An agricultural seed germination observation box
By employing a multi-compartment design and a reflector to reflect light in the seed germination observation box, the number of light source boards was reduced, solving the problem of high cost and improving automation and temperature control.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 王敏
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing seed germination observation boxes are expensive and have low automation levels. Furthermore, the cost of lighting and temperature control systems increases dramatically after adding chambers.
Multiple baffles are used to divide the box into multiple compartments. Two light source boards are used to reflect light through reflectors. Temperature is regulated by temperature control tubes and temperature controllers, which reduces the number of light source boards and improves the degree of automation.
It reduces the operating cost and power consumption of the seed germination observation box, while improving the degree of automation and the accuracy of temperature control.
Smart Images
Figure CN224460627U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of seed germination observation technology, and in particular relates to an agronomic seed germination observation box. Background Technology
[0002] Seed germination is the process by which the embryo of a seed transitions from a relatively quiescent state to a physiologically active state and grows into a seedling capable of nutrient production. Detecting seed germination is crucial for understanding germination rates and for achieving standardized and high-quality seed cultivation. Therefore, it is often necessary to observe the germination status of seeds before sowing. Current technologies include simple germination dishes (incubators) and constant temperature, humidity, and light chambers. Simple observation chambers are inexpensive but require numerous manual steps and have low automation. More automated systems, utilizing machine vision and AI, are expensive, complex, and require specialized maintenance.
[0003] Chinese patent CN217509380U discloses an agronomic seed germination observation box, comprising a box body, columns installed at the four corners of the bottom of the box body, casters installed at the bottom of the columns, first observation windows embedded on both sides and the back of the box body, push rods installed along the upper edges of both sides of the box body, a glass door installed along the upper edge of the front of the box body, a second observation window embedded along the lower edge of the front of the box body, a drain pipe installed at the bottom of the box body, a drain valve installed at the bottom of the drain pipe, and an electrically controlled metering oxygen supply mechanism located at the center of the top of the box body. During use, this device, due to having only one chamber, can only observe the germination of one type of seed or seeds with similar germination conditions. Adding more chambers would require an equivalent increase in the lighting and temperature control systems, significantly increasing the operating cost of the device. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an agronomic seed germination observation box that can reduce the number of light source plates used.
[0005] The aforementioned agronomic seed germination observation box includes a box body. Multiple baffles are vertically spaced within the box body, dividing it into compartments for placing seedling trays. A mounting shell covers the top of the box body. Several first through holes, connected to the mounting shell, are opened on the top of each compartment. Two reflectors are fixed at a front-to-back interval inside the mounting shell. Light source plates are installed on the left and right inner walls of the mounting shell. The front reflector is tilted with the left side higher than the right to reflect light from the left light source plate into the box body. The rear reflector is tilted with the left side lower than the right to reflect light from the right light source plate into the box body.
[0006] Activate the light source panels on the left and right sides, and the two light source panels emit light. The light is reflected downwards by the reflector at the top of the mounting shell and shines into multiple compartments. Only two light source panels are used in one box, which reduces costs compared to the existing method of installing a light source panel in each compartment.
[0007] Furthermore, the top of the compartment corresponding to the through hole position on the box body is provided with an installation groove. A light shield is installed in the installation groove in a sliding fit with the front and back. The light shield is provided with several second through holes that are connected vertically. The light shield is provided with threaded holes that pass through the front and back. A threaded rod is installed in each of the threaded holes. The rear end of the threaded rod is rotatably fitted with the rear side wall of the box body. The front end of the threaded rod passes through the box body independently and is located at the front of the box body.
[0008] Light shines into multiple compartments through several through holes on the light shield and the box body. By adjusting the screw rod by hand or tool, the light shield moves back and forth. At the same time as the light shield moves back and forth, the multiple second through holes on the light shield overlap or separate from the first through holes on the bottom surface of the multiple mounting grooves. As they overlap or separate, the amount of light shining into the three compartments increases or decreases.
[0009] Furthermore, the left and right side walls of the inner compartment of the box are provided with sliding grooves for inserting seedling trays at vertical intervals. The sliding grooves are distributed in the front-back direction. A spring is fixed on the box at the front end of the sliding groove. A limiting groove is opened on the seedling tray corresponding to the spring. After the seedling tray is inserted into the sliding groove, the spring is locked into the limiting groove.
[0010] When the seedling tray is inserted into the groove, the spring is squeezed and deformed by the seedling tray. After the seedling tray is inserted to the bottom, the spring rebounds and gets stuck in the limiting groove on the corresponding seedling tray, locking the seedling tray. The seedling tray can be pulled out by applying force outward.
[0011] Furthermore, a reflective block is installed inside the box at the top of each compartment. The reflective block consists of a vertically arranged cylinder, the upper end of which is fixed to the box, and the lower end of which is a conical structure. The conical surface of this structure can reflect light.
[0012] Light shines on the reflective blocks, which reflect the light in all directions, illuminating the top and upper part of the compartment.
[0013] Furthermore, the side walls of the compartments of the box are provided with multiple rectangular grooves with tooth-like structures spaced vertically, and reflective elements are fixed on the walls of the rectangular grooves.
[0014] Light shines on reflectors on rectangular slots within multiple compartments, illuminating all areas within the compartments through reflection.
[0015] Furthermore, water tanks are fixedly mounted on the top surface of the mounting shell at intervals on the left and right sides. The water tanks include a hot water tank and a cold water tank, which are connected to a temperature control pipe via water pipes. The water pipes consist of a hot water outlet pipe, a cold water outlet pipe, a hot water inlet pipe, and a cold water inlet pipe. Two water pipes are installed inside the temperature control pipe: one for hot water and one for cold water. One end of the hot water outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank, and the other end is connected via a branch pipe to the inlet of the hot water pipe inside the temperature control pipe. One end of the water pipe is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the cold water pipe in the temperature control pipe through a branch pipe; one end of the hot water inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the hot water pipe in the temperature control pipe through a branch pipe; one end of the cold water inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the cold water pipe in the temperature control pipe through a branch pipe. Temperature controllers are installed at the inlet of both the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe in the temperature control pipe.
[0016] Hot and cold water from the hot and cold water tanks circulate through pipes into the temperature control pipe and then back into the hot and cold water tanks. The temperature controller monitors the temperature in the compartment in real time and adjusts the ratio of hot and cold water in the hot and cold water pipes entering the temperature control pipe according to the required temperature, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the temperature in the compartment.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0018] Activating the light source panels on both sides, the two panels emit light, which is reflected downwards by a reflector at the top of the housing and shines into multiple compartments. Only two light source panels are needed in one unit, reducing costs compared to existing systems that install a light source panel in each compartment. The automation of the seed germination observation box is improved through the principles of light reflection and water heat conduction. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a seed germination observation box;
[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural schematic diagram after cross-section along line AA;
[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified diagram of the right-side view structure;
[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A reduced-size structural diagram after cross-section along line BB;
[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A reduced-size structural diagram after cross-section along the CC line;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a seed germination observation box;
[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the first outer shell (6) in a seed germination observation box after partial cross-section;
[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram at point D.
[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Light source plate; 2. Light shield; 3. Reflector; 4. Temperature control tube; 5. Threaded screw; 6. Box body; 7. Seedling tray; 8. Door; 9. Temperature controller; 10. Mounting shell; 11. Spring; 12. Water pipe; 12.1. Hot water outlet pipe; 12.2. Cold water outlet pipe; 12.3. Hot water inlet pipe; 12.4. Cold water inlet pipe; 13. Water tank; 13.1. Hot water tank; 13.2. Cold water tank; 14. Rectangular trough; 15. Slide chute. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. Example
[0029] The agronomic seed germination observation box described in this embodiment is implemented using the following scheme:
[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the box 6 has a rectangular shell structure with an open front wall. Two baffles are fixed at equal intervals on the left and right sides inside the box 6, dividing the interior into three identical compartments. The rear inner wall and left and right inner walls of each of the three compartments are evenly spaced with serrated rectangular grooves 14. Reflective elements, using existing technology and employing reflective film, are fixed to the walls of each of the three rectangular grooves 14. Triangular fixing blocks are fixed around the top surface of each of the three compartments, with the inward side of each block higher than the outward side, creating a slope that is higher in the middle and lower around the edges. Reflective film is adhered to the surface of these fixing blocks. Three vertically spaced sliding grooves 15 are formed on the left and right side walls of the box 6 of each of the three compartments. These grooves 15 are used for sliding seedling trays 7. A rectangular limiting groove is formed on the front right side wall of each seedling tray 7, extending to the left. A spring piece 11 is fixed on the housing 6 at the position of the limiting groove. The spring piece 11 is existing technology. When the spring piece 11 is in a free state, it is locked in the corresponding limiting groove. When it is squeezed, it will deform and shrink.
[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the top surface of the housing 6 has three rectangular mounting slots spaced downwards and corresponding to three compartments. The lower half of the left and right sidewalls of the housing 6 of each of the three mounting slots has outwardly extending rectangular grooves. The bottom surface of each of the three mounting slots has multiple neatly arranged first through holes penetrating into the housing 6. A light-shielding plate 2 is slidably installed in each of the three mounting slots. The longitudinal cross-section of the light-shielding plate 2 is convex, and both ends of the light-shielding plate 2 are located within the grooves on the mounting slots, which limit the movement of the light-shielding plate 2. The top surface of each of the three light-shielding plates 2 has multiple neatly arranged second through holes. The arrangement and position of the first through holes on the housing 6 are consistent with those of the second through holes on the light-shielding plates 2. The front sidewalls of the three light-shielding plates 2 have threaded holes extending backwards. A threaded rod 5 is inserted into these threaded holes, and the threaded rod 5 is threaded into the threaded holes. Each of the three mounting slots has a through hole extending rearward from the front sidewall of the housing 6 at the location of the threaded hole. A bearing is installed within this through hole, and the bearing is used to mount the front portion of the threaded screw 5. A rectangular notch is also provided rearward from the front sidewall of the housing 6 at the location of the through hole. Blind holes are provided rearward from the center of the rear sidewall of each of the three mounting slots. These three blind holes are used to mount the rear portion of the threaded screw 5, and the two are in a rotatable fit. The front end of the threaded screw 5 independently passes through the corresponding through hole in the housing 6 and is positioned within the notch corresponding to that through hole in the housing 6.
[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, a mounting shell 10 is fixed to the top surface of the housing 6. The mounting shell 10 has a rectangular shell structure. A rectangular plate with a thin rectangular sheet structure is fixed to the lower end of the front and rear side walls of the mounting shell 10. This rectangular plate is used to protect the light-shielding plate 2 in the mounting groove on the top surface of the housing 6. Two reflectors are fixed at a distance from each other at the top of the mounting shell 10. The reflector on the front side is tilted with the left side higher than the right side, and the reflector on the rear side is tilted with the left side lower than the right side. Light source plates 1 are installed on the left and right inner side walls of the mounting shell 10. Reflective blocks 3 corresponding to the number of three compartments are fixed at intervals on the left and right sides of the upper inner wall of the housing 6. Each of the three reflective blocks 3 consists of a cylinder and a cone. A reflective film is pasted on the surface of the cone to reflect light.
[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the rear half of the top surface of the housing 6 has mounting slots spaced downwards and to the left and right, corresponding to the three compartments. These mounting slots have a waist-shaped horizontal cross-section and a U-shaped path distribution. Each mounting slot contains a temperature control pipe 4, and each temperature control pipe 4 contains two water pipes: one for hot water and one for cold water. The rear half of the top surface of the housing 10 has water tanks 13 fixed to it at intervals on the left and right. Each water tank 13 consists of a hot water tank 13.1 and a cold water tank 13.2, with the hot water tank 13.1 located on the right and the cold water tank 13.2 on the left. Water pipes 12 are fixed between each water tank 13 and the top surface of all temperature controllers 9. Each water pipe 12 consists of a hot water outlet pipe 12.1, a cold water outlet pipe 12.2, a hot water inlet pipe 12.3, and a cold water inlet pipe 12.4. One end of the hot water outlet pipe 12.1 is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank 13.1, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the hot water pipe in the temperature control pipe 4 via a branch pipe. One end of the cold water outlet pipe 12.2 is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank 13.2, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the cold water pipe in the temperature control pipe 4 via a branch pipe. One end of the hot water inlet pipe 12.3 is connected to the hot water outlet pipe 12.1, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the hot water pipe in the temperature control pipe 4 via a branch pipe. One end of the cold water inlet pipe 12.4 is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank 13.2, and the other end is connected to the outlet of the cold water pipe in the temperature control pipe 4 via a branch pipe. Temperature controllers 9 are installed at the inlet of both the hot water and cold water pipes in the temperature control pipe 4. The temperature controllers 9 can monitor the temperature in the compartment in real time and adjust the amount of water entering the hot water and cold water pipes according to the required temperature, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the temperature in the compartment.
[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, arc-shaped notches are provided at the junction of the front side wall and the left and right side walls of the box body 6. Arc-shaped notches are provided vertically at intervals on the front side wall of the right side baffle inside the box body 6. Each of the three notches is fixed with a hinge ring at intervals. A pivot is installed inside each hinge ring, and three rectangular plate-shaped doors 8 are hinged through the pivot. Arc-shaped notches are provided vertically at intervals on the left and right outward sides of the left and right side doors 8. Arc-shaped notches are provided vertically at intervals on the right side wall of the middle door 8. A hinge ring is fixed at each of the three notches. The three hinge rings are used to fit the hinge rings on the box body 6.
[0035] The specific instructions for using the above technical solution are as follows:
[0036] Before use, plant the seeds to be studied and observed in seedling tray 7, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 6As shown, flip the door 8 forward along the hinge position, place the seedling tray 7 into the slide groove 15, and after the seedling tray 7 is pushed all the way down, the spring piece 11 is locked in the limiting groove on the right side wall of the seedling tray 7. Flip the door 8 back along the hinge position. Activate the two light source plates 1. The light source is reflected downwards through the inner side wall of the mounting shell 10 and shines into the reflector block 3 and the housing of the box 6. The light reflected on the reflector block 3 is reflected again by the reflector on the top surface of the box 6 and the reflector on the rectangular groove 14. The light is reflected multiple times to make the compartment bright. Adjust the threaded screw 5 according to the light requirements of the seeds to be studied in the compartment. Adjust the threaded screw 5. The threaded hole on the light shield 2 and the threaded screw 5 are threadedly engaged. Since the left and right sides of the light shield 2 are in the limiting grooves on both sides of the mounting groove, the light shield 2 can move back and forth. The amount of overlap between the second through hole on the light shield 2 and the first through hole on the top surface of the box 6 and the bottom surface of the corresponding mounting groove of the light shield 2 is used to adjust the amount of light in the compartment.
[0037] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, hot and cold water from hot water tank 13.1 and cold water tank 13.2 flow into and out of hot water pipe 12.1 and cold water pipe 12.2, respectively. After flowing through branch pipes, they flow into temperature control pipe 4 and then continue through branch pipes into hot water inlet pipe 12.3 and cold water inlet pipe 12.4. Finally, they flow into hot water tank 13.1 and cold water tank 13.2 through hot water inlet pipe 12.3 and cold water inlet pipe 12.4. The temperature controller 9 at the inlet of all temperature control pipes 4 regulates the temperature in the corresponding compartment by adjusting the water entering the hot and cold water pipes.
[0038] The effects of the above solution:
[0039] By using a unique pipe design, the device only requires two light source panels to provide illumination for its three compartments, which reduces power consumption and operating costs during use.
[0040] The device can still function normally even if one of the two light source boards 1 fails, and it can be quickly replaced if both fail. This reduces the maintenance cost of the device and also makes it less likely to affect research and observation during use.
[0041] The light intensity of the corresponding compartment is adjusted by using the threaded screw 5 to move the light-blocking plate 2 back and forth. This device reduces the cost of use while also taking into account the light intensity requirements of different seeds.
[0042] By using a temperature control tube 4 and a temperature controller 9, the device can reduce costs and power consumption while still providing good temperature control for different compartments.
Claims
1. An agronomic seed germination observation box, comprising a box body (6), characterized in that: The box (6) is vertically spaced with multiple baffles, which divide the box (6) into multiple compartments for placing seedling trays (7). The top of the box (6) is covered with a mounting shell (10). Several first through holes connected to the mounting shell (10) are opened on the top of the compartment. Two reflectors are fixed at a front-to-back interval on the top of the mounting shell (10). Light source plates (1) are installed on the left and right inner walls of the mounting shell (10). The reflector on the front side is tilted with the left side higher than the right side to reflect the light from the light source plate (1) on the left side into the box (6). The reflector on the rear side is tilted with the left side lower than the right side to reflect the light from the light source plate (1) on the right side into the box (6).
2. The agronomic seed germination observation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the compartment corresponding to the through hole position on the box body (6) is provided with an installation groove. A light shield (2) is installed in the installation groove in a sliding fit. A number of second through holes are provided on the light shield (2) and threaded holes are machined on the light shield (2) to pass through from front to back. A threaded rod (5) is installed in the threaded hole. The rear end of the threaded rod (5) is rotatably fitted with the rear side wall of the box body (6). The front end of the threaded rod (5) passes through the box body (6) independently and is located in front of the box body (6).
3. The agronomic seed germination observation box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left and right side walls of the inner compartment of the box (6) are provided with sliding grooves (15) for inserting seedling trays (7) at intervals. The sliding grooves (15) are distributed in the front and back direction. A spring piece (11) is fixed on the box (6) at the front end of the sliding groove (15). A limiting groove is opened on the seedling tray (7) corresponding to the spring piece (11). After the seedling tray (7) is inserted into the sliding groove (15), the spring piece (11) is inserted into the limiting groove.
4. The agronomic seed germination observation box according to claim 3, characterized in that: A reflective block (3) is installed inside the box (6) at the top of each compartment. The reflective block (3) includes a vertically arranged cylinder. The upper end of the cylinder is fixed to the box (6), and the lower end of the cylinder is a conical structure. The conical surface of the conical structure can reflect light.
5. The agronomic seed germination observation box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The compartment sidewalls of the box (6) are provided with multiple rectangular grooves (14) with tooth-like structures spaced vertically, and reflective elements are fixed on the groove walls of the rectangular grooves (14).
6. The agronomic seed germination observation box according to claim 5, characterized in that: Water tanks (13) are fixedly mounted on the top surface of the mounting shell (10) at intervals on the left and right. The water tanks (13) include a hot water tank (13.1) and a cold water tank (13.2). The hot water tank (13.1) and the cold water tank (13.2) are connected to a temperature control pipe (4) through a water pipe (12). The water pipe (12) consists of a hot water outlet pipe (12.1), a cold water outlet pipe (12.2), a hot water inlet pipe (12.3), and a cold water inlet pipe (12.4). Two water pipes are installed inside the temperature control pipe (4), one is a hot water pipe and the other is a cold water pipe. One end of the hot water outlet pipe (12.1) is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank (13.1), and the other end is connected to the temperature control pipe (12.4) through a branch pipe. The inlet of the hot water pipe in the control pipe (4); one end of the cold water pipe (12.2) is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank (13.2), and the other end is connected to the inlet of the cold water pipe in the control pipe (4) through a branch pipe; one end of the hot water pipe (12.3) is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank (13.1), and the other end is connected to the outlet of the hot water pipe in the control pipe (4) through a branch pipe; one end of the cold water pipe (12.4) is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank (13.2), and the other end is connected to the outlet of the cold water pipe in the control pipe (4) through a branch pipe. Temperature controllers (9) are installed at the inlet of both the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe in the control pipe (4).