Plant root growth dynamics observation and image analysis device
By designing a dynamic observation device for plant root growth, and utilizing an adjustable camera position and an inner wall cleaning structure, the problems of physical damage to the root system and insufficient flexibility of traditional observation devices are solved, achieving a comprehensive and multi-dimensional root observation effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU SAINSI TESTING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Traditional root observation methods cause physical damage to plant roots, and existing observation devices lack flexibility, making it difficult to achieve efficient observation of roots at different depths and locations.
A plant root growth dynamic observation device was designed, comprising a barrel, a cover, a ring, bolts, a slide rail, a sliding sleeve, and a camera. By flexibly adjusting the camera position and cleaning algae from the inner wall of the barrel, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional observation of the root system can be achieved.
It enables stable and clear observation of plant root growth, improves the convenience and accuracy of observation, avoids interference from algae, and meets the needs of plant root dynamic research.
Smart Images

Figure CN224439100U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant-related technology, and in particular to a device for observing and analyzing the dynamic growth of plant roots. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of plant growth research, dynamic observation of root growth plays a crucial role in analyzing plant growth patterns, nutrient uptake mechanisms, and environmental adaptation strategies. Among traditional root observation methods, the excavation method causes significant physical damage to plant roots, interfering with normal plant growth and making continuous tracking of root growth difficult. While the micro-root window method reduces the impact on the root system, existing related observation devices suffer from insufficient structural flexibility, limiting observation at different depths and locations of the roots and thus restricting observation efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a device for observing and analyzing the dynamic growth of plant roots.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A device for observing and analyzing the dynamic growth of plant roots includes a barrel body covered by a lid. The barrel body is made of transparent polystyrene. A mesh cover is fixedly connected to the lid, with one end of the mesh cover extending into the barrel body. Filler is placed inside the mesh cover. A first ring body is movably inserted through the outer wall of the barrel body. A first sleeve body is fixedly connected to one end of the first ring body. The first sleeve body is threaded with a bolt. A slide rail is fixedly connected to the first ring body. A sliding sleeve is slidably connected to the slide rail. A camera is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve. The slide rail is I-shaped and adapted to the sliding sleeve. A vertical rod is provided inside the barrel body.
[0006] Preferably, the cover is fixedly connected to a second sleeve, the second sleeve being movably connected to the vertical rod, the vertical rod being fixedly connected to a second ring, the second ring being fixedly connected to a scraper, the scraper being made of silicone material, and the scraper contacting the inner wall of the barrel.
[0007] Preferably, both the vertical rod and the bolt are fixedly connected to a handle.
[0008] Preferably, a rubber block is fixedly connected to one end of the bolt, and the rubber block is in contact with the barrel body.
[0009] Preferably, the first ring body is adapted to the barrel body.
[0010] Preferably, the cover is stepped.
[0011] Preferably, the length of the vertical rod is greater than the height of the barrel.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0013] 1. Through the coordinated arrangement of the bucket body, first ring body, first sleeve body, bolts, slide rail, slider, and camera, when the bolts are loosened, the first ring body can rotate and rise flexibly within the bucket body, adjusting the camera to different heights and orientations to align with the plant roots inside the bucket from multiple angles. When the bolts are tightened, the friction between the first ring body and the bucket body stabilizes the position of the first ring body, ensuring camera stability during filming. Simultaneously, the movement of the slider along the slide rail adjusts the lateral distance between the camera and the bucket body, allowing the camera to clearly capture root details at different lateral areas and distances within the bucket, depending on the observation requirements. This enables comprehensive, multi-dimensional observation of plant root growth within the bucket and allows for flexible adjustment of the camera position according to actual research needs, improving the convenience and accuracy of observation and providing stable observation conditions for studying plant root growth dynamics.
[0014] 2. Through the coordination of the cover, the second sleeve, the vertical rod, the second ring, and the scraper, when algae adhere to the inner wall of the barrel, the vertical rod can drive the second ring to move up and down. The scraper at the second ring can then clean the inner wall of the barrel, removing algae that affect the observation line of sight. This ensures the light transmittance and observation clarity of the transparent barrel, while preventing algae from obstructing and interfering with the acquisition and analysis of root images. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device proposed in this utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;
[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle cover, mesh cover and filler;
[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the first ring body, the first sleeve body, and the bolts;
[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding rail, sliding sleeve, and camera.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Barrel body; 2. Cover body; 3. Mesh cover; 4. Filler; 5. First ring body; 6. First sleeve body; 7. Bolt; 8. Slide rail; 9. Sliding sleeve; 10. Camera; 11. Second sleeve body; 12. Vertical rod; 13. Second ring body; 14. Scraper; 15. Rubber block. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0022] Example 1, referring to Figures 1 to 5 A plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device includes a barrel 1 covered by a lid 2. The barrel 1 is made of transparent polystyrene material to facilitate camera 10 recording the plant roots inside the barrel 1. A mesh cover 3 is fixedly connected to the lid 2. The mesh cover 3 supports the plant roots as they grow into the barrel through the mesh openings and prevents filler materials such as expanded clay or perlite from scattering. One end of the mesh cover 3 extends into the barrel 1, and filler material 4 is placed inside the mesh cover 3. The filler material 4 provides initial support for the plant roots and guides the roots to extend into the nutrient solution area inside the barrel, forming an orderly growth path. The outer wall of the barrel 1 is flexible. The first ring body 5 is connected to the first sleeve body 6 at one end of the first ring body 5. The first sleeve body 6 is threaded with a bolt 7. When the bolt 7 is loosened, the first ring body 5 can drive the camera 10 to rotate or axially lift on the outer wall of the barrel 1. The adjustment range covers the full height of the barrel 1. The first ring body 5 is fixedly connected to a slide rail 8. The slide rail 8 is slidably connected to a sliding sleeve 9. The sliding sleeve 9 is fixedly connected to the camera 10. The model of the camera 10 is selected according to the actual working requirements. The slide rail 8 is I-shaped and adapted to the sliding sleeve 9 to prevent the sliding sleeve 9 from falling off during movement. A vertical rod 12 is provided inside the barrel 1.
[0023] In this embodiment, the cover 2 is fixedly connected to the second sleeve 11, which is movably connected to the vertical rod 12. The vertical rod 12 is fixedly connected to the second ring 13, which is fixedly connected to the scraper 14. The scraper 14 is made of silicone, which is acid and alkali resistant, anti-aging, and does not harden easily after long-term contact with nutrient solution. The scraper 14 is in contact with the inner wall of the bucket 1. The vertical rod 12 and the bolt 7 are both fixedly connected to handles. One end of the bolt 7 is fixedly connected to a rubber block 15, which is in contact with the bucket 1. The rubber block 15 increases the coefficient of friction with the bucket 1, ensuring that the first ring 5 is stable and does not shift. The first ring 5 is adapted to the bucket 1. The cover 2 is stepped, which can form a tight fit with the bucket opening, preventing dust from falling into the bucket and contaminating the cultivation ring. The length of the vertical rod 12 is greater than the height of the bucket 1.
[0024] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: During use, the plant is placed inside the mesh cover 3 and fixed within the seasoning 4. The plant's roots will pass through the mesh cover 3 and enter the nutrient solution in the tank 1. As the plant roots continue to grow, the bolt 7 can be loosened, allowing the first ring 5 to rotate and raise the camera 10 on the tank 1, aligning it with the roots from multiple angles. Afterward, the bolt 7 is tightened, and friction stabilizes the camera. Simultaneously, the sliding sleeve 9 moves along the slide rail 8 to adjust the lateral distance of the camera 10, enabling comprehensive, multi-dimensional observation of the roots. The position can be adjusted as needed, improving the convenience and accuracy of observation. When algae adhere to the inner wall of the tank 1, the vertical rod 12 raises and lowers the second ring 13, with the scraper 14 on it cleaning the algae from the tank wall. This ensures the light transmittance of the tank 1 and prevents algae from interfering with root image acquisition and analysis, providing stable and clear observation conditions for the study of plant root growth dynamics.
[0025] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A device for observing and analyzing the dynamic growth of plant roots, comprising a barrel (1), characterized in that, The barrel (1) is covered with a cover (2). The barrel (1) is made of transparent polystyrene. The cover (2) is fixedly connected to a mesh cover (3). One end of the mesh cover (3) extends into the barrel (1). The mesh cover (3) contains filler (4). The outer wall of the barrel (1) is movably connected to a first ring (5). One end of the first ring (5) is fixedly connected to a first sleeve (6). The first sleeve (6) is threaded with a bolt (7). The first ring (5) is fixedly connected to a slide rail (8). The slide rail (8) is slidably connected to a sliding sleeve (9). The sliding sleeve (9) is fixedly connected to a camera (10). The slide rail (8) is I-shaped and fits the sliding sleeve (9). The barrel (1) is provided with a vertical rod (12).
2. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (2) is fixedly connected to a second sleeve (11), the second sleeve (11) is movably connected to the vertical rod (12), the vertical rod (12) is fixedly connected to a second ring (13), the second ring (13) is fixedly connected to a scraper (14), the scraper (14) is made of silicone, and the scraper (14) is in contact with the inner wall of the barrel (1).
3. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the vertical rod (12) and the bolt (7) are fixedly connected to handles.
4. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the bolt (7) is fixedly connected to a rubber block (15), which is in contact with the barrel body (1).
5. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ring (5) is adapted to the barrel (1).
6. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (2) is stepped.
7. The plant root growth dynamic observation and image analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the vertical rod (12) is greater than the height of the barrel (1).