Week 3 Progress

The coarse design of the module was made, and the varieties of plants to be cultivated was discussed, as shown in Figure 1. After analyzing factors such as growth success rate, consumer demand, and ideal companion plants, The final decision is to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Modifications were applied to the design of the previous week. Two vertical posts are the support of the whole planter and two parallel horizontal beams will connect the columns. These two horizontal posts will have plants growing both up as well as upside-down.The watering system for the planter is changed to a hydroponic system in the module to reduce the planter's weight and to idealize growing conditions for the plants while making the system cleaner and easier to maintain. An example of the system is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1. Coarse Planter Design (not to scale)

Figure 2. Example of Hydroponics [10]

The material composition of the planter was discussed. The main building material or materials must be relatively inexpensive and lightweight, while being strong enough to support the weight of the plants and the running water, as well as survive outdoors conditions. Besides, the budget must be fine-tuned for consumer cost estimates. The materials selection details are to be discussed in the following weeks. 

The actual plants for the final module and presentation have been purchased as seedlings and are currently growing so that they will be of a properly impressive size by the end-of-term presentations.

The plan for the following week is to prepare for and start the mechanical design.