Nondestructive ancient tree health condition evaluation device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ancient tree protection, and provides a nondestructive ancient tree health condition evaluation device and method. The extending pipe and the air passing pipe are arranged at the two ends of the air containing cylinder respectively, and when the device is used, the extending pipe and the air passing pipe generate horizontal air flow towards the trunk direction along the tree transpiration effect; the response piece is arranged in the gas passing pipe and is used for reacting with the injected reaction gas so as to generate appearance characteristic change; and a timing module. The duration of appearance characteristic change of the response part reflects the transpiration intensity of the ancient tree by timing that the reaction gas in the gas containing cylinder reaches the response part and reacts with the response part; the method is designed based on tree transpiration, lossless evaluation of the health state of the ancient tree is achieved, no damage is caused to the ancient tree, the ancient tree is protected, ecological balance is protected, and biodiversity is promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ancient tree protection, and in particular to a non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device and method. Background Art

[0002] In the context of ecological and environmental protection, ancient trees are key components of the ecosystem, and the assessment and protection of their health status plays an irreplaceable and important role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.

[0003] At present, the assessment method for the health status of ancient trees mostly adopts the method of cutting off part of the tissue of the ancient trees for analysis. The common methods include cutting off samples of the roots of ancient trees and cutting off samples of ancient branches. Specifically, the root sampling method: by cutting off samples of the roots of ancient trees, root vitality, nutrient elements and heavy metal content are tested; the branch sampling method: cutting branches from typical parts, and obtaining data such as chlorophyll SPAD value, soluble sugar, starch, and defensive substance concentration through laboratory tests. These data can, to a certain extent, more accurately assess the growth status of ancient trees and provide an important reference basis for the protection of ancient trees. However, the destructive sampling and analysis method will cause a certain degree of damage to ancient trees. Ancient trees grow slowly and have weak tissue regeneration ability. After the samples are cut, the wound is easily infected by pathogens, causing diseases such as rot, which in turn affects the normal growth and physiological functions of the ancient trees. For some rare and endangered ancient trees, this damage may even lead to the deterioration of their growth conditions, accelerate the aging process, and seriously threaten the survival of ancient trees.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device and method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device and method to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device, comprising: Gas cylinder for injecting reaction gas; The extension pipe and the air pipe are respectively arranged at both ends of the air cylinder. When in use, the extension pipe and the air pipe are arranged along the horizontal airflow towards the tree trunk generated by the transpiration of the tree; A response element provided in the gas pipe, used to react with the injected reaction gas to produce a change in appearance characteristics; and timing module; The intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree is reflected by timing the time it takes for the reaction gas in the gas cylinder to reach the response part and react with it, causing the response part to produce changes in appearance characteristics.

[0007] In an optional solution: the air cylinder is provided with two sets of sealing valves, and the cylinder section of the air cylinder located between the two sets of sealing valves is provided with an air injection port and an exhaust port, the sealing valve is an electric valve, and the evaluation device also includes an operation and display panel.

[0008] In an optional solution: the response member includes: substrate; The tungsten oxide coating is provided on the substrate, and the reaction gas injected into the gas cylinder is a reducing gas; A heating element is provided in the substrate for heating the tungsten oxide coating to restore its color.

[0009] In an optional solution, the evaluation device further includes a visual monitoring mechanism for determining the color change of the tungsten oxide coating by machine vision, and the visual monitoring mechanism includes: A collection lens installed on the air pipe for real-time collection of tungsten oxide coating image data; A processing module is used to analyze and judge the image data collected by the collection lens. The processing module cooperates with the timing module. When the processing module analyzes and judges that the tungsten oxide coating changes color, the timing module stops timing.

[0010] In an optional solution: the evaluation device further includes: Box; A lifting mechanism is provided in the box body for driving the air cylinder, the extension tube and the air pipe to rise and fall as a whole.

[0011] In an optional solution: the extension tube and the air outlet tube are detachably connected to the end of the air cylinder; Both ends of the gas cylinder are provided with a first magnetic ring, and the ends of the extension tube and the gas pipe connected to the gas cylinder are provided with a second magnetic ring that is magnetically matched with the first magnetic ring; The second magnetic ring is provided with a plurality of columns, and the first magnetic ring is provided with docking slots corresponding to and matching the columns one by one; A sealing gasket is provided on one side of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring.

[0012] In an optional solution: the evaluation device further includes: A supporting mechanism for keeping the air cylinder, extension tube, and air pipe in a horizontal state as a whole, the supporting mechanism comprising: carrier; Rotating a frame disposed on the carrier; and rotating a bearing seat provided on the frame; The rotation plane of the frame body and the rotation plane of the supporting base are perpendicular to each other. The air cylinder, the extension pipe and the air pipe are integrally arranged on the supporting base. The supporting base is also provided with a counterweight.

[0013] In an optional solution: the supporting mechanism further includes: A first positioning component for positioning the frame is provided on the carrier; A second positioning component for positioning the bearing seat is provided on the frame.

[0014] A non-destructive ancient tree health assessment method, using the non-destructive ancient tree health assessment device described in any one of the above technical solutions, comprises the following steps: S1: Place the air cylinder, extension tube, and air pipe horizontally at a certain distance from the tree trunk and at a certain height above the ground, with the air pipe facing the tree trunk; S2: inject a certain amount of reaction gas into the gas cylinder and time it through the timing module; S3: The airflow from the outside of the trunk enters through the extension tube, pushing the reaction gas into the airway and flowing along the airway toward the trunk. When the reaction gas reaches the position of the response part, it reacts with the response part, causing the appearance characteristics of the response part to change. When the operator observes the change in the appearance characteristics of the response part, the timing module is stopped. The length of the timing reflects the intensity of the ancient tree's transpiration, thereby evaluating the health status of the ancient tree.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: When in use, first place the gas cylinder, extension tube and air pipe as a whole at a certain distance from the tree trunk and a certain height from the ground, with the air pipe facing the direction of the tree trunk, and then inject a certain amount of reaction gas into the gas cylinder, and then use the timing module to start timing. The airflow from the outside of the trunk enters through the extension tube, thereby pushing the reaction gas into the air pipe and flowing along the air pipe toward the trunk. When the reaction gas reaches the position of the response part, it reacts with the response part, causing the appearance characteristics of the response part to change. When the operator observes the change in the appearance characteristics of the response part, the timing module is stopped. The length of the timing reflects the intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree, thereby evaluating the health status of the ancient tree. The design based on the transpiration of the tree can achieve non-destructive evaluation of the health status of the ancient tree, and will not cause any damage to the ancient tree, which is beneficial to protecting the ancient tree, and then beneficial to protecting the ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.

[0016] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification to illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present application. These drawings and the accompanying description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the response component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the arrangement between the air cylinder and the first magnetic ring in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the carrying mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Notes on the accompanying figures: 1-box, 2-lifting mechanism, 3-air cylinder, 4-extension tube, 5-air pipe, 6-operation panel, 7-roller, 8-storage compartment, 9-carrying mechanism, 901-carrier, 902-frame, 903-first positioning component, 904-carrying seat, 905-second positioning component, 906-counterweight, 10-response component, 1001-substrate, 1002-tungsten oxide coating, 1003-heating element, 11-collection lens, 12-gas injection port, 13-exhaust port, 14-sealing valve, 15-first magnetic ring, 16-second magnetic ring, 17-sealing gasket, 18-docking slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present application is described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is necessary to point out that the following specific implementation methods are only used to further illustrate the present application and cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Technicians in this field can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0026] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2A non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device includes an air cylinder 3, both ends of which are connected with an extension tube 4 and an air pipe 5. When in use, the extension tube and the air pipe are arranged along the horizontal airflow toward the trunk generated by the transpiration of the tree. The air cylinder 3 is used to inject reaction gas, and the air pipe 5 is provided with a response member 10 for reacting with the injected reaction gas to produce changes in appearance characteristics. The assessment device also includes a timing module.

[0027] It should be noted that this application should be used in a windless environment and should be carried out as much as possible during the peak transpiration period at noon to truly reflect the transpiration intensity of the ancient trees; in addition, the purpose of setting up the extension tube 4 is to prevent the reaction gas in the gas cylinder 3 from diffusing to the outside, resulting in a reduction in the amount of reaction gas, and to ensure the degree of reaction with the response member 10.

[0028] During the transpiration process of trees, the leaves continuously release water vapor, which causes the density of surrounding air molecules to decrease and generate rising air currents. The rising air currents in the crown suck the air below, forming a vertical compensation flow in the sub-canopy layer, which in turn causes the air quality to be deficient and the air pressure to decrease in the near-surface area of the trunk. Under the action of the air pressure difference, the surrounding near-ground air converges horizontally toward the base of the trunk, forming a net horizontal compensation air flow that converges toward the trunk. This process is essentially a three-level conversion of transpiration potential energy → kinetic energy → pressure energy, and its intensity is positively correlated with transpiration intensity, which is also positively correlated with the health of the tree (refer to He Qingtang's "Chinese Forest Meteorology", China Forestry Publishing House, first edition in March 2001, not the original text); when using this application, first, the air cylinder 3, extension tube 4 and air pipe 5 are placed horizontally at a certain distance from the trunk and a certain height from the ground (usually 1m-2m, and the horizontal air flow towards the trunk in this range is more significant). The air flow outside the trunk enters through the extension tube 4, thereby pushing the reaction gas into the air flow tube 5 and flowing along the air flow tube 5 toward the trunk. When the reaction gas reaches the position of the response member 10, it reacts with the response member 10, thereby causing the appearance characteristics of the response member 10 to change. When the operator observes the change in the appearance characteristics of the response member 10, the timing module is stopped. The length of the timing reflects the intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree, thereby evaluating the health status of the ancient tree (the shorter the time, the faster the horizontal airflow velocity toward the trunk, that is, the higher the transpiration intensity of the ancient tree). The design is based on the transpiration of trees to achieve non-destructive evaluation of the health status of the ancient trees without causing any damage to the ancient trees, which is beneficial to protecting the ancient trees, and then to protecting the ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.

[0029] Furthermore, two sets of sealing valves 14 are provided on the gas cylinder 3, and an injection port 12 and an exhaust port 13 are provided on the cylinder section of the gas cylinder 3 located between the two sets of sealing valves 14. The sealing valve 14 is an electric valve. The evaluation device also includes an operation and display panel 6. The timing module (the timing module is a timer, timing software, etc. in the prior art) is provided on the operation and display panel 6. When the reaction gas is injected into the gas cylinder 3 through the gas injection port 12, the two sets of sealing valves 14 are in a closed state and the exhaust port 13 is in an open state. The original air in the gas cylinder 3 is squeezed by the reaction gas and discharged through the exhaust port 13. After the gas injection is completed, the two sets of sealing valves 14 are opened synchronously and the timing starts.

[0030] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the response member 10 includes a substrate 1001 and a tungsten oxide coating 1002 provided in the substrate 1001. The reaction gas injected into the gas cylinder 3 is a reducing gas (hydrogen is preferably used, as the tungsten oxide coating 1002 reacts quickly with hydrogen and changes color quickly). The substrate 1001 is also provided with a heating member 1003 for heating the tungsten oxide coating 1002 to restore its color (the heating member 1003 is a heating plate, heating wire, etc. in the prior art), and the gas pipe 5 is a transparent tube.

[0031] In this embodiment, the reducing gas reacts with the tungsten oxide coating 1002 after contact, causing the tungsten oxide coating 1002 to change color significantly (from light yellow to blue). The operator observes the tungsten oxide coating 1002 through the air duct 5. When the tungsten oxide coating 1002 changes color, it means that the reducing gas has flowed to the response element 10, and the timing is stopped. The tungsten oxide coating 1002 is then heated by the heating element 1003 to restore it.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the evaluation device also includes a visual monitoring mechanism for machine vision to determine the color change of the tungsten oxide coating 1002. The visual monitoring mechanism includes: a capture lens 11 provided on the air duct 5 for real-time acquisition of image data of the tungsten oxide coating 1002, and a processing module for analyzing and judging the image data collected by the capture lens 11, i.e., a corresponding software algorithm. This is prior art and will not be described in detail here. The processing module cooperates with the timing module. When the processing module analyzes and determines that the tungsten oxide coating 1002 has changed color, the timing module stops timing, and the visual observation of the color change of the tungsten oxide coating 1002 by the staff is transformed into machine vision monitoring, thereby being able to more accurately capture the color change of the tungsten oxide coating 1002 and ensure timing accuracy.

[0033] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation device further comprises a box 1, wherein the box 1 is provided with a lifting mechanism 2 for lifting and lowering the air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4, and the air pipe 5 as a whole (the lifting mechanism 2 may be a scissor lift mechanism, a telescopic rod lift mechanism, etc. in the prior art, which is not limited in this embodiment), and a plurality of rollers 7 are symmetrically provided on the bottom side of the box 1; The extension tube 4 and the air outlet pipe 5 are both detachably connected to the end of the air cylinder 3. A first magnetic ring 15 is provided at both ends of the air cylinder 3. The ends of the extension tube 4 and the air outlet pipe 5 connected to the air cylinder 3 are provided with a second magnetic ring 16 that is magnetically matched with the first magnetic ring 15. The second magnetic ring 16 is provided with a plurality of columns (not shown in the figure). The first magnetic ring 15 is provided with docking slots 18 that correspond to and fit with the columns one by one. A sealing gasket 17 is provided on one side of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic ring 15 and the second magnetic ring 16. The box body 1 is further provided with a storage compartment 8 for storing and placing the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5.

[0034] In this embodiment, when in use, the air cylinder 3 is raised to the target height above the ground by the lifting mechanism 2, and then the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5 are respectively assembled to the two ends of the air cylinder 3 by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic ring 15 and the second magnetic ring 16; after use, the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5 are removed and stored in the storage compartment 8, and then the air cylinder 3 is lowered into the box 1 by the lifting mechanism 2, so that the evaluation device is easy to carry outdoors.

[0035] See also Figure 1 and Figure 6 In one embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation device further includes a supporting mechanism 9 for making the air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4, and the air pipe 5 in a horizontal state as a whole. The supporting mechanism 9 includes a carrier 901, a frame 902 rotatably mounted on the carrier 901, and a supporting seat 904 rotatably mounted on the frame 902. The rotation plane of the frame 902 and the rotation plane of the supporting seat 904 are perpendicular to each other. The air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4, and the air pipe 5 are integrally mounted on the supporting seat 904. A counterweight 906 is further provided on the supporting seat 904. The carrier 901 is provided with a first positioning component 903 for positioning the frame 902, and the frame 902 is provided with a second positioning component 905 for positioning the bearing seat 904. The first positioning component 903 and the second positioning component 905 can be a contact block provided at the movable end of a telescopic device such as an electric telescopic rod or a telescopic cylinder, and the telescopic device is extended to drive the contact block to be squeezed and contacted with the frame 902 / bearing seat 904 to achieve positioning. It can also be a locking structure (with a claw), a brake locking structure or others in the prior art, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0036] In this embodiment, the use of the evaluation device requires ensuring that the air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5 are all level. However, the ground where the ancient trees grow is usually uneven and it is difficult to ensure the levelness. Therefore, this embodiment sets a supporting mechanism 9 to make the air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5 as a whole level. Specifically: under the action of the gravity of the counterweight 906, the frame 902 and the supporting seat 904 produce adaptive deflection so that the air cylinder 3, the extension tube 4 and the air pipe 5 are all in a horizontal state, and then the frame 902 and the supporting seat 904 are positioned respectively by the first positioning component 903 and the second positioning component 905.

[0037] The present invention also provides a non-destructive ancient tree health assessment method, which uses the non-destructive ancient tree health assessment device described in any one of the above technical solutions, including the following steps: S1: Place the air cylinder 3, extension tube 4 and air pipe 5 horizontally at a certain distance from the tree trunk and at a certain height above the ground, with the air pipe 5 facing the tree trunk; S2: inject a certain amount of reaction gas into the gas cylinder 3 and start timing through the timing module; S3: The airflow from the outside of the trunk enters through the extension tube 4, thereby pushing the reaction gas into the air pipe 5, and flows along the air pipe 5 toward the trunk. When the reaction gas reaches the position of the response member 10, it reacts with the response member 10, causing the appearance characteristics of the response member 10 to change. When the operator observes the change in the appearance characteristics of the response member 10, the timing module stops the timing. The length of the timing reflects the intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree, thereby evaluating the health status of the ancient tree.

[0038] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A non-destructive ancient tree health assessment device, characterized in that: include: A gas cylinder (3) for injecting reaction gas; The extension pipe (4) and the air pipe (5) are respectively arranged at both ends of the air cylinder (3). When in use, the extension pipe (4) and the air pipe (5) are arranged along the horizontal airflow toward the tree trunk generated by the transpiration of the tree; A response member (10) provided in the gas pipe (5) is used to react with the injected reaction gas to produce a change in appearance characteristics; and timing module; The intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree is reflected by the length of time it takes for the reaction gas in the timing gas cylinder (3) to reach the response member (10) and react therewith, causing the response member (10) to produce a change in appearance characteristics.

2. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas cylinder (3) is provided with two sets of sealing valves (14), and a gas injection port (12) and an exhaust port (13) are provided on the cylinder section of the gas cylinder (3) located between the two sets of sealing valves (14). The sealing valves (14) are electric valves. The evaluation device further includes an operation and display panel (6).

3. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The response member (10) comprises: substrate(1001); A tungsten oxide coating (1002) is provided on a substrate (1001), and the reaction gas injected into the gas cylinder (3) is a reducing gas; A heating element (1003) is provided in the substrate (1001) and is used to heat the tungsten oxide coating (1002) to restore its color.

4. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The evaluation device further comprises a visual monitoring mechanism for determining the color change of the tungsten oxide coating (1002) by machine vision, the visual monitoring mechanism comprising: A collection lens (11) provided on the air pipe (5) for collecting image data of the tungsten oxide coating (1002) in real time; A processing module for analyzing and judging image data collected by the collection lens (11), wherein the processing module cooperates with the timing module, and when the processing module analyzes and judges that the tungsten oxide coating (1002) changes color, the timing module stops timing.

5. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaluation device further comprises: Box (1); A lifting mechanism (2) is provided in the box (1) and is used to drive the air cylinder (3), the extension tube (4) and the air pipe (5) to rise and fall as a whole.

6. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extension tube (4) and the air pipe (5) are both detachably connected to the end of the air cylinder (3); Both ends of the gas cylinder (3) are provided with a first magnetic ring (15); the end of the extension tube (4) and the gas pipe (5) connected to the gas cylinder (3) is provided with a second magnetic ring (16) magnetically matched with the first magnetic ring (15); The second magnetic ring (16) is provided with a plurality of columns, and the first magnetic ring (15) is provided with docking slots (18) corresponding to and matching the columns one by one; A sealing gasket (17) is provided on one side of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic ring (15) and the second magnetic ring (16).

7. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaluation device further comprises: A supporting mechanism (9) for keeping the air container (3), the extension tube (4), and the air pipe (5) in a horizontal state as a whole, the supporting mechanism (9) comprising: Carrier (901); Rotating a frame (902) disposed on the carrier (901); and rotating a supporting seat (904) disposed on the frame (902); The rotation plane of the frame (902) and the rotation plane of the supporting seat (904) are perpendicular to each other. The air cylinder (3), the extension tube (4) and the air pipe (5) are integrally arranged on the supporting seat (904). The supporting seat (904) is also provided with a counterweight (906).

8. The non-destructive ancient tree health status assessment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The carrying mechanism (9) further comprises: A first positioning component (903) for positioning the frame (902) is provided on the carrier (901); A second positioning component (905) for positioning the supporting seat (904) is provided on the frame (902).

9. A non-destructive ancient tree health assessment method, using the non-destructive ancient tree health assessment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: The air cylinder (3), the extension tube (4) and the air pipe (5) are placed horizontally at a certain distance from the tree trunk and at a certain height from the ground, with the air pipe (5) facing the tree trunk; S2: injecting a certain amount of reaction gas into the gas cylinder (3) and timing it through the timing module; S3: The airflow outside the trunk enters through the extension tube (4), thereby pushing the reaction gas into the airway (5), and flows along the airway (5) toward the trunk. When the reaction gas reaches the position of the response member (10), it reacts with the response member (10), thereby causing the appearance characteristics of the response member (10) to change. When the operator observes the change in the appearance characteristics of the response member (10), the timing module stops timing. The length of the timing reflects the intensity of the transpiration of the ancient tree, thereby evaluating the health status of the ancient tree.

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