Crop cultivation in-land irrigation fertilizer stick device for smart farm and smart farm system
By designing an in-situ irrigation fertilizer stick device adapted to different crop root depths, the problems of applicability and installation/removal of traditional irrigation devices have been solved, achieving efficient irrigation water and fertilizer supply, promoting root development, and saving water.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANDONG UNIV IND -ACADEMIC COOP GRP
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images

Figure CN117918241B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm and a smart farm system including said device, comprising: an inlet section, which is a cylindrical box with an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; at least one rod-shaped section, which is disposed at the lower part of the inlet section and is cylindrical with an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; and a discharge rod section, which discharges irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path through a plurality of discharge channels formed on the outer peripheral surface into the ground by means of the lower part of the rod-shaped section. Thus, different lengths can be adapted according to the root depth of the crop, and installation and removal operations are convenient. Irrigation water or fertilizer can be provided in all directions at the root position of the crop, thereby stimulating root development. Background Technology
[0002] As is well known, smart farms, which utilize information and communication technologies to automate crop growth and improve productivity in agricultural processes such as production, processing, distribution, and consumption, have recently attracted much attention.
[0003] As described above, a smart farm can be constructed using devices that automatically control factors such as light, water, and fertilizer in order to collect and analyze the crop's growing environment and optimize its growth.
[0004] In addition, water is one of the most important factors for crop growth. Water must be supplied to ensure crop growth, and when there is insufficient moisture in the soil, water can be supplied directly to the crops through irrigation devices installed in the ground.
[0005] Because traditional in-situ irrigation devices are designed for the same height, they are difficult to apply uniformly to different types of crops due to variations in root depth.
[0006] In addition, traditional in-situ irrigation is divided into vertical and horizontal types. The horizontal type requires simultaneous burial into the soil, while the vertical type has the problem of difficulty in removing the equipment after it has been buried in the soil and is needed for reuse.
[0007] At the same time, because the water discharge direction of traditional in-situ irrigation devices is fixed in one or two directions, it is difficult to effectively stimulate crop root development.
[0008] Prior technology documents
[0009] Patent documents
[0010] (Patent Document 0001) 1. Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0804020 (Registered on February 11, 2008) Summary of the Invention
[0011] The present invention aims to provide an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm and a smart farm system including said device, comprising: an inlet section, which is a cylindrical box with an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; at least one rod-shaped section, which is disposed at the lower part of the inlet section and is cylindrical with an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; and a discharge rod section, which discharges irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path through a plurality of discharge channels formed on the outer peripheral surface into the ground by means of the lower part of the rod-shaped section; thereby, different lengths can be adapted according to the root depth of the crop, and installation and removal operations are convenient, and irrigation water or fertilizer can be provided in all directions at the root position of the crop to stimulate root development.
[0012] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will further understand other purposes not mentioned through the following description.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, comprising: an inlet portion, configured as a cylindrical box having an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; at least one rod-shaped portion, disposed at the lower part of the inlet portion and configured as a cylindrical shape having an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; and a discharge rod portion, which, by being attached to the lower part of the rod-shaped portion, discharges the irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path in all directions into the ground through a plurality of discharge paths formed on the outer peripheral surface.
[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, wherein the inflow portion is provided with a groove-shaped clamp on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical box for installing and removing the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device.
[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, wherein multiple rod-shaped sections are connected by a connecting hole provided on the inner circumferential surface of one end and a connecting block provided on the outer circumferential surface of the other end.
[0016] Furthermore, in one aspect of the invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, wherein the discharge rod portion is connected by engaging a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface into the engaging hole provided on the rod-shaped rod portion.
[0017] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, wherein the discharge rod has a central flow path at its upper end that communicates with the irrigation water flow path, and a zigzag flow path communicating in the outward direction is formed at the lower part of the central flow path.
[0018] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm can be provided, wherein the discharge rod is equipped with multiple dividing blocks on its upper and lower sides for dividing the irrigation water moving outward through the zigzag flow path through multiple dividing flow paths and moving it downward.
[0019] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation land in a smart farm can be provided, wherein the discharge rod portion is formed in the form of a pointed tip at the lower part of the plurality of segmented blocks, and a plurality of discharge blocks are provided on the upper and lower sides for forming the plurality of discharge flow paths corresponding to the plurality of segmented flow paths on the outer peripheral surface.
[0020] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, a smart farm system can be provided, comprising: an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm; an irrigation water tank for storing irrigation water; an irrigation fertilizer tank for storing irrigation fertilizer; an irrigation water pump for pumping the irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer and supplying it to the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device; and a smart farm controller for controlling the irrigation water tank, the irrigation fertilizer tank, and the irrigation water pump, thereby supplying the irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer to the crops through the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device.
[0021] The present invention includes: an inlet portion, comprising a cylindrical box having an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; at least one rod portion, disposed at the lower part of the inlet portion and having a cylindrical structure having an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; and a discharge rod portion, wherein irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path is discharged into the ground in all directions through a plurality of discharge flow paths formed on the outer peripheral surface by means of the lower part of the rod portion; thereby, different lengths can be adapted according to the root depth of the crop, and installation and removal operations are convenient, and irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer can be provided in all directions at the root position of the crop to stimulate root development.
[0022] In addition, this invention can not only supply water and fertilizer directly to the roots of plants and crops, but also save 40 to 50% or more of water compared with conventional sprinklers and drip irrigation methods. Furthermore, it can prevent the inhalation of roots and fine soil when irrigating the ground with water and fertilizer. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one aspect of an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another form of an irrigation fertilizer rod device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figures 3 to 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a smart farm system including an irrigation fertilizer rod device for crop cultivation land in a smart farm, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] [Symbol Explanation]
[0028] 100: Irrigation fertilizer stick device for crop cultivation in smart farms
[0029] 110: Inflow Department
[0030] 120: Rod-shaped part
[0031] 130: Exhaust rod section
[0032] 200: Smart Farm System
[0033] 210: Irrigation water tank
[0034] 220: Irrigation Fertilizer Tank
[0035] 230: Irrigation pump
[0036] 240: Smart Farm Controller Detailed Implementation
[0037] The advantages, features, and methods of achieving the embodiments of the present invention will become even clearer through the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in many other different forms. These embodiments are merely intended to more fully disclose the invention and to more completely introduce the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The invention should only be defined by the scope of the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements.
[0038] In describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the invention. Furthermore, the terminology used thereafter is defined in consideration of its functionality in the embodiments of the present invention and may change according to the intentions or conventions of the user and application. Therefore, definitions should be based on the overall content of this specification.
[0039] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one form of an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another form of an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 to 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of an irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device for crop cultivation in a smart farm according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] See Figures 1 to 8 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device 100 for crop cultivation in a smart farm may include an inflow section 110, a rod-shaped section 120, and a discharge section 130. The irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device 100 for crop cultivation in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with irrigation water flowing in as an example, but irrigation fertilizer may also flow in and be supplied to the root system of the crop as needed.
[0042] The inflow section 110 is constructed as a cylindrical box with an inlet 111 for irrigation water to flow in. A clamp 112 in the form of a groove for installing and removing the irrigation fertilizer rod device 100 in the crop cultivation area according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical box.
[0043] For example, the inlet 110 can be a cylindrical box that is open at the top and closed at the bottom, with an inlet 111 for irrigation water to flow in at the center of the bottom. Irrigation water can flow in through the inlet 111 by connecting an irrigation water hose to the cylindrical box as described above.
[0044] Furthermore, the inflow section 110 is equipped with a clamp 112 formed in the shape of a quadrilateral groove on the outer peripheral surface of its lower end, so that when installing or removing the irrigation fertilizer rod device 100 for crop cultivation land according to an embodiment of the present invention, the installation and removal operations can be performed after the corresponding part is fixed by the device.
[0045] Meanwhile, on the upper outer peripheral surface of the inlet 110, a hose connection hole 113 can be formed in the form of a quadrilateral hole, and can be firmly connected by a connection component (not shown) provided on the end of the irrigation water hose for supplying irrigation water.
[0046] At least one rod-shaped section 120 is provided, which can be provided at the lower part of the inlet section 110 and is cylindrical in shape with an irrigation water flow path 121 communicating with the inlet 111. Multiple rod-shaped sections 120 can be connected by connecting holes 122A provided on the inner circumferential surface of the end of one rod-shaped section 120A and connecting blocks 122B provided on the outer circumferential surface of the end of another rod-shaped section 120B.
[0047] The connecting hole 122A can be formed in the shape of a quadrilateral hole, while the connecting block 122B can be formed in the shape of a triangular section with a protruding lower part in order to firmly maintain its insertion into the connecting hole 122A.
[0048] For example, the rod-shaped section 120 can be combined with one or more of the types of crops to be cultivated, so that the lower end of the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device 100 in the crop cultivation area according to one embodiment of the present invention reaches the depth of the root system of the cultivated crop.
[0049] As described above, the rod-shaped section 120 can be provided for crops such as vegetables whose root system is distributed at a depth of 15 to 20 cm from the ground surface. Only one rod-shaped section is provided in the ground. In the case described above, the connecting hole 122A provided on the inner circumferential surface of the end of the rod-shaped section 120A, which is extended from the lower part of the inflow section 110, can be connected to the protrusion 132 provided on the discharge rod section 130, which will be described later.
[0050] Furthermore, the rod-shaped stem 120 can correspond to fruit trees and other crops whose root systems are distributed at a depth of 25-30 cm from the ground surface. By combining two rod-shaped stems 120A and 120B, the connecting hole 122A provided on the inner circumferential surface of the end of one rod-shaped stem 120A and the connecting block 122B provided on the outer circumferential surface of the end of the other rod-shaped stem 120B can be combined.
[0051] That is, a rod-shaped section 120 can be constructed with a length of approximately 9 to 11 cm.
[0052] Furthermore, as described above, the inner diameter of the lower end of the rod-shaped rod portion 120 is formed with a relatively large diameter, thereby allowing easy connection of the upper ends of the rod-shaped rod portion 120B or the discharge rod portion 130 to the lower part. In the case where it is composed of two rod-shaped rod portions 120A and 120B, the discharge rod portion 130 can be easily connected to the lower part by forming other connection holes 123B at the lower end of the lower rod-shaped rod portion 120B.
[0053] The discharge rod 130 can be connected to the lower part of the rod-shaped rod 120 to discharge irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path 121 into the ground through multiple discharge flow paths 138 formed on the outer peripheral surface. The discharge rod 130 can be connected by connecting the protrusion 132 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rod body 131 to the connection hole 122A provided on the rod-shaped rod. As described above, the protrusion 132 can be configured with a triangular cross-section shape with a lower protrusion in order to firmly maintain the state of being inserted into the connection hole 122A provided on the rod-shaped rod 120.
[0054] The protrusion 132 can be formed by protruding from the surface of two blocks selected from a plurality of dividing blocks 135 described later, in order to be inserted into the engagement hole 122A provided on the rod-shaped rod portion 120, and the interval between them can be adjusted to such an interval as 180 degrees.
[0055] Furthermore, a central flow path 133 communicating with the irrigation water flow path 121 can be formed inside the upper end of the discharge rod portion 130, and a zigzag flow path 134 communicating outward in the lower part of the central flow path 133 can be formed. The central flow path 133 can be formed to a size corresponding to the irrigation water flow path 121 in order to ensure that the irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path 121 moves smoothly downward. The zigzag flow path 134 can be formed by bending vertically from the central flow path 133 outward in the outward direction and communicating with the outer peripheral surface, so that the irrigation water moving in the central flow path 133 moves towards the outer peripheral surface of the rod body 131 through the zigzag flow path 134.
[0056] At this time, since the discharge rod 130 is in a state where the rod-shaped rod 120 is connected around the rod body 131 up to the upper end of the plurality of discharge blocks 137 described later, the irrigation water that moves in the outward direction through the folded flow path 134 can move downward inside the rod-shaped rod 120.
[0057] In addition, the discharge rod 130 may be equipped with multiple dividing blocks 135 on the upper and lower sides for dividing the irrigation water that moves outward through the zigzag flow path 134 through multiple dividing flow paths 136 and moving it downward.
[0058] For example, multiple segmented blocks 135 can be formed by protruding along the vertical length direction on the outer peripheral surface of the rod body 131 with a vertical length of 2.9 to 3.1 cm, and the height can be formed to correspond to the distance to the inner peripheral surface of the rod-shaped rod portion 120 attached to the outer peripheral direction of the rod body 131, and can be formed by protruding at intervals that allow the left and right widths of the multiple segmented flow paths 136 respectively provided between the segmented blocks to reach 0.9 to 1.1 mm.
[0059] By means of the multiple segmented flow paths 136 formed between the multiple segmented blocks 135 as described above, irrigation water moving outward through the zigzag flow path 134 can flow in all 360 degrees as it moves to the lower end of the discharge rod 130.
[0060] Furthermore, the discharge rod portion 130 is formed in the form of a pointed tip at the lower part of the plurality of dividing blocks 135, and a plurality of discharge blocks 137 for forming a plurality of discharge flow paths 138 corresponding to the plurality of dividing flow paths 136 on the outer peripheral surface can be provided on the upper and lower sides.
[0061] For example, the lower end of the rod body 131 of the discharge rod 130 can be formed in the shape of a pointed tip and in the shape of a cone inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 to 20 degrees), so that it can be easily inserted into the ground. The outer peripheral surface of its lower end can be equipped with a plurality of discharge blocks 137 formed in the shape of a pointed tip and divided into a plurality of protruding discharge blocks 137 along the vertical length direction.
[0062] Furthermore, multiple discharge channels 138 corresponding to multiple segmented flow channels 136 can be formed between multiple discharge blocks 137, so that irrigation water flowing in multiple segmented flow channels 136 is distributed and supplied in all directions of 360 degrees after flowing into multiple discharge channels 138.
[0063] Because the multiple discharge blocks 137 described above are detached from the joint position of the rod-shaped portion 120, irrigation water can be supplied in all directions at the root depth of the crop through the multiple discharge channels 138 formed between the multiple discharge blocks 137.
[0064] In addition, the discharge rod 130 may be equipped with a foreign matter removal filter 139 in the internal flow path to ensure the smooth supply of irrigation water by preventing fine crop roots, fine soil and various fine foreign objects from entering the various flow paths formed inside.
[0065] The irrigation fertilizer rod device 100 for crop cultivation in smart farms according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, can be widely applied to crops and plants with different root locations, such as vegetables and fruit trees. It can be generally divided into three parts and easily shaped using a mold, thus not only reducing production costs, but also allowing farmers to assemble it into the required length for use.
[0066] Furthermore, the upper end, i.e. the inlet portion 110, can be manufactured in a form that allows it to be easily connected to irrigation water and irrigation fertilizer hoses, and can be easily inserted into or removed from the ground by the clamp 112, so that it can be reused on the fields of the smart farm.
[0067] At the same time, the length of the rod-shaped part 120 can be adjusted to make it suitable for different crops and plants with different root depths (for example, the roots of vegetables are distributed within 20cm of the ground surface, while the roots of fruit trees and trees are distributed within 30cm of the ground surface).
[0068] In addition, the discharge section 130 can supply water and nutrients to the roots of crops and plants in a 360-degree direction, and can prevent the rhizomes in the root system from entering (penetrating) into the interior, thereby increasing the product's service life.
[0069] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention includes: an inlet portion, which is constructed as a cylindrical box having an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; at least one rod portion, which is disposed at the lower part of the inlet portion and is constructed as a cylindrical shape having an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; and a discharge rod portion, which, by being attached to the lower part of the rod portion, discharges irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path in all directions into the ground through a plurality of discharge flow paths formed on the outer peripheral surface; thereby, different lengths can be adapted according to the root depth of the crop, and installation and removal operations are convenient, and irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer can be provided in all directions at the root position of the crop to stimulate root development.
[0070] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention can not only supply water and fertilizer directly to the roots of plants and crops, but also save more than 40 to 50% of water compared with conventional sprinklers and drip irrigation methods, and can prevent the inhalation of roots and fine soil when irrigating the ground with water and fertilizer.
[0071] Next, a smart farm system including the irrigation fertilizer rod device for plant cultivation land configured as described above will be described.
[0072] Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a smart farm system including an irrigation fertilizer rod device for crop cultivation land in a smart farm, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] See Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a smart farm system 200 may include: an irrigation fertilizer rod device 100 for crop cultivation in a smart farm; an irrigation water tank 210 for storing irrigation water; an irrigation fertilizer tank 220 for storing irrigation fertilizer; an irrigation water pump 230 for pumping the irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer and supplying it to the irrigation fertilizer rod device 100; and a smart farm controller 240 for controlling the irrigation water tank 210, the irrigation fertilizer tank 220, and the irrigation water pump 230, thereby supplying the irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer to the crops through the irrigation fertilizer rod device 100.
[0074] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the smart farm system 200 can be equipped with control valves for supplying or disconnecting irrigation water tanks 210 and irrigation fertilizer tanks 220, etc., and can be controlled by wired communication with the smart farm controller 240 to adjust the segmented electric valves, thereby controlling the irrigation water pipeline of the irrigation fertilizer rod device 100 in different segments. The supply of irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer can also be controlled by the communication terminal of a user with a mobile application installed via a wireless communication network (LTEM).
[0075] Since many smart farm systems as described above have already been proposed, detailed descriptions related to them will be omitted.
[0076] By using the crop cultivation land irrigation fertilizer rod device for smart farms and the smart farm system including the device, as described above in various embodiments of the present invention, the irrigation water efficiency of crops and plants can be improved by more than 40%, and a reusable universal system for fertilizing and irrigating crops can be constructed, thereby saving farmers more than 30% in irrigation water and fertilizer system costs (and maintenance costs). Furthermore, by constructing a Korean-made device for Korean land-based smart farms, it can replace imported devices and contribute to the export of Korean-made smart farm devices.
[0077] In the foregoing description, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that the present invention can be subject to various substitutions, modifications and alterations without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fertilizer stick-shaped irrigation device for crop cultivation land in a smart farm, comprising: The inflow section is constructed of a cylindrical box with an inlet for irrigation water to flow in; At least one rod-shaped part is provided at the lower part of the inlet and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an irrigation water flow path communicating with the inlet; as well as, The discharge rod, by being attached to the lower part of the rod-shaped rod, discharges the irrigation water moving in the irrigation water flow path into the ground in all directions through multiple discharge channels formed on the outer peripheral surface. The inflow section, The lower end of the cylindrical box is equipped with a groove-shaped clamp for installing and removing the underground irrigation fertilizer rod device. The rod-shaped part Multiple connections are made by means of a connecting hole on the inner circumferential surface of one end and a connecting block on the outer circumferential surface of the other end. The discharge rod portion The connection is achieved by engaging the protrusions on the outer peripheral surface into the engagement holes provided on the rod-shaped portion. The discharge rod portion A central flow path communicating with the irrigation water flow path is formed at the upper end, and a zigzag flow path communicating with the outward periphery is formed at the lower part of the central flow path. The discharge rod portion The device is equipped with multiple dividing blocks on its upper and lower sides for dividing the irrigation water moving outward through the zigzag flow path and moving it downward through multiple dividing flow paths. Each dividing block protrudes along the vertical length of the outer circumferential surface of the discharge rod body, with a vertical length of 2.9–3.1 cm. The height corresponds to the distance to the inner circumferential surface of the rod-shaped rod portion in the outer circumferential direction of the rod body. The dividing blocks protrude at intervals of 0.9–1.1 mm, such that the left and right widths of the multiple dividing flow paths between each dividing block are equal. The discharge rod portion The lower part of the plurality of segmented blocks is formed in the shape of a pointed tip, and the upper and lower sides are provided with a plurality of discharge blocks for forming a plurality of discharge flow paths corresponding to the plurality of segmented flow paths on the outer peripheral surface.
2. A smart farm system, comprising: The fertilizer rod-shaped irrigation device for crop cultivation land in a smart farm as described in claim 1. Irrigation water tank, used to store irrigation water; Irrigation fertilizer tank, used for storing irrigation fertilizer; An irrigation water pump is used to draw the irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer and supply it to the irrigation fertilizer rod-shaped device in the field; and, The intelligent farm controller is used to control the irrigation water tank, irrigation fertilizer tank and irrigation water pump, thereby supplying irrigation water or irrigation fertilizer to the crops through the in-situ irrigation fertilizer rod device.