Monitoring and mounting system for plant stalks

Abstract

The invention provides a monitoring and mounting system for plant stalks. The monitoring and mounting system comprises a mounting device and a monitoring device, the initial state of the monitoring device is a straight state; the monitoring device comprises a self-adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism, the self-adaptive fixing mechanism comprises a state control base and two fixing belts connected with the state control base; the sensor mechanism comprises a sensor original length automatic regulator and two sensor groups, and each sensor group comprises a flexible elastic resistance sensor and a flexible inelastic resistance sensor; the mounting device comprises a storage bin, a launching tube and a first driving mechanism; the storage bin accommodates a plurality of monitoring devices in the initial state; the first driving mechanism is used for applying driving force to the state control base, so that the monitoring device is separated, the two fixing belts are switched from a straight state to an outward opening state to be installed on the plant stalks, and multiple manual operations are simplified into one-time automatic operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of plant stem measurement technology, and more specifically, to a plant stem monitoring and installation system. Background Technology

[0002] As plant stems grow, their diameter (circumference) gradually increases (ranging from 2 to 30 times, depending on the plant). Currently, flexible sensors are used to measure plant diameter (circumference). To achieve full-process monitoring of plants from seedling to harvest, the original length of the flexible sensor needs to be adjusted (i.e., after the plant stem has grown to a certain size, the clamping length of the flexible sensor is loosened, thus increasing the original length of the sensor). This increases the measurement range with the same stretching factor of the flexible sensor. However, this requires manual adjustment, which is extremely labor-intensive for large-scale dynamic monitoring of plant stems.

[0003] Furthermore, while manually adjusting and increasing the original length of the flexible sensor can address short-term (daily) changes, it also presents a problem: it is difficult to measure long-term changes in plant stems because it is hard to determine how much the original length has been increased.

[0004] Manual adjustments are impractical due to high labor costs. Therefore, different flexible sensors operate at varying stretching ratios during the overall measurement process. Consequently, the linearity of the flexible sensor is not ideal; it differs at different stretching ratios, thus affecting measurement accuracy. If the original length is not adjusted and the stretching ratio of the flexible sensor is used to monitor plants from seedling stage to harvest, it is easy to exceed the range determined by the stretching range of the flexible sensor. This will also cause the stretching ratio range to be too large, resulting in the linearity of the sensor being in different stages. The linearity of different stages is different, which seriously affects the measurement accuracy.

[0005] Existing flexible sensors not only require manual adjustment but also manual installation, resulting in very low installation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a monitoring and installation system for plant stems, which simplifies the manual processes of wrapping, attaching, locking, and subsequent multiple adjustments into a single automated operation, thereby improving installation efficiency and reducing the complexity of use.

[0007] This application provides a plant stem monitoring and installation system, which includes an installation device and a monitoring device. The initial state of the monitoring device is a flat state; the monitoring device includes: an adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism; An adaptive fixing mechanism includes a state control base and two fixing straps connected to the state control base; the free ends of the two fixing straps are provided with mutually cooperating closing buckles, and multiple pairs of fixing buckles are correspondingly provided on the straps of the two fixing straps for adjusting the circumference of the fixing ring formed around the plant stem. The sensor mechanism includes an automatic sensor length adjuster and two sets of sensor groups respectively fixed on the two fixing straps. Each set of sensor groups includes a flexible elastic resistor sensor and a flexible non-elastic resistor sensor arranged side by side. The automatic sensor length adjuster is used to adjust the length of the sensing section of the sensor group. The sensing section of the sensor group corresponds to the perimeter of the adaptive fixing mechanism. The installation device includes: a storage compartment, a transmitting tube, and a first drive mechanism; the storage compartment is used to house multiple monitoring devices in the initial state; the transmitting tube is connected to the storage compartment and is used to guide the monitoring devices; The first driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the state control base, so that the monitoring device is detached from the transmitting tube, and the two fixing straps are switched from the straight state to the outward opening state for installation on the plant stem.

[0008] In some embodiments, the installation device in the plant stem monitoring and installation system further includes a second drive mechanism; The second drive mechanism is used to push the monitoring device of the storage compartment to the launch position of the matching launch tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, both the closing latch and the fixing latch include a pair of magnets that attract each other, and multiple pairs of fixing latches are evenly arranged on two fixing strips; each magnet includes two magnetic poles, adjacent magnetic poles on a single fixing strip have the same polarity to repel each other, and the magnetic poles of magnets at different positions on different fixing strips have opposite polarities to attract each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the adaptive fixing mechanism is used to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward-opening state, and an inward-wrapping state via the state control base; In the outward-opening state, the magnets of the closing latches of the two fixing straps of the adaptive fixing mechanism attract each other, and the first part of the magnets of the fixing latch attract each other, forming a fixing ring in combination with the blocking effect of the outer diameter of the plant stem. The sensing segment of the sensor group is wound around and attached to the plant stem through the fixing ring, switching to the inward-wrapping state; the second part of the magnets of the fixing latch attract each other to adaptively adjust the circumference of the fixing ring.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the fixing strap includes a magnet fixing strap and a pull rope; The pull rope is connected to the status control base. The pull rope is movably inserted through the magnets of the closing buckle and the fixing buckle, so that the pull rope can be adjusted by the status control base to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward opening state and an inward wrapping state.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the status control base includes a fixing block and a control block; the pull rope passes through the control block and the fixing block and is fixedly connected; the end of the magnet fixing strap is fixedly connected to the control block; The control block is used to move toward the closing latch under the drive of the first drive mechanism to adjust the length of the pull rope between the control block and the closing latch, and to control the two fixing straps to switch from a straight state to an outwardly open state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the status control base in the plant stem monitoring and installation system further includes an electromagnetic suction fixer. The fixing block is equipped with a magnet for adsorption and fixation with the electromagnetic suction fixer.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the first drive mechanism includes a motor and a drive pin. The motor is used to drive the drive pin body; The drive pin body has a receiving cavity, the fixing block is received in the receiving cavity, and the control block protrudes at least partially from the receiving cavity so that the drive pin body pushes the control block to move.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the sensor original length automatic adjuster has a first channel and a second channel side by side, the flexible elastic resistor sensor is inserted through the first channel, and the flexible non-elastic resistor sensor is inserted through the second channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the thickness of the flexible elastic resistor sensor is greater than the thickness of the flexible inelastic resistor sensor, and the thickness of the first channel is greater than the thickness of the second channel.

[0017] This application provides a plant stem monitoring and installation system, comprising: an installation device and a monitoring device; the initial state of the monitoring device is a straight state; the monitoring device includes: an adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism; the adaptive fixing mechanism includes a state control base and two fixing straps connected to the state control base; the free ends of the two fixing straps are provided with mutually cooperating closing buckles, and multiple pairs of fixing buckles are correspondingly provided on the straps of the two fixing straps for adjusting the circumference of the fixing ring formed around the plant stem; the sensor mechanism includes an automatic sensor length adjuster and two sets of sensor groups respectively fixed on the two fixing straps, each set of sensor groups Each includes a flexible elastic resistor sensor and a flexible inelastic resistor sensor arranged side by side. The sensor original length automatic adjuster is used to adjust the length of the sensing section of the sensor group. The sensing section of the sensor group corresponds to the perimeter of the adaptive fixing mechanism. The installation device includes: a storage compartment, a transmitting tube, and a first driving mechanism. The storage compartment is used to accommodate multiple monitoring devices in the initial state. The transmitting tube is connected to the storage compartment and is used to guide the monitoring devices. The first driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the state control base, causing the monitoring device to detach from the transmitting tube and to switch the two fixing straps from the straight state to an outwardly open state for installation on the plant stem. In this system, the flexible elastic sensor offers high short-term accuracy, sensitively capturing diurnal micro-changes in stems caused by water stress; the inelastic sensor exhibits good long-term stability, recording long-term stem growth and thickening without cumulative error. The fusion of the flexible elastic resistive sensor and the flexible inelastic resistive sensor overcomes the inherent limitation of a single sensor in achieving both short-term and long-term monitoring accuracy, while simultaneously improving measurement accuracy across both monitoring scales. The sensor's original length automatic adjuster passively moves under the influence of stem thickening, automatically and synchronously increasing the effective sensing segment length of both sensors without manual adjustment. This is not only convenient but also ensures that the flexible elastic sensor remains at its optimal linearity throughout the entire growing season. Within its optimal and most sensitive operating range, the flexible, non-elastic sensor can accurately collect long-term growth data, solving the problem of decreased measurement accuracy caused by insufficient range or deteriorated linearity in existing technologies, and further improving the monitoring accuracy of plant stem circumference (diameter). The installation device drives the fixing strap to open through a state control base, allowing the fixing strap to be quickly fitted onto the stem and secured with a buckle, facilitating the sensor assembly to fit the stem. The dual-sensor structure and original length adjustment structure of the sensor assembly can also adapt to the growth changes of the stem after installation, eliminating the need for secondary installation and adjustment. In this way, the previously manual operations of wrapping, fitting, locking, and subsequent multiple adjustments are simplified into a single automated operation, improving installation efficiency and reducing usage complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the plant stem monitoring and installation system described in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 This is a top view of the plant stem monitoring device in its initial state as described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the plant stem monitoring device in the installation state described in the embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 This is a side view of the plant stem monitoring device in its initial state as described in the embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sensor original length automatic adjuster described in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Flexible elastic resistor sensor; 2. Flexible inelastic resistor sensor; 3. Automatic sensor length adjuster; 301. First channel; 302. Second channel; 303. First main body; 304. Second main body; 4. Status control base; 401. Fixing block; 402. Control block; 5. Support belt; 501. Magnet fixing belt; 502. Pull rope; 6. Closing latch; 7. Fixing latch; 8. Storage compartment; 9. Transmitting tube; 10. First drive mechanism; 1001. Drive pin; 1002. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings in this application are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the schematic drawings are not drawn to scale. The flowcharts used in this application illustrate operations implemented according to some embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the operations in the flowcharts may not be implemented in sequence, and steps without logical contextual relationships may be reversed or implemented simultaneously. In addition, those skilled in the art, guided by the content of this application, may add one or more other operations to the flowcharts, or remove one or more operations from the flowcharts.

[0022] Furthermore, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. The components of the embodiments of this application described and illustrated herein can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that the term "comprising" will be used in the embodiments of this application to indicate the presence of the features declared thereafter, but does not exclude the addition of other features.

[0024] The principle of stem diameter measurement is that when the rate of water loss through transpiration is greater than the rate of water absorption by the roots, the plant loses water, and the stem, as an organ for storing water, also loses water, resulting in a shrinkage in diameter. When the rate of water loss through transpiration reaches equilibrium with the rate of water absorption by the roots (or the rate of water absorption is greater than the rate of water loss), the water lost by the plant cells is replenished, the cells recover their expansion, and the stem diameter returns to its normal value. The expansion and contraction of plant stems are very sensitive to water deficit, so the slight changes in stem diameter can be used to detect the water status of plants.

[0025] Stem diameter changes are a more sensitive and effective indicator of water deficit stress in plants than stem flow, water potential, and transpiration rate. Different fruit tree species respond to water stress in two ways with subtle changes in stem diameter: in peach, plum, cherry, citrus, hawthorn, and jujube trees, the maximum daily stem shrinkage increases with increasing water stress, while in apple and grapevines it decreases. The correlation between stem diameter changes in grapevines and water status is highly dependent on changes during the growth stage.

[0026] Therefore, high-precision long-term and short-term measurements of stem diameter (circumference) changes are particularly important for monitoring plant growth, and have a greater ability to make judgments earlier than 2D observations of color and spectrum.

[0027] Existing technology uses flexible (elastic) sensors to monitor changes in plant stems. However, these sensors require manual installation onto the plant stem, resulting in low installation efficiency. Furthermore, manual adjustment of the original length is necessary during the plant's long-term growth. Without manual adjustment, flexible (elastic) sensors exhibit high-magnification elongation monitoring, and the linear coefficient varies with different elongation ratios, leading to inaccurate long-term monitoring of plant stem diameter (circumference).

[0028] Moreover, manual adjustment is not suitable for large-scale long-term monitoring of plant stem dynamics; although the original length can be manually adjusted, the stem development of different plants cannot be completely consistent (even within the same batch), so it is difficult to ensure that the original length of the sensor is consistent by manually adjusting the original length.

[0029] Based on this, this application provides a plant stem monitoring and installation system, the monitoring and installation system including: an installation device and a monitoring device; the initial state of the monitoring device is a straight state; the monitoring device includes: an adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism; the adaptive fixing mechanism includes a state control base and two fixing straps connected to the state control base; the free ends of the two fixing straps are provided with mutually cooperating closing buckles, and multiple pairs of fixing buckles are correspondingly provided on the straps of the two fixing straps for adjusting the circumference of the fixing ring formed around the plant stem; the sensor mechanism includes an automatic sensor length adjuster and two sets of sensor groups respectively fixed on the two fixing straps, each set of sensor groups... Each sensor group includes a flexible elastic resistor sensor and a flexible inelastic resistor sensor arranged side by side. The sensor original length automatic adjuster is used to adjust the length of the sensing segment of the sensor group. The sensing segment of the sensor group corresponds to the perimeter of the adaptive fixing mechanism. The mounting device includes: a storage compartment, a transmitting tube, and a first driving mechanism. The storage compartment is used to accommodate multiple monitoring devices in the initial state. The transmitting tube is connected to the storage compartment and is used to guide the monitoring devices. The first driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the state control base, causing the monitoring device to detach from the transmitting tube and switching the two fixing straps from the straight state to an outwardly open state for installation on the plant stem. Among them, the elastic sensor has high short-term accuracy and can sensitively capture diurnal micro-changes in stems caused by water stress; the inelastic sensor has good long-term stability and can record long-term stem growth and thickening without cumulative error. By integrating the flexible elastic resistive sensor and the flexible inelastic resistive sensor, the inherent defect of a single sensor being unable to simultaneously achieve both long-term and short-term monitoring accuracy is overcome, while improving the measurement accuracy at both monitoring scales. The sensor original length automatic adjuster can passively move under the impetus of plant stem thickening, automatically and synchronously increasing the effective sensing segment length of both sensors without manual adjustment. This is not only very convenient, but also ensures that the flexible elastic sensor is maintained at its linearity throughout the entire growing season. Within its optimal and most sensitive operating range, the flexible, non-elastic sensor can accurately collect long-term growth data, solving the problem of decreased measurement accuracy caused by insufficient range or deteriorated linearity in existing technologies, and further improving the accuracy of monitoring the circumference (diameter) of plant stems. The installation device drives the fixing strap to open through a state control base, allowing the fixing strap to be quickly fitted onto the stem and secured with a buckle, facilitating the sensor assembly to fit the stem. The dual-sensor structure and original length adjustment structure of the sensor assembly can also adapt to the growth changes of the stem after installation, eliminating the need for secondary installation and adjustment. In this way, the operations that previously required manual wrapping, fitting, locking, and subsequent multiple adjustments are simplified into a single automated operation, improving installation efficiency and reducing usage complexity.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of the plant stem monitoring and installation system described in this application is shown; please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This diagram shows a top view of the plant stem monitoring device in its initial state as described in an embodiment of this application; please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of the plant stem monitoring device in its installed state according to an embodiment of this application; please refer to... Figure 4 , Figure 4 This illustration shows a side view of the plant stem monitoring device in its initial state as described in an embodiment of this application; as shown... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the monitoring and installation system includes: an installation device and a monitoring device; The initial state of the monitoring device is a flat state; the monitoring device includes: an adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism; An adaptive fixing mechanism includes a state control base 4 and two fixing straps connected to the state control base 4; the free ends of the two fixing straps are provided with mutually cooperating closing buckles 6, and multiple pairs of fixing buckles 7 are correspondingly provided on the straps of the two fixing straps for adjusting the circumference of the fixing ring formed around the plant stem. The sensor mechanism includes an automatic sensor length adjuster 3 and two sets of sensor groups respectively fixed on the two fixing belts. Each set of sensor groups includes a flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 and a flexible non-elastic resistor sensor 2 arranged side by side. The automatic sensor length adjuster 3 is used to adjust the length of the sensing section of the sensor group. The sensing section of the sensor group corresponds to the perimeter of the adaptive fixing mechanism. The installation device includes: a storage compartment 8, a launch tube 9, and a first drive mechanism 10; The storage compartment 8 is used to accommodate multiple monitoring devices in the initial state; The transmitting tube 9 is connected to the storage compartment 8 and is used to guide the monitoring device; The first driving mechanism 10 is used to apply driving force to the state control base 4, so that the monitoring device is detached from the transmitting tube 9, and the two fixing straps are switched from the straight state to the outward opening state for installation on the plant stem.

[0031] The storage compartment 8 and the transmitting tube 9 of the installation device are adapted to the initial flat state of the monitoring device, and can accommodate monitoring devices to be installed in batches.

[0032] The sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 is used to move under the impetus of the increase in the diameter of the plant stem, so as to synchronously increase the length of the sensing segment of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 and the flexible inelastic resistor sensor 2.

[0033] The adaptive fixing mechanism is used to adaptively match the sensing segments of the sensor group so that the sensing segments of the sensor group are wound around and attached to the plant stem.

[0034] The sensing segments of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 and the flexible inelastic resistor sensor 2 are the effective lengths that directly participate in measuring the change in circumference.

[0035] The resistance value of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 changes with its own stretching degree; in this embodiment, it is used to detect the small diameter or circumference changes of the stem due to water balance in a short period of time (one day).

[0036] The flexible inelastic resistive sensor 2 has a resistance change that depends on the length change of the sensing segment, and is used to measure the long-term diameter or circumference change of the stem throughout the growing season.

[0037] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The number of flexible elastic resistor sensors 1 is two, and the number of flexible inelastic resistor sensors 2 is one. The flexible inelastic resistor sensor 2 is disposed between the two flexible elastic resistor sensors 1.

[0038] When the plant stem grows thicker, a thrust is applied to the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3, which moves the adjuster. When the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 moves, it releases more length of the two sensors (flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 and flexible non-elastic resistor sensor 2) in a synchronous and equal manner, making them new "sensing segments". This enables the sensor group to achieve adaptive dynamic length adjustment without the need for manual length release.

[0039] The adaptive fixing mechanism can automatically adapt to the diameter change of the plant stem from thin to thick without the need for external manual adjustment, and always maintain a stable and gentle clamping, fixing the sensing segment of the sensor group to the plant stem.

[0040] As the plant stem grows significantly over the months (while the daily diameter increase is small), a driving force is generated. Because the upper and lower flexible inelastic resistor sensors 2 are inelastic or have very little elasticity, the cumulative diameter increase (e.g., monthly accumulation) causes the portion of the stem covered by the flexible inelastic resistor sensors 2 to increase. This pushes the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 to move outward, thus automatically reducing the length of the resistor not covering the stem. At the same time, since the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 is located between the two flexible inelastic resistor sensors 2, the length of the resistor not covering the stem is reduced synchronously, while the original length of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 covering the stem is increased.

[0041] This achieves the goal of automatically changing the original length of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1, enabling it to measure the circumference of the stem with high precision within a relatively fixed linearity range.

[0042] The changes in the plant's circumference mainly manifest in two parts. One is the cumulative change in circumference over a long period, such as weeks or months, which is relatively macroscopic. The other is the daily cyclical change in the stem caused by transpiration due to weather, sunlight, and other factors within 24 hours. This change is relatively small and more microscopic.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, two types of sensors are used to address measurements at two different scales. One is a flexible, inelastic resistive sensor 2, which, in conjunction with the automatic stem length adjuster 3, can only measure the circumferential and monthly stem thickening of the plant stem. A significant force is required to move the automatic stem length adjuster 3 and change the value of the flexible, inelastic resistive sensor 2. Because it lacks elasticity, it can accurately measure large-scale changes in stem circumference. The other is a flexible, elastic sensor. Due to transpiration, plant stems exhibit periodic changes, which are relatively subtle. While the flexible, elastic sensor can measure these subtle changes, it struggles to accurately measure large-scale changes. The dynamic plant stem monitoring device described in this embodiment combines the advantages of both sensors, enabling simultaneous measurement of weekly, monthly, and daily stem circumference changes. Furthermore, under the action of the automatic stem length adjuster 3, as the plant stem diameter increases, long-term measurement accuracy is ensured.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 according to an embodiment of this application is shown; as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 has a first channel 301 and a second channel 302 side by side, the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 passes through the first channel 301, and the flexible non-elastic resistor sensor 2 passes through the second channel 302.

[0045] In some embodiments, in the dynamic plant stem monitoring device, the thickness of the flexible elastic resistor sensor 1 is greater than the thickness of the flexible inelastic resistor sensor 2, and the thickness of the first channel 301 is greater than the thickness of the second channel 302.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 includes a first body 303 and a second body 304. The first body 303 and the second body 304 are made of magnetic material, and their opposite surfaces are designed with a matching structure.

[0047] After the first body 303 and the second body 304 are attracted together, they together form the first channel 301 and the second channel 302 side by side.

[0048] In some embodiments, iron baffles are provided at both ends of the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 to better fix the first body 303 and the second body 304 that are attracted together.

[0049] The opposing surfaces of the first body 303 and the second body 304 are designed with matching shapes. For example, they can be mutually mating stepped structures or mutually mating groove-protrusion structures.

[0050] The two fixing straps form a fixing ring based on the closing buckle 6 and the fixing buckle 7, which adaptively matches the sensing segment of the sensor group, so that the sensing segment of the sensor group is wrapped around and attached to the plant stem through the fixing ring.

[0051] The state control base 4 has two functions: first, to fix the two fixing straps; and second, to control the state of the two fixing straps, specifically, to control the two fixing straps in a straight state. Figure 1 (as shown), opening outwards, wrapping inwards ( Figure 2 Switch between the states shown.

[0052] The two fixing straps form a fixing loop that adaptively matches the sensing segment of the sensor group based on the closing buckle 6 and the fixing buckle 7. Specifically, the closing buckle 6 is folded down to connect the free ends of the two fixing straps, and the fixing buckle 7 at the end away from the closing buckle 6 is selectively locked to form a fixing loop extending from the free end of the fixing straps.

[0053] Based on the initial diameter of the plant stem, a suitable locking buckle 7 is selected for locking, forming a fixed ring with an initial circumference. At this time, the sensing segment of the sensor group is constrained and pressed tightly against the stem surface, and is in a measuring state. As the plant stem continues to grow, its diameter continues to increase, expanding the fixed ring and automatically opening a set of closing locking buckles 6. The size of the fixed ring is adaptively adjusted, which also matches the length of the sensor group released by the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 as the plant stem continues to grow.

[0054] For example, the fixing buckle 7 can be a snap-fit ​​buckle, which can be opened and released when the plant stem expands the fixing ring.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The closing latch 6 and the fixing latch 7 each include a pair of magnets that attract each other. Multiple pairs of fixing latches 7 are evenly arranged on the two fixing strips. The magnets include two magnetic poles. Adjacent magnetic poles on a single fixing strip have the same polarity and repel each other. The magnetic poles of magnets at different positions on different fixing strips have opposite polarities and attract each other.

[0056] Thus, the initial state of the dynamic plant stem monitoring device is a straight state.

[0057] In its straight state, the dynamic plant stem monitoring device is a long strip, which is convenient for storage, transportation, and for being grasped and installed.

[0058] In some embodiments, in the dynamic plant stem monitoring device, the adaptive fixing mechanism is used to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward opening state, and an inward wrapping state via the state control base 4; In the outward-opening state, the magnets of the closing latches 6 of the two fixing straps of the adaptive fixing mechanism attract each other, and the first part of the magnets of the fixing latch 7 attract each other, forming a fixing ring in combination with the blocking effect of the outer diameter of the plant stem. The sensing segment of the sensor group is wound around and attached to the plant stem through the fixing ring, switching to the inward-wrapping state; the second part of the magnets of the fixing latch 7 attract each other to adaptively adjust the circumference of the fixing ring.

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, the two fixed straps of the monitoring device break the initial state through the driving force of the first driving mechanism 10 and automatically enter the outward opening state without manual opening.

[0060] Once the dynamic plant stem monitoring device is in place and covers the plant stem, under the guidance of magnetism, the locking buckles 6 at the free ends of the two fixing straps first find and engage with each other, completing the initial encirclement of the stem. The obstruction around the stem prevents the fixing straps from returning to a straight position, causing them to bend along the stem surface. Starting from the locking buckle 6, extending towards the other end of the fixing strap, the corresponding fixing buckle 7 magnet pairs will sequentially find and engage. This process is automatic until all magnet pairs that can be engaged are locked, forming a tightly wrapped fixing ring around the stem. Although the corresponding fixing buckles 7 on this fixing ring are not engaged, they still have an attractive force, thus fitting the plant stem more closely. In this way, the two fixing straps automatically close during installation, eliminating the need for manual closing.

[0061] As the plant stem grows thicker, it internally pushes the sensor's original length automatic adjuster 3. The movement of the adjuster simultaneously increases the effective original length of the sensing segment and also pushes the fixing ring outwards. This causes the magnet pairs of some of the originally engaged fixing latches 7 to separate, thus increasing the circumference of the fixing ring. Furthermore, due to the attraction between the corresponding fixing latches 7 on the fixing ring, they remain in contact with the plant stem, automatically matching the size of the grown stem, unlike purely mechanical latches which are tighter before release and looser after release.

[0062] In this way, by setting the closing latch 6 and the fixing latch 7 as magnets, the automated installation of the monitoring device is achieved. The entire process only requires operating the first drive mechanism 10 to apply driving force to the state control base 4. The state control base 4 drives the monitoring device to detach from the transmitting tube 9 and automatically switches the two fixing straps from the straight state to the outward opening state, installing them onto the plant stem. The closing latch 6 and the fixing latch 7 on the two fixing straps can then automatically close, completing the automatic winding and fitting of the plant stem. After installation, the length of the sensing section of the sensor group can be adjusted by the sensor original length automatic adjuster 3, and the circumference of the fixing rings of the two fixing straps matching the sensing section will also be automatically adjusted. While ensuring measurement accuracy, the entire plant growth and monitoring cycle only requires operating the first drive mechanism 10 to apply driving force, simplifying the manual wrapping, fitting, locking, and subsequent multiple adjustments into a single automated operation, improving installation efficiency and reducing usage complexity.

[0063] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the fixing strap includes a magnet fixing strap 501 and a pull rope 502; The pull rope 502 is connected to the state control base 4. The pull rope 502 is movably inserted through the magnets of the closing buckle 6 and the fixing buckle 7, so that the pull rope 502 can be adjusted by the state control base 4 to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward opening state and an inward wrapping state.

[0064] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the status control base 4 includes a fixing block 401 and a control block 402; the pull rope 502 passes through the control block 402 and the fixing block 401 and is fixedly connected; the end of the magnet fixing strap 501 is fixedly connected to the control block 402. The control block 402 is used to move toward the closing latch 6 under the drive of the first drive mechanism 10, so as to adjust the length of the pull rope 502 between the control block 402 and the closing latch 6, and control the two fixing straps to switch from a straight state to an outward opening state.

[0065] In other words, the magnet fixing strap 501 is used to fix several magnets that are equally spaced and repel each other. Each magnet has a through hole through which the pull rope 502 passes. One side is fixed to the attracting magnet, and the other side passes through the corresponding through hole of the control block 402. The end is fixed to the fixing block 401.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnet fixing straps 501 are symmetrically arranged, which ensures that the magnet blocks on the same magnet fixing strap repel each other. The magnet fixing straps 501 can be controlled to be straight, open outward, or wrap inward by the pull rope 502. Figure 2 (The state shown).

[0067] Since the magnet blocks of the magnet fixing belt 501 are symmetrically arranged, the corresponding magnet blocks of different magnet fixing belts 501 are in an attractive state, so the initial state of the plant stem adaptive dynamic monitoring device is a straight state.

[0068] This forms a set of plant stem adaptive monitoring devices. The device is arranged in an upper and lower position, with a flexible sensor placed in the middle to protect the flexible sensor from interference such as tensile force.

[0069] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the status control base 4 further includes an electromagnetic suction fixer; The fixing block 401 is equipped with a magnet for adsorption and fixation with the electromagnetic suction fixer.

[0070] In some embodiments, in the plant stem monitoring and installation system, the first drive mechanism 10 includes a motor 1002 and a drive plug 1001. The motor 1002 is used to drive the drive bolt 1001; The drive pin 1001 has a receiving cavity, the fixing block 401 is received in the receiving cavity, and the control block 402 protrudes at least partially from the receiving cavity so that the drive pin 1001 pushes the control block 402 to move.

[0071] The fixing block 401 is housed within the receiving cavity, and the control block 402 protrudes at least partially from the receiving cavity. For example, the length and / or width of the cross-section of the fixing block 401 is less than the length and / or width of the control block 402, thereby enabling the drive bolt 1001 to push the control block 402 to move while keeping the fixing block 401 fixed.

[0072] For example, two magnets are embedded in the fixing block 401, so that it is attracted and fixed by the energized electromagnetic suction fixer. When the electromagnetic suction fixer is de-energized, it is released, so that the monitoring device is detached from the installation device.

[0073] Since the cross-sectional length and width of the fixing block 401 are less than the cross-sectional length and width of the control block 402, the fixing block 401 is attracted by the electromagnet fixing device when energized. The driving bolt 1001, whose outer diameter is larger than that of the fixing block 401, is driven by the motor 1002 to push the control block 402 and its linked magnetic block in the direction of the attraction lock, which changes the mechanical balance of the tension of the fixing band and the magnetic force between the magnetic blocks. Under the fixing and constraint of the transmitter tube 9 of the installation device, the magnet of the part of the monitoring device squeezed out of the transmitter tube 9 is forced to expand outward by the inherent repulsive force between the magnets, the tension of the pull rope 502 and the fixing action of the magnet fixing band 501, forming an outward bending (i.e., outward opening) state, which is similar to a trumpet-shaped structure, which is convenient for wrapping the plant stem.

[0074] When the monitoring device, which is in an outward-opening state, clamps the plant stem, the electromagnetic suction fixer is de-energized. Due to the mutual magnetic force of the magnets, the fixing block 401 and the control block 402 move closer together. At the same time, driven by the inherent repulsive force between adjacent magnets on the two support belts, and combined with the blocking effect of the outer diameter of the plant stem, they automatically rearrange along the circumference of the stem. The sensor original length automatic adjuster 3 is automatically pushed to the position closest to the plant stem according to the size of the outer diameter. The magnet blocks of the excess fixing buckles 7 on the fixing belt will attract each other due to the symmetrical attraction force, and the end attraction buckles will also be attracted. In this way, the flexible sensor group automatically forms a position (original length) that fits the circumference measurement position of the plant stem.

[0075] In some embodiments, the installation device in the plant stem monitoring and installation system further includes a second drive mechanism; The second drive mechanism is used to push the monitoring device of the storage compartment 8 to the launch position of the matching launch tube 9.

[0076] The second drive mechanism can be a mechanical drive structure such as a spring mechanism, or it can be an electrically controlled drive mechanism.

[0077] The plant stem monitoring and installation system described in this application automatically adjusts the original length of the flexible sensor group to perform high-precision measurements within an ideal linearity. Combining the advantages of two types of sensors, it achieves a method for high-precision circumference measurement of plant stems at the daily, weekly, and monthly levels. The installation device enables continuous and rapid installation of the monitoring device. Finally, because the monitoring device has multiple magnets, after harvesting, the sensors deployed in the field can be automatically retrieved using a single magnet.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system and apparatus can be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0079] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring and installation system for plant stems, characterized in that, The monitoring and installation system includes: an installation device and a monitoring device; The initial state of the monitoring device is a flat state; the monitoring device includes: an adaptive fixing mechanism and a sensor mechanism; An adaptive fixing mechanism includes a state control base and two fixing straps connected to the state control base; the free ends of the two fixing straps are provided with mutually cooperating closing buckles, and multiple pairs of fixing buckles are correspondingly provided on the straps of the two fixing straps for adjusting the circumference of the fixing ring formed around the plant stem. The sensor mechanism includes an automatic sensor length adjuster and two sets of sensor groups respectively fixed on the two fixing straps. Each set of sensor groups includes a flexible elastic resistor sensor and a flexible non-elastic resistor sensor arranged side by side. The automatic sensor length adjuster is used to adjust the length of the sensing section of the sensor group. The sensing section of the sensor group corresponds to the perimeter of the adaptive fixing mechanism. The installation device includes: a storage compartment, a transmitting tube, and a first drive mechanism; the storage compartment is used to house multiple monitoring devices in the initial state; the transmitting tube is connected to the storage compartment and is used to guide the monitoring devices; The first driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the state control base, so that the monitoring device is detached from the transmitting tube, and the two fixing straps are switched from the straight state to the outward opening state for installation on the plant stem.

2. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting device also includes a second drive mechanism; The second drive mechanism is used to push the monitoring device of the storage compartment to the launch position of the matching launch tube.

3. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the closing latch and the fixing latch include a pair of magnets that attract each other. Multiple pairs of fixing latches are evenly arranged on the two fixing strips. Each magnet includes two magnetic poles. Adjacent magnetic poles on a single fixing strip have the same polarity and repel each other. The magnetic poles of magnets at different positions on different fixing strips have opposite polarities and attract each other.

4. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adaptive fixing mechanism is used to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward opening state, and an inward wrapping state via the state control base; In the outward-opening state, the magnets of the closing latches of the two fixing straps of the adaptive fixing mechanism attract each other, and the first part of the magnets of the fixing latch attract each other, forming a fixing ring in combination with the blocking effect of the outer diameter of the plant stem. The sensing segment of the sensor group is wound around and attached to the plant stem through the fixing ring, switching to the inward-wrapping state; the second part of the magnets of the fixing latch attract each other to adaptively adjust the circumference of the fixing ring.

5. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing strap includes a magnet fixing strap and a pull cord; The pull rope is connected to the status control base. The pull rope is movably inserted through the magnets of the closing buckle and the fixing buckle, so that the pull rope can be adjusted by the status control base to control the two fixing straps to switch between a straight state, an outward opening state and an inward wrapping state.

6. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The status control base includes a fixed block and a control block; the pull rope passes through the control block and the fixed block and is fixedly connected; the end of the magnet fixing strap is fixedly connected to the control block; The control block is used to move toward the closing latch under the drive of the first drive mechanism to adjust the length of the pull rope between the control block and the closing latch, and to control the two fixing straps to switch from a straight state to an outwardly open state.

7. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The status control base also includes: an electromagnetic suction fixer; The fixing block is equipped with a magnet for adsorption and fixation with the electromagnetic suction fixer.

8. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The first drive mechanism includes a motor and a drive pin; The motor is used to drive the drive pin body; The drive pin body has a receiving cavity, the fixing block is received in the receiving cavity, and the control block protrudes at least partially from the receiving cavity so that the drive pin body pushes the control block to move.

9. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor original length automatic adjuster has a first channel and a second channel side by side. The flexible elastic resistor sensor passes through the first channel, and the flexible non-elastic resistor sensor passes through the second channel.

10. The plant stem monitoring and installation system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the flexible elastic resistor sensor is greater than the thickness of the flexible inelastic resistor sensor, and the thickness of the first channel is greater than the thickness of the second channel.

Images