A crop growth condition monitoring device

Abstract

This invention discloses a crop growth monitoring device, relating to the field of agricultural equipment. It includes a base plate, connecting rods, a vertical rod, and a light source assembly. The base plate has several sets of detection components evenly distributed on it. The side of the base plate is connected to the bottom of the vertical rod via connecting rods. The top of the vertical rod is equipped with a light source assembly that emits stable light. A horizontal movement assembly is located on one side of the base plate where the connecting rods are located. A vertical movement assembly is located on the horizontal movement assembly, and a photoresistor element is located on the vertical movement assembly. A linkage block is located at the bottom of the photoresistor element. When the linkage block moves directly above any set of detection components, it can activate the detection components to extend into the soil for detection. This invention can measure the moisture and fertility of the soil around the crop while simultaneously measuring the crop plant height, thereby indirectly obtaining information about the crop's root system and saving labor in crop data collection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural equipment, specifically to a crop growth monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] In the research and development stage of some new crops, it is usually necessary to grow a small number of actual crop plants in the laboratory or experimental greenhouse for observation. In order to speed up the research progress, very good growing conditions are usually provided so that the plants can grow and develop rapidly. This requires data collection from the plants to be carried out every day in order to collect enough data under the rapid growth of the plants.

[0003] In data collection, data on plant height, the relationship between plant height and root size, and the relationship between plant height and water and fertilizer consumption are all very important and necessary. However, collecting data on plant height, root system, and water consumption is very cumbersome, usually requiring multiple methods including measuring with a tape measure, soil collection, and even digging up the soil. The operation is complicated and the collection is difficult. Therefore, a new device is needed to collect this data in the preliminary stage to save research time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a crop growth monitoring device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a crop growth monitoring device, comprising a base plate, connecting rods, a vertical rod, and a light source assembly. Several sets of detection components are evenly distributed within the base plate. The side of the base plate is connected to the bottom of the vertical rod via connecting rods. A light source assembly is located at the top of the vertical rod, emitting stable light. A transverse moving component is located on one side of the base plate where the connecting rods are located. A longitudinal moving component is located on the transverse moving component, perpendicular to it. A photoresistor element capable of moving along the longitudinal moving component is mounted on the longitudinal moving component. A linkage block is located at the bottom of the photoresistor element. When the linkage block moves directly above any set of detection components, it can drive the mounting housing within the detection component downwards, causing the soil moisture sensor to extend into the soil for detection.

[0006] Preferably, the light source assembly includes a translation component, a light source, a connecting frame, a rotating cover, and a rotating motor. The translation component is fixed to the side of the vertical rod via a base plate. The light source is fixed on a slide on the translation component and can be moved by the slide. The connecting frame is fixed to the light source. The rotating cover is rotatably connected inside the connecting frame. The bottom of the rotating cover is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor. The rotating motor is fixed to the bottom of the connecting frame.

[0007] Preferably, the rotating cover has light-transmitting holes on its side wall.

[0008] Preferably, the lateral movement component and the translation component are connected to the same switch and can be controlled by the switch to move synchronously.

[0009] Preferably, the linkage block has track grooves on its two symmetrical sides.

[0010] Preferably, the detection assembly includes a sliding column, an electric actuator, and a soil moisture sensor. The sliding column is fixed to the inner top surface of the mounting housing and slidably connected to the track groove. The mounting housing is installed inside the base plate and is held in place by friction without external force. The electric actuator is fixed inside the mounting housing. The soil moisture sensor is installed on the output shaft of the electric actuator. A limiting block is provided directly below the mounting housing. A set of plugs is provided on the bottom surface of any side of the mounting housing. A slot is provided on the limiting block at the position corresponding to the plug. After the plug is inserted into the slot, power is supplied, and the electric actuator can be activated by electricity to insert the soil moisture sensor into the soil.

[0011] Preferably, the photoresistor element includes a photoresistor block mounted on top of a slide within the longitudinal movement assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the linkage block is fixed to the lower surface of the slide within the longitudinal movement assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the base plate is further provided with a support seat, and the two ends of the longitudinal moving component are respectively located on the transverse moving component and the support seat.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0015] 1. This invention can measure the height of crop plants by means of the cooperation between the light source component and the photoresistor element, replacing the original method of measurement by means of manual tape measure or string, thereby improving measurement efficiency and saving measurement time.

[0016] 2. The detection component in this invention can be linked with the linkage block when measuring the height of the plant. At the same time as measuring the height, the moisture content in the soil at different distances from the plant roots can be measured. Based on the biological characteristics that plants mainly absorb water in the root hair zone of the root, water can only be effectively absorbed when the plant roots reach the area. Thus, the change in soil moisture reflects the root growth range of the plant. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the light source component structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the light source component structure;

[0020] Figure 4 To detect the exploded view of the component structure;

[0021] Figure 5 Here are the structural diagrams of the transverse and longitudinal movement components;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the structure at point A inside;

[0023] Figure 7 Here are the structural diagrams of the transverse and longitudinal movement components;

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of the structure at point B inside;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of measuring plant height.

[0026] In the diagram: 1-base plate; 10-support base;

[0027] 2-Linkage;

[0028] 3-Vertical rod;

[0029] 4-Light source assembly; 41-Translation assembly; 42-Light source; 43-Connecting frame; 44-Rotating cover; 441-Light transmission hole; 45-Rotating motor;

[0030] 5-Detection component; 51-Sliding column; 52-Electric actuator; 53-Soil moisture sensor; 54-Mounting housing; 55-Limiting block; 56-Plug; 57-Slot;

[0031] 6- Lateral movement component; 7- Longitudinal movement component;

[0032] 8 - Photoresistor element; 82 - Photoresistor block;

[0033] 9-Linkage block. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 8This invention provides a technical solution: a crop growth monitoring device, comprising a base plate 1, a connecting rod 2, a vertical rod 3, and a light source assembly 4. Several sets of detection components 5 are evenly distributed within the base plate 1. The side of the base plate 1 is connected to the bottom of the vertical rod 3 via the connecting rod 2. The top of the vertical rod 3 is equipped with the light source assembly 4, which emits stable light. A transverse moving component 6 is located on one side of the base plate 1 where the connecting rod 2 is located. A longitudinal moving component 7, perpendicular to the transverse moving component 6, is mounted on the longitudinal moving component 7. A photoresistor element 8, capable of moving along the longitudinal moving component 7, is mounted on the longitudinal moving component 7. A linkage block 9 is located at the bottom of the photoresistor element 8. The linkage block 9 moves to... When any set of detection components 5 is directly above, it can drive the mounting housing 54 in the detection component 5 to move downwards and cause the soil moisture sensor 53 to extend into the soil for detection. The light source emitted by the light source component 4 illuminates the shadow formed on the base plate 1 on the crop plant. Combined with the maximum height of the shadow measured by the photoresistor element 8, under the premise of knowing the light source height, the distance of the light source should be at the farthest end, the maximum height of the shadow, and other data, the height of the plant can be measured according to the principle of similar triangles. With daily data recording, the growth status of the crop can be known. The transverse component 6 and the longitudinal component 7 used are motor lead screw guides that drive the lead screw and move the moving block on the lead screw.

[0036] In this embodiment, the light source assembly 4 includes a translation assembly 41, a light source 42, a connecting frame 43, a rotating cover 44, and a rotating motor 45. The translation assembly 41 is fixed to the side of the vertical rod 3 via a base plate 46. The light source 42 is fixed on a slide on the translation assembly 41 and can be moved by the slide. The connecting frame 43 is fixed to the light source 42. The rotating cover 44 is rotatably connected inside the connecting frame 43. The bottom of the rotating cover 44 is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor 45. The rotating motor 45 is fixed to the bottom of the connecting frame 43. The translation assembly 41 can drive the light source 42 to move back and forth on the track. When moving, the light emitted by the light source 42 can illuminate the crop plants between the vertical rod 3 and the base plate 1, and form a light and shadow on the base plate 1 for measurement. The translation assembly 41 used is a motor lead screw guide rail that drives a lead screw and moves a moving block on the lead screw.

[0037] In this embodiment, the side wall of the rotating cover 44 is provided with a light-transmitting hole 441. The light-transmitting hole 441 is rectangular in shape, so that the emitted light is approximately parallel light, which can improve the measurement accuracy. Several sets of light-transmitting holes 441 can be set as needed. During measurement, the rotation of the rotating motor 45 allows light to pass through different light-transmitting holes to generate multiple sets of data, form a comparison, and eliminate errors.

[0038] In this embodiment, the transverse component 6 and the translation component 41 are connected to the same switch and can be controlled by the switch to move synchronously. In this way, when the light source 42 is driven to move to measure multiple crops, the photoresistor element 8 on the transverse component 6 can be kept in sync with the light source 42, thereby avoiding data errors.

[0039] In this embodiment, the two symmetrical sides of the linkage block 9 are provided with track grooves 91, and the two ends of the track grooves 9 are groove-shaped with high ends and low middle.

[0040] In this embodiment, the detection component 5 includes a sliding column 51, an electric actuator 52, and a soil moisture sensor 53. The sliding column 51 is fixed to the inner top surface of the mounting housing 54 and slidably connected to the track groove 91. The mounting housing 54 is installed inside the base plate 1 and is held fixed by friction without external force. The electric actuator 52 is fixed inside the mounting housing 54. The soil moisture sensor 53 is installed on the output shaft of the electric actuator 52. A limiting block 55 is provided directly below the mounting housing 54. A set of plugs 56 is provided on the bottom surface of any side of the mounting housing 54. A slot 57 is provided on the limiting block 55 at the position corresponding to the plugs 56. The plugs 56 and slots 57 are connected to an external circuit through wiring, similar in function to the plugs and power strips of household appliances. After the plugs 56 and slots 57 are plugged in, power is supplied, and the electric actuator 52 is activated to insert the soil moisture sensor 53 into the soil. When the sliding column 51 passes through the track groove 91, it will be restricted by the shape of the track groove 91. The track groove 91 moves downward, pushing the mounting housing 54 downward against the friction between it and the base plate 1. When the sliding column 51 reaches the lowest point of the track groove 91, the plug 56 at the bottom of the mounting housing 54 is inserted into the slot 57. The electric actuator 52 is energized, allowing the soil moisture sensor 53 to extend into the soil and measure the water content. This allows for observation of whether plant roots are spreading in this area. The soil moisture sensor 53 can be a soil moisture sensor that measures water content, or a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium sensor that measures soil fertility as needed. By judging the changes in the data collected each time the water and fertilizer are uniformly applied to the soil, the growth range of the plant roots can be observed from the side. As the linkage block 9 continues to move, the sliding column 51 slides out of the lowest point, causing the mounting housing 54 to rise until the sliding column 51 finally disengages from the track groove 91. The electric actuator 52 is de-energized, the soil moisture sensor 53 rises, and the mounting housing 54 remains stationary within the base plate 1 under the action of friction. The linkage plate 9 moves to the next detection component 5, and this process is repeated.

[0041] In this embodiment, a photoresistor block 82 is installed on the top of the slide within the longitudinal movement assembly 7. When the light from the light source 42 shines on the plant and forms a shadow on the base plate 1, the photoresistor block 82 is moved by the longitudinal movement assembly 7 from the end closest to the plant to the end furthest from the plant. After the shadow is cast, the resistance of the photoresistor block 82 changes. By measuring the change in resistance value as it moves a certain distance on the longitudinal movement assembly 7, the length of the shadow can be obtained, thereby completing the measurement of the plant height.

[0042] In this embodiment, the linkage block 9 is fixed on the lower surface of the slide within the longitudinal movement component 7. While measuring the plant height, it also measures the moisture or fertility in the soil. By combining the plant height data with the data on changes in moisture and fertility at different points away from the plant roots, the relationship between plant height and the consumed moisture and fertility can be obtained.

[0043] In this embodiment, the base plate 1 is also provided with a support seat 10, and the two ends of the longitudinal moving component 7 are respectively located on the transverse moving component 6 and the support seat 10, so as to complete the balanced support of the longitudinal moving component 7.

[0044] Please see Figure 9 In the diagram, 'a' represents the height of the light source 42 above the ground, which is a known value; 'b1' is the projection of the distance between the plant root and the light source 42 onto the ground, which can be obtained through measurement and is also a known value; 'b2' is the distance between the plant root and the photoresistor block 82, which can be obtained by measuring the resistance change of the photoresistor block 82 as it moves on the longitudinal moving component 7. Therefore, based on the principle of similar triangles, the plant height 'x' is calculated as follows:

[0045] x = a*b2 / b1+b2.

[0046] Working principle: Crops are planted between the vertical rod 3 and the base plate 1. After planting, when data collection of crop plants is required, the translation component 41 drives the light source 42 to move back and forth on the track. During movement, the light emitted by the light source 42 illuminates the crop plants between the vertical rod 3 and the base plate 1, forming a light and shadow on the base plate 1. At this time, the photoresistor block 82 is moved from the side of the longitudinal translation component 7 closest to the plant to the side away from the plant. After the shadow is cast, the resistance of the photoresistor block 82 changes. By measuring the resistance value of the photoresistor block... By observing the changes in the shadow as the light source moves to a certain distance, the length of the shadow can be obtained. Given the light source height, the distance from the light source to its farthest point, and the maximum height of the shadow, the plant height can be measured using the principle of similar triangles. Daily data recording allows for monitoring the crop's growth. Simultaneously, the longitudinal movement component 7 drives the linkage block 9 to move. When the sliding column 51 passes through the track groove 91, the linkage block 9 is driven downwards by the shape of the track groove 91, pushing the mounting housing 54 downwards against the friction between it and the base plate 1 until the sliding column 51... When the device moves to the lowest point of track groove 91, the plug 56 at the bottom of the mounting housing 54 is inserted into slot 57, and the electric actuator 52 is energized, allowing the soil moisture sensor 53 to extend into the soil and measure the soil moisture content. This allows for observation of whether plant roots are spreading in this area. The soil moisture sensor 53 can be a soil moisture sensor that measures water content, or a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium sensor that measures soil fertility, depending on the requirements. By judging the changes in the data collected each time the water and fertilizer are uniformly applied to the soil, the growth range of the plant roots can be observed from the side. As the linkage block 9 continues to move, the sliding column... 51 slides out to the lowest point, causing the mounting housing 54 to rise until the final sliding column 51 disengages from the track groove 91. The electric push rod 52 is de-energized, the soil moisture sensor 53 rises, and the mounting housing 54 remains stationary within the base plate 1 under the action of friction. The linkage plate 9 moves to the next detection component 5, and this process is repeated. This allows for side observation of whether there is root spread of the plant at this location. While measuring the plant height, the soil moisture or fertility is also measured. By combining the plant height data with the data on changes in moisture and fertility at different points away from the plant roots, the relationship between plant height and the data on consumed moisture and fertility can be obtained.

[0047] Based on the above, this invention can measure the height of crop plants by means of the cooperation between the light source component and the photoresistor element, replacing the original method of measurement by manual tape measure or string, thus improving measurement efficiency and saving measurement time.

[0048] As is known from common technical knowledge, this invention can be implemented through other embodiments that do not depart from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and are not the only ones. All modifications within the scope of this invention or its equivalents are included in this invention.

Claims

1. A crop growth condition monitoring apparatus characterized by comprising: The device includes a base plate (1), a connecting rod (2), a vertical rod (3), and a light source assembly (4). Several sets of detection components (5) are evenly distributed inside the base plate (1). The side of the base plate (1) is connected to the bottom of the vertical rod (3) through the connecting rod (2). The top of the vertical rod (3) is provided with a light source assembly (4). The light source assembly (4) can emit stable light. A transverse component (6) is provided on one side of the base plate (1) where the connecting rod (2) is located. A longitudinal component (7) is provided on the transverse component (6) and is perpendicular to the transverse component (6). A photoresistor element (8) that can move along the longitudinal component (7) is installed on the longitudinal component (7). A linkage block (9) is provided at the bottom of the photoresistor element (8). When the linkage block (9) moves to the top of any set of detection components (5), it can drive the mounting housing (54) in the detection component (5) to move downward and make the soil moisture sensor (53) extend into the soil for detection. The linkage block (9) has track grooves (91) on its two symmetrical sides. The detection component (5) includes a sliding column (51), an electric actuator (52), and a soil moisture sensor (53). The sliding column (51) is fixed on the inner side of the notch provided at the top of the mounting housing (54) and can slide along the track groove (91). The mounting housing (54) is installed in the base plate (1) and is fixed by friction without external force. The electric actuator (52) is fixed in the mounting housing (54). The soil moisture sensor (53) is installed on the output shaft of the electric actuator (52). A limiting block (55) is provided directly below the mounting housing (54). A set of plugs (56) is provided on the bottom surface of any side of the mounting housing (54). A slot (57) is provided on the limiting block (55) at the position corresponding to the plug (56). After the plug (56) is inserted into the slot (57), the power circuit of the electric actuator (52) can be turned on and the soil moisture sensor (53) can be inserted into the soil by means of the electric actuator (52). The photoresistor element (8) includes a photoresistor block (82) mounted on the top of a slide within the longitudinal movement assembly (7); The linkage block (9) is fixed to the lower surface of the slide in the longitudinal movement assembly (7).

2. The crop growth monitoring device of claim 1, wherein: The light source assembly (4) includes a translation assembly (41), a light source (42), a connecting frame (43), a rotating cover (44), and a rotating motor (45). The translation assembly (41) is fixed to the side of the vertical rod (3) via a base plate (46). The light source (42) is fixed on a slide on the translation assembly (41) and can be moved by the slide. The connecting frame (43) is fixed on the light source (42). The rotating cover (44) is rotatably connected inside the connecting frame (43). The bottom of the rotating cover (44) is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor (45). The rotating motor (45) is fixed to the bottom of the connecting frame (43).

3. A crop growth monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotating cover (44) has a light-transmitting hole (441) on its side wall.

4. The crop growth monitoring device of claim 2, wherein: The lateral movement component (6) and the translation component (41) are connected to the same switch and can be controlled by the switch to move synchronously.

5. The crop growth monitoring device of claim 1, wherein: The base plate (1) is also provided with a support seat (10), and the two ends of the longitudinal moving component (7) are respectively located on the transverse moving component (6) and the support seat (10).

Images