ZAPOPAN, Jalisco; October 13, 2023.- In a significant milestone for innovation in agriculture, researchers from the Faculty of Engineering of the Guadalajara Campus were granted a patent entitled "Semi-rigid structure to control microclimates for growing berries with manual roll-up ventilation". Universidad Panamericana In a significant milestone for innovation in agriculture, researchers from the Faculty of Engineering of the Guadalajara Campus were granted a patent entitled "Semi-rigid structure to control microclimates for the cultivation of berries with manual roll-up ventilation".
Involved in the patent
The project arose from a strategic alliance between a greenhouse construction company and the research center of the Universidad Panamericana Campus Guadalajara, inthe area of applied research, Dr. Omar Jiménez López, professor in Graduate Engineering, and Mtro. Luis Amezcua Eccius, Director of Civil Engineering and Administration.
In addition, Dr. Juan Alberto González, Corporate Director of Innovation and Transfer of the UP and Mr. Rodolfo Martínez Jiménez, who is the Corporate Coordinator of Intellectual Property of the UP, were in charge of the management of the patent procedures before the IMPI.
What does the invention consist of?
It is a greenhouse-type structure, 6 meters high and 14 meters wide, is inspired by the economy of elements found in nature, ensuring greater stability and efficiency in its function. Its repetitive and functional design extends to cover surfaces of several hectares, reducing thermal stress on plants and improving productivity.
This structure allows maintaining the ideal temperature inside it without being costly and rigid as traditional greenhouses are, and creating mobility inside not only for people but also for agricultural vehicles.
The development of the project took approximately one year, from its conceptual phase to the field tests, which were carried out under real climatic conditions on one hectare of crop. However, the process to obtain the patent took several years.
Patent benefits
Dr. Omar Jiménez highlighted the relevance of collaboration in applied research, aligned with Goal 9 of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This patent demonstrates the importance of innovation to introduce technologies that optimize the use of resources, generate employment and contribute to the economy.
"Applied research can be fundamental as it connects theoretical knowledge with its practical application to the reality of our country, allowing us to transform ideas into tangible and useful solutions. In this case it was looking to raise productivity in agriculture and berry crops, but this approach can be extended to any industrial field in our region," he shared.
Challenges along the way
Dr. Jiménez pointed out that the functionality and structure of the design were crucial aspects, facing real tests, including extreme weather conditions that demonstrated the structure's resistance and effectiveness in scenarios for which it was not originally designed.
"It was crucial to verify whether the articulation of the elements allowed for a solid and stable structural behavior over a hectareThe reduction of heat stress on the crops was also confirmed," he said.
Personally, Dr. Jimenez is pleased to see that bio-inspired ideas can succeed in real environments, thus validating the effectiveness of biomimetics in innovation. "As a researcher, my main satisfaction is to see that applied research can work in our country and that it can bring positive results for companies in our region and for our University."
With respect to the university community, Dr. Omar Jimenez invites students to explore applied research and biomimetics, highlighting creativity and practical application as key elements in this field.
The Universidad Panamericana prides itself on fostering an environment where applied research and creativity work hand in hand to drive real and relevant solutions for society. This achievement highlights our university's continued commitment to academic excellence and significant contribution to technological and economic development in the region.
