A trunk multi-time scale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of tree stem multi-time scale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system and method of forest ecosystem research technical field, comprising: for fixed on the trunk fixing part, measuring equipment, environmental detection equipment and processing equipment are equipped on the fixing part;The fixing part is equipped with tightening assembly;The tightening assembly includes mounting seat and the air bag that is equipped on mounting seat, the gas storage groove is equipped in the mounting seat, the push plate and the elastic member connected with push plate are slidably arranged in the gas storage groove, the gas storage groove is communicated with air bag by valve, detection assembly is equipped on the mounting seat, when detecting that fixing part moves down, processing equipment controls valve to open, gas inside gas storage groove is introduced into the inside of air bag, so that air bag is inflated and expanded, fixing part is tightened, to prevent fixing part from continuing to move down, avoid that the sensor of measuring equipment is pulled by fixing part and continuously moves down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of forest ecosystem research technology, specifically to a system and method for monitoring multi-timescale radial variations of tree trunks and forest environmental factors. Background Technology

[0002] Forest ecosystems are a crucial component of the global carbon and water cycles, and their health and dynamic changes significantly impact climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest resource management. Trunk radial variation is a key indicator reflecting tree growth dynamics, directly demonstrating trees' responses to the environment (such as water use and carbon uptake). Meanwhile, forest environmental factors (such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil moisture) are important drivers influencing tree growth and ecosystem function. Therefore, real-time, continuous monitoring of trunk radial variation and forest environmental factors is essential for a deeper understanding of forest ecological processes, predicting the impacts of climate change, and developing scientific management strategies.

[0003] When measuring radial changes in tree trunks, the radial change recorder is typically attached to the trunk with a stainless steel strap, and the sensor probe of the recorder is brought into contact with the trunk for monitoring. However, this fixing method is relatively simple and lacks protective measures. When animals stay on the recorder, the stainless steel strap can easily shift downwards (or other reasons, such as animals climbing the trunk and putting pressure on the stainless steel strap, can also cause it to shift downwards). As the downward shift increases, it will pull the sensor probe, causing it to deviate from its original position, which seriously affects the accuracy and reliability of data acquisition. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system and method for monitoring the radial variation of tree trunks at multiple time scales and forest environmental factors, in order to solve the problem that the tree trunk radial variation recorder has a relatively simple fixing method and lacks protective measures as mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system, comprising: a fixing component for fixing to a tree trunk, wherein the fixing component is provided with a measuring device for measuring the radial variation of the tree trunk, an environmental monitoring device for collecting forest environmental information, and a processing device, wherein the processing device is used to receive information from the measuring device and the environmental monitoring device, process and analyze it to obtain the relationship between the tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factors.

[0006] The fastener is equipped with a tightening component;

[0007] The tightening component includes a mounting base and an airbag mounted on the mounting base. The mounting base has an air storage tank, and a push plate and an elastic element connected to the push plate are slidably mounted in the air storage tank. The air storage tank is connected to the airbag through a valve. The mounting base is equipped with a detection component. When the detection component detects that the fixing component has moved down on the tree trunk, it causes the processing equipment to control the valve to open.

[0008] Preferably, the detection assembly includes a support rod mounted on the mounting base, a roller mounted on the support rod, and a detector for detecting the rotation of the roller.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting base is provided with a slot, and a limiting block and a second driving member for driving the limiting block to move are provided in the slot. The second driving member is activated by the processing device when the detection component detects that the fixing member has moved down on the tree trunk.

[0010] Preferably, the limiting block includes a movable block, a pointed block hinged to the movable block, a push rod slidably disposed on the movable block and used to push the pointed block to rotate, and an elastic element disposed between the push rod and the movable block;

[0011] The movable block is provided with a limiting block for restricting the movement of the push rod and a reset spring connected to the limiting block, and the slot is provided with a storage groove for storing the limiting block.

[0012] Preferably, the fastener includes a mounting block, two flexible strips respectively disposed on both sides of the mounting block, and two connecting blocks respectively disposed on the ends of the two flexible strips, wherein the two connecting blocks are detachably connected;

[0013] The mounting block is equipped with a support base, and the measuring equipment, environmental monitoring equipment, and processing equipment are all mounted on the support base.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting block is provided with a storage groove, the end of the flexible strip extends into the storage groove, and the mounting block is provided with a winding motor for winding the flexible strip into the storage groove.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting block is provided with a flexible connector, and the end of the flexible connector is provided with a counterweight.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting block is provided with a winding rod, the flexible connector is wound on the winding rod, and the connecting block is slidably provided with a tensioning block for fitting with the flexible connector and a spring connected to the tensioning block;

[0017] The tensioning block has several slots arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the tensioning block on its side wall, and the connecting block has a plug for inserting into the slot. The side wall of the plug away from the flexible connector is an arc-shaped surface.

[0018] Preferably, a method for monitoring multi-timescale radial variation of tree trunks and forest environmental factors, utilizing the aforementioned system for monitoring multi-timescale radial variation of tree trunks and forest environmental factors, includes the following steps:

[0019] S1: Fix the fastener to the tree trunk to be tested, and make the sensor probe of the measuring device fit against the tree trunk;

[0020] S2: The measuring equipment periodically collects radial data of the tree trunk, the environmental monitoring equipment periodically collects environmental data of the forest, and the processing equipment processes and analyzes the data collected by the measuring equipment and the environmental monitoring equipment to obtain the relationship between the radial changes of the tree trunk at multiple time scales and forest environmental factors.

[0021] S3: When the detection component detects that the fixing part has moved down on the tree trunk, it causes the processing equipment to open the control valve. Then, under the action of the elastic element, the push plate pushes the gas inside the gas storage tank into the air bladder, causing the air bladder to inflate and prevent the fixing part from moving down.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the detection component detects whether the fixing member has moved down on the tree trunk, and when the downward movement of the fixing member is detected, the processing equipment controls the valve to open, introduce the gas inside the gas storage tank into the air bladder, inflate the air bladder, tighten the fixing member, prevent the fixing member from moving down further, avoid the sensor of the measuring equipment being pulled due to the continuous downward movement of the fixing member, ensure the normal contact between the sensor and the tree, and guarantee the accuracy of data acquisition. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the mounting block and the support base of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tightening component structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection between the mounting base and the airbag in this invention.

[0027] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the connecting block and the flexible connector of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Fixing component; 101. Mounting block; 102. Flexible belt; 103. Connecting block; 104. Rewinding motor; 2. Support base; 3. Measuring equipment; 4. Processing equipment; 5. First driving component; 6. Baffle; 7. Photovoltaic module; 8. Tightening component; 81. Mounting base; 82. Airbag; 83. Support rod; 84. Roller; 85. Limiting block; 851. Moving block; 852. Push rod; 853. Pointed block; 854. Elastic element; 855. Limiting block; 856. Storage slot; 86. Second driving component; 87. Air storage tank; 88. Push plate; 89. Elastic element; 810. Valve; 811. Detector; 9. Flexible connecting component; 10. Counterweight; 11. Environmental monitoring equipment; 12. Rewinding rod; 13. Tensioning block; 14. Spring component; 15. Insertion block; 16. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see Figure 2 A tree trunk radial variation monitoring system based on multiple time scales and forest environmental factors includes: a fixing component 1, which includes a mounting block 101, two flexible strips 102 (metal strips, such as steel) respectively disposed on both sides of the mounting block 101, and two connecting blocks 103 respectively disposed on the ends of the two flexible strips 102. The two connecting blocks 103 are detachably connected (e.g., by means of a locking mechanism or by means of bolts and screw holes); a support base 2 is provided on the mounting block 101, and a measuring device 3 (a tree trunk radial variation recorder, which consists of a sensor and a data acquisition unit, which is existing equipment and will not be described in detail here) and an environmental monitoring device 11 (the environmental monitoring device 11 refers to equipment used to detect forest air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and soil temperature, which is also existing equipment and will not be described in detail here) and a processing device 4 (such as a computer) is installed on the bottom wall of the support base 2.

[0034] It should be noted that the data acquisition unit of the measuring device 3 is installed on the top of the support base 2. The sensor of the measuring device 3 is fixed to the tree trunk by fixing the workpiece, such as the binding strap. The probe of the sensor is in contact with the surface of the tree trunk. A soft pad can be placed between the probe of the sensor and the bark to prevent damage to the bark and ensure tight contact. The data acquisition unit and the sensor of the measuring device 3 are fixed separately. After fixing, the connecting line between the data acquisition unit and the sensor is in a loose state so that the sensor will not be pulled when the fixing part 1 moves down slightly.

[0035] In this embodiment, as a further optimization, please refer to... Figure 2 The mounting block 101 has a storage slot inside, and a winding motor 104 is mounted on the mounting block 101. The output shaft of the winding motor 104 extends into the inner cavity of the storage slot, and one end of the flexible strip 102 extends into the inner cavity of the storage slot and is connected to the output shaft of the winding motor 104. By operating the winding motor 104, the flexible strip 102 is wound around the output shaft of the winding motor 104 or released from the output shaft of the winding motor 104. The length of the flexible strip 102 in the outside is adjusted so that the fixing member 1 can be fixed on tree trunks of different thicknesses.

[0036] In this embodiment, as a further optimization, please refer to... Figure 1 A protective cover is installed on the top wall of the support base 2, which covers the measuring device 3 and environmental monitoring device 11 on the top of the support base 2. The protective cover consists of several railings and a top plate installed on the top of the railings. A photovoltaic module is installed on the top wall of the top plate to power the electrical equipment in the monitoring system. A first driving member 5 (such as an electric telescopic rod) is installed on the top of the top plate. A baffle 6 is installed on the moving end of the first driving member 5. The baffle 6 is located on the top of the photovoltaic module, and a cleaning brush is installed at the bottom of the baffle 6. The first driving member 5 drives the baffle 6 to move back and forth on the top of the top plate to prevent animals from staying on the top plate and reduce the probability of the fixing member 1 moving down. At the same time, the back and forth moving baffle 6 will cause the cleaning brush to clean the top of the photovoltaic module.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 A tightening component 8 is provided on the side wall of the flexible belt 102;

[0038] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The tightening component 8 includes a mounting base 81 and an airbag 82 mounted on the mounting base 81. The mounting base 81 is mounted on the flexible belt 102, and the airbag 82 is located inside the flexible belt 102 for fitting against the tree trunk. An air storage groove 87 is formed in the inner cavity of the mounting base 81, and the air storage groove 87 is filled with gas (such as air). A push plate 88 is slidably mounted in the inner cavity of the air storage groove 87 (the push plate 88 and the air storage groove 87 are sealed to ensure that no gas passes through the gap between the push plate 88 and the air storage groove 87 during the movement of the push plate 88). An elastic element 89 (spring) is provided between 7 and the push plate 88. The air storage tank 87 is connected to the air bag 82 through the valve 810 (solenoid valve). The mounting base 81 is provided with a detection component, which includes a support rod 83, a roller 84 and a detector 811. The support rod 83 is located on the side wall of the mounting base 81 facing the tree trunk. The roller 84 is located on the end of the support rod 83 away from the mounting base 81. The roller 84 is in contact with the outer wall of the tree trunk. The detector 811 is an encoder used to detect whether the roller 84 rotates. The detector 811 is connected to the processing device 4 to realize information transmission.

[0039] It should be noted that the number of tightening components 8 can be multiple, depending on the specific needs.

[0040] In this implementation, as a further optimization option, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The mounting base 81 has a mounting hole on the side facing the tree trunk. The support rod 83 is slidably inserted into the inner cavity of the mounting hole. A spring is provided between the support rod 83 and the mounting hole. The spring provides support force to the support rod 83, pushing the support rod 83 towards the tree trunk, ensuring that the roller 84 can fit against the outer wall of the tree trunk, so that the downward movement of the fixing part 1 can be detected.

[0041] A method for monitoring radial variations of tree trunks across multiple time scales and forest environmental factors includes the following steps:

[0042] First, place the fixing piece 1 on the tree trunk to be tested, then adjust the height of the fixing piece 1, connect the two connecting blocks 103 together, fix the fixing piece 1 on the tree trunk, then attach the sensor probe of the measuring device 3 to the tree trunk and fix it with the strapping.

[0043] Second, measuring device 3 periodically collects radial data of tree trunks, environmental monitoring device 11 periodically collects environmental data of the forest, and processing device 4 processes and analyzes the data collected by measuring device 3 and environmental monitoring device 11 to obtain the relationship between the radial changes of tree trunks at multiple time scales and forest environmental factors.

[0044] Third, when the fixing component 1 moves down on the tree trunk, the fixing component 1 moves down with the roller 84 of the detection component, causing it to rotate as it moves on the tree trunk. After the detector 811 detects the information of the rotation of the roller 84, the processing device 4 controls the valve 810 to open, connecting the airbag 82 with the air storage tank 87. The push plate 88 moves under the action of the elastic member 89, introducing some of the gas inside the air storage tank 87 into the airbag 82, increasing the expansion range of the airbag 82, and tightening the fixing component 1 to prevent the fixing component 1 from moving down further.

[0045] It should be noted that, in order to inform the staff that the fixing part 1 has moved down, after the detector 811 detects the information that the roller 84 is rotating, the processing device 4 will send a warning message to the staff who are sending the equipment to a remote location.

[0046] In this embodiment, as a further optimization, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The mounting base 81 has a slot on the side wall facing the tree trunk. A limiting block 85 is slidably inserted into the inner cavity of the slot. A second driving member 86 (electric telescopic rod) is installed in the inner cavity of the slot. The moving end of the second driving member 86 is connected to the limiting block 85. When the fixing member 1 is detected to have moved down on the tree trunk, the processing device 4 controls the second driving member 86 to work, pushing the limiting block 85 to move outward from the slot, so that the tip of the limiting block 85 fits tightly against the outer wall of the tree trunk, thereby preventing the fixing member 1 from falling further and ensuring that the sensor of the measuring device 3 is not pulled.

[0047] In this embodiment, as a further optimization, please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5The limiting block 85 includes a movable block 851, a pointed block 853, and a push rod 852. The movable block 851 is slidably inserted into the slot, and the pointed block 853 is hinged to the side wall of the movable block 851 away from the mounting base 81 (the pointed block 853 can rotate up and down, and a spring is provided between the pointed block 853 and the movable block 851 to prevent the pointed block 853 from rotating automatically). An opening is provided on the side wall of the movable block 851 facing the pointed block 853, and the push rod 852 is slidably disposed in the opening. An elastic element 854 (spring) is installed between the push rod 852 and the opening. A through hole is provided on the inner side wall of the opening, and a limiting block 855 is slidably disposed in the through hole. A return spring is installed between the limiting block 855 and the through hole. An opening is provided on the side wall of the push rod 852. A limiting groove is provided, and the end of the limiting block 855 is inserted into the limiting groove to limit the movement of the push rod 852. A receiving groove 856 is provided on the inner side wall of the groove, and the receiving groove 856 extends along the moving direction of the moving block 851. When the second driving member 86 pushes the limiting block 85 to move, the limiting block 855 will enter the inner cavity of the receiving groove 856, so that the limiting block 855 is released from restriction. Under the action of the return spring, the limiting block 855 moves out of the limiting groove, releasing the restriction on the push rod 852. Under the action of the elastic element 854, the push rod 852 moves to the outside of the opening, pushing the pointed block 853 to rotate downward, so that the pointed block 853 applies a downward pressure on the tree trunk, further preventing the fixing member 1 from falling.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] As a further optimization of Example 1, please refer to Figure 2 The connecting block 103 is provided with a flexible connector 9 (such as a rope, but not limited to a rope), and the bottom end of the flexible connector 9 is provided with a counterweight 10 (such as a metal block). The counterweight 10 and the support base 2 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the fixing member 1. When the fixing member 1 is fixed to the tree trunk, the counterweight 10 contacts the ground and applies a pulling force to the fixing member 1, so that the fixing member 1 is balanced by force and avoids the situation of tilting or moving downward due to uneven force.

[0050] In this embodiment, as a further optimization, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7The connecting block 103 has a groove inside, and a winding rod 12 is rotatably mounted in the inner cavity of the groove. One end of the flexible connector 9 is wound around the outer wall of the winding rod 12. Rotating the winding rod 12 allows the length of the flexible connector 9 to be adjusted, ensuring that the counterweight 10 can contact the ground to apply a balancing force to the fixing member 1. A tensioning block 13 is slidably mounted in the groove, and a spring 14 is installed between the tensioning block 13 and the groove. The end of the tensioning block 13 is in contact with the flexible connector 9, and the spring 14 provides a pushing force to the tensioning block 13, causing it to move and fit against the flexible connector 9, thereby tightening the flexible connector 9 and preventing the counterweight 10 from being unable to apply force to the fixing member 1 due to the loosening of the flexible connector 9. Several openings are made on the bottom wall of the tensioning block 13. A number of slots 16 are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the tensioning block 13. A plug 15 (which can move up and down) is slidably provided on the connecting block 103. A spring is installed between the plug 15 and the connecting block 103. The end of the plug 15 is inserted into a slot 16. The left side wall of the top of the plug 15 is an arc-shaped surface. When the spring 14 pushes the tensioning block 13 to move and tighten the flexible connector 9, the inner wall of the slot 16 contacts the arc-shaped surface of the plug 15 to squeeze the plug 15 out of the slot 16, ensuring that the tensioning block 13 can move normally to tighten the flexible connector 9. Since the plug 15 is inserted into the slot 16, the tensioning block 13 cannot move in the opposite direction after it has moved, so that the force of the counterweight 10 can be directly applied to the fixing member 1.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring radial variations of tree trunks across multiple time scales and forest environmental factors, characterized in that: include: The fastener (1) is used to fix the tree trunk. The fastener (1) is equipped with a measuring device (3) for measuring the radial direction of the tree trunk, an environmental monitoring device (11) for collecting forest environmental information, and a processing device (4). The processing device (4) is used to receive the information from the measuring device (3) and the environmental monitoring device (11) and process and analyze it to obtain the relationship between the radial changes of the tree trunk at multiple time scales and forest environmental factors. The fastener (1) is provided with a tightening component (8); The tightening component (8) includes a mounting base (81) and an airbag (82) mounted on the mounting base (81). The mounting base (81) is provided with an air storage tank (87). A push plate (88) and an elastic element (89) connected to the push plate (88) are slidably provided in the air storage tank (87). The air storage tank (87) is connected to the airbag (82) through a valve (810). The mounting base (81) is provided with a detection component. When the detection component detects that the fixing component (1) has moved down on the tree trunk, it causes the processing device (4) to control the valve (810) to open.

2. The tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection assembly includes a support rod (83) mounted on a mounting base (81), a roller (84) mounted on the support rod (83), and a detector (811) for detecting the rotation of the roller (84).

3. The tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (81) is provided with a slot, and a limiting plug (85) and a second driving member (86) for driving the limiting plug (85) to move are provided in the slot. The second driving member (86) is activated by the processing device (4) when the detection component detects that the fixing member (1) has moved down on the tree trunk.

4. The tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting plug (85) includes a movable block (851), a pointed block (853) hinged on the movable block (851), a push rod (852) slidably disposed on the movable block (851) and used to push the pointed block (853) to rotate, and an elastic element (854) disposed between the push rod (852) and the movable block (851). The movable block (851) is slidably provided with a limiting block (855) for limiting the movement of the push rod (852) and a reset spring connected to the limiting block (855), and the slot is provided with a storage groove (856) for storing the limiting block (855).

5. The tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastener (1) includes a mounting block (101), two flexible strips (102) respectively disposed on both sides of the mounting block (101), and two connecting blocks (103) respectively disposed on the ends of the two flexible strips (102). The two connecting blocks (103) are detachably connected. The mounting block (101) is provided with a support base (2), and the measuring device (3), environmental monitoring device (11) and processing device (4) are all located on the support base (2).

6. The tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting block (101) is provided with a storage groove, the end of the flexible strip (102) extends into the storage groove, and the mounting block (101) is provided with a winding motor (104) for winding the flexible strip (102) into the storage groove.

7. A tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting block (103) is provided with a flexible connector (9), and the end of the flexible connector (9) is provided with a counterweight (10).

8. A tree trunk multi-timescale radial variation and forest environmental factor monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting block (103) is provided with a winding rod (12), the flexible connector (9) is wound around the winding rod (12), and the connecting block (103) is slidably provided with a tensioning block (13) for fitting with the flexible connector (9) and a spring (14) connected to the tensioning block (13); The tensioning block (13) has several slots (16) arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the tensioning block (13) on its side wall. The connecting block (103) has a plug (15) for inserting into the slot (16) and the side wall of the plug (15) away from the flexible connector (9) is an arc-shaped surface.

9. A method for monitoring multi-timescale radial variation of tree trunks and forest environmental factors, utilizing a multi-timescale radial variation of tree trunks and forest environmental factors monitoring system as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Fix the fastener (1) to the tree trunk to be tested, and make the sensor probe of the measuring device (3) fit against the tree trunk; S2: The measuring device (3) collects radial data of the tree trunk at regular intervals, the environmental monitoring device (11) collects environmental data of the forest at regular intervals, and the processing device (4) processes and analyzes the data collected by the measuring device (3) and the environmental monitoring device (11) to obtain the relationship between the radial changes of the tree trunk at multiple time scales and the forest environmental factors. S3: When the detection component detects that the fixing part (1) has moved down on the trunk, the processing device (4) controls the valve (810) to open. Then, the push plate (88), under the action of the elastic element (89), pushes the gas inside the gas storage tank (87) into the air bag (82), causing the air bag (82) to inflate and expand, so as to prevent the fixing part (1) from moving down.

Images