to allow gravity to pull water from the reservoir, across the plant roots, and into the drainage system. Design Choices: PVC piping and adjustable mounting brackets allow the team to test different crops and flow rates.

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Mechanical

Aluminum Frame

Key Component

Key Component

Key Component

Grow Channels

Key Component

Key Component

Key Component

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