Three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device
By using a three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device, combined with ultrasonic detection and RFID technology, efficient, accurate and automated body size measurement in livestock farms has been achieved. This solves the problems of cumbersome body size measurement and data recording errors, and improves measurement efficiency and data quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI ACAD OF AGRI SCI
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
On-site body size measurement in livestock farms is cumbersome, phenotypic data collection is inefficient, the stability and accuracy of visual readings are affected by the measuring personnel, and the recording of measurement data and sheep ear tag data is labor-intensive and prone to errors.
It adopts a three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measurement device, which combines horizontal, vertical and longitudinal dimension measuring rods, and is equipped with an ultrasonic detection probe and an RFID electronic ear tag reader to achieve non-contact and accurate measurement. The data is automatically recorded and exported through data storage and central control warehouse.
It improved the efficiency and quality of information collection, reduced labor costs, decreased stress response in sheep, effectively protected the ultrasonic detection probe, and simplified body size measurement operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN224461719U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sheep body measurement technology, specifically a three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measurement device. Background Technology
[0002] With breeding work receiving significant attention, phenotyping is a crucial daily task. Body size measurement is a part of phenotyping, and body size parameters in meat sheep are important indicators of their growth and development. Routine body size parameters measured in breeding farms mainly include body length, height, cross-shaped height, chest circumference, chest depth, and waist angle width. Accurate phenotyping is a vital reference factor in conventional breeding and marker-assisted breeding, and is an indispensable factor in constructing breeding models in the latest genomic selection breeding. However, in practice, on-site body size measurement in livestock farms is cumbersome, phenotyping collection is inefficient, the stability and accuracy of visual readings can be affected by the measuring personnel, and the recording of measurement data and sheep ear tag data is labor-intensive and prone to errors.
[0003] To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, existing technology (Chinese Patent No. CN217447790U, Publication Date: 2022-09-20) discloses a sheep body size measuring device, including a scale. One end of the scale has a handle, and the other end has a fixed block and an adjusting block symmetrically arranged. A rotating rod is provided at the bottom of both the fixed block and the adjusting block. A scale is provided on one side of the scale, and an adjusting mechanism is provided on the top surface of the scale. A threaded block is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating rod, and a movable sleeve is provided in the middle of the threaded block. A clamping plate is fixedly connected to one side of the movable sleeve. The adjusting mechanism includes a handle, and a lead screw is fixedly connected to one end of the handle. During the measurement process, the measuring personnel do not need to adjust their position, and can maintain a distance from the sheep. Furthermore, the measuring scale can adjust the measuring depth according to the measuring position, allowing the scale to better fit the sheep's torso and improving measurement accuracy.
[0004] The aforementioned device uses adjustable measuring depth to make the scale fit snugly against the sheep's torso. However, in actual use, this measuring device is not convenient for simultaneously detecting various data of the sheep's body at one time, nor can it quickly record the data of the sheep's ear tag. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the cumbersome operation of body size measurement in livestock farms, low efficiency of phenotypic acquisition, the instability and accuracy of visual readings being affected by the measuring personnel, and the large workload and easy error in recording measurement data and sheep ear tag data.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device, comprising a horizontal axis measuring rod, a measuring rod connecting hinge rotatably connected to the middle position of the bottom end of the horizontal axis measuring rod, and a vertical axis measuring rod provided at the lower end of the horizontal axis measuring rod outside the measuring rod connecting hinge; a vertical axis measuring rod rotatably connected to the lower end of the vertical axis measuring rod; ultrasonic detection probes rotatably connected to the sides of the ends of the horizontal axis and vertical axis measuring rods; and a switch assembly provided at the top of the horizontal axis, vertical axis, and vertical axis measuring rods near the measuring rod connecting hinge. The top of the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod is equipped with a data storage and central control compartment; limit blocks are installed at the ends of both the horizontal and vertical axis dimension measuring rods near the ultrasonic testing probe, and a protective mechanism for protecting the ultrasonic testing probe is engaged on the inner side of the limit blocks. The protective mechanism includes a protective sleeve, which is fitted over the outer side of the ends of the horizontal and vertical axis dimension measuring rods, and the length of the protective sleeve is greater than the length of the ultrasonic testing probe; fixing frames are installed on the left and right sides of the top of the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod, and a storage mechanism for limiting the vertical axis dimension measuring rod and the vertical dimension measuring rod is provided on the inner side of the fixing frames.
[0007] Furthermore, the top of the limiting block is engaged with a locking block, and the top and bottom of the protective sleeve are both provided with locking slots that match the locking blocks. The bottom of the locking block passes through the limiting block and extends into the interior of the protective sleeve.
[0008] Furthermore, the cross-section of the card block is T-shaped, and the bottom end of the card block is positioned above the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod.
[0009] Furthermore, a connecting spring is wound around the upper end of the outer side of the card block, and the card block and the limiting block form an elastic structure through the connecting spring.
[0010] Furthermore, the storage mechanism includes an elastic airbag, which is attached to the inner side of the fixing frame. A compression plate is attached to the front end of the elastic airbag, and a positioning block is installed at the top of the fixing frame. A piston is slidably connected inside the positioning block, and a movable block is installed at the bottom end of the piston.
[0011] Furthermore, reset springs are provided on both the left and right sides of the extrusion plate, and the extrusion plate and the fixing frame form an elastic structure through the elastic force of the reset springs.
[0012] Furthermore, the top of the extrusion plate forms a sliding structure with the fixed frame, and the height of the extrusion plate is the same as the height of the elastic airbag.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0014] 1. The measuring rods in each dimension are equipped with ultrasonic detection probes, enabling non-contact and accurate measurement of body size. The data can be charged and exported to a computer via the USB interface in the data storage and control compartment. The electronic ear tag reader can automatically identify sheep wearing RFID electronic ear tags and record the ear number. The sheep ear tag information is matched with the performance measurement data and stored in the data storage and control compartment, making it convenient to directly export the body size performance measurement data to the computer after the measurement is completed.
[0015] Furthermore, by using the built-in RFID electronic ear tag reader and data storage device of the intelligent body size measuring device, the sheep's information is automatically collected and measured, simplifying the information collection method, greatly improving the efficiency and quality of information collection, reducing labor costs, and also helping to reduce the stress response of the sheep.
[0016] Furthermore, by placing the protective sleeve over the outside of the horizontal and vertical dimension measuring rods, and utilizing the limiting block between the protective sleeve and the ultrasonic testing probe, the protective sleeve can be fitted over the outside of the ultrasonic testing probe. This prevents damage to the ultrasonic testing probe from collisions when not in use. When not in use, the ultrasonic testing probe can rotate and fit against the sides of the horizontal and vertical dimension measuring rods, allowing the protective sleeve to be fitted over the outside of the ultrasonic testing probe for protection. When the protective sleeve and the limiting block are engaged, the locking block passes through the limiting block and extends into the interior of the protective sleeve. The locking block and the locking groove are mutually adapted and engaged, thereby fixing the position between the protective sleeve and the limiting block, effectively preventing the protective sleeve from loosening, and also ensuring stable protection of the ultrasonic testing probe.
[0017] 2. By rotating and adjusting the positions of the longitudinal and vertical dimension measuring rods via the connecting hinges, the sides of the longitudinal and vertical dimension measuring rods can engage with the interior of the fixing frame. The sides of the longitudinal and vertical dimension measuring rods can then compress the extrusion plate. The gas inside the extrusion plate is delivered to the interior of the positioning block via an elastic air bladder. The increased gas inside the positioning block causes the piston to be pushed out. The movable block inside the piston extends to the lower end of the positioning block. By engaging the lower end of the movable block with the sides of the longitudinal and vertical dimension measuring rods, the positions of the longitudinal and vertical dimension measuring rods are fixed.
[0018] Furthermore, when the elastic airbag is resetting, the elastic force of the reset spring assists the compression plate in resetting its position, thereby allowing the elastic airbag to reverse the gas inside the positioning block and draw it back into the elastic airbag through the hose, thus maintaining the elastic airbag in a state of full gas filling. The cross-section of the movable block is L-shaped, and the extended part at the lower end of the movable block can fit and limit the longitudinal dimension measuring rod and the vertical dimension measuring rod. When the pressure on the longitudinal dimension measuring rod and the compression plate is removed, the lower end of the side of the movable block will lock the sides of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod and the vertical dimension measuring rod, thereby realizing the storage limit of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod and the vertical dimension measuring rod. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the present utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a frontal sectional view of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the storage mechanism of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the protective mechanism of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective mechanism of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the ultrasonic testing probe of this utility model in use.
[0025] In the diagram: 1. Horizontal dimension measuring rod; 2. Measuring rod connecting hinge; 3. Vertical dimension measuring rod; 4. Vertical dimension measuring rod; 5. Ultrasonic detection probe; 6. Data storage and hollow chamber; 7. Protective sleeve; 8. Limit block; 9. Locking block; 10. Connecting spring; 11. Locking slot; 12. Fixing frame; 13. Elastic airbag; 14. Return spring; 15. Positioning block; 16. Piston; 17. Moving block; 18. Squeezing plate; 19. Switch assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0027] Example 1: As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The technical solution shown addresses the problems of cumbersome on-site body size measurement operations in livestock farms, low efficiency of phenotypic data collection, instability and accuracy of visual readings affected by the measuring personnel, and the large workload and error-prone nature of recording measurement data and sheep ear tag data. This three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device discloses a measuring mechanism, including a horizontal axis measuring rod 1. A measuring rod connecting hinge 2 is rotatably connected to the middle of the bottom end of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1. A vertical axis measuring rod 3 is provided at the lower end of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 outside the measuring rod connecting hinge 2. A vertical dimension measuring rod 4 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the vertical axis measuring rod 3. Ultrasonic detection probes 5 are rotatably connected to the sides of the ends of both the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 and the vertical axis measuring rod 3. A switch assembly 19 is provided on the top of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1, the vertical axis measuring rod 3, and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4 near the measuring rod connecting hinge 2. A data storage and central control compartment 6 is installed at the top of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1.
[0028] In this example, before use, the measuring device should be fully charged. If a three-dimensional stereoscopic measurement is to be performed simultaneously, the measuring device must be fully unfolded before measurement. If a two-dimensional volumetric measurement is to be performed, only the measuring rod in the required dimension direction can be unfolded. If a single-dimensional volumetric measurement is to be performed, the measuring rod can remain unfolded, and only the corresponding ultrasonic testing probe 5 can be turned on. Press and hold the switch component 19 for 5 seconds to turn on the device. The switch component 19 is the switch to confirm the measurement and record the data. It also serves as the power button and measurement mode switch. After powering on, the device defaults to manual operation mode. To switch modes, press and hold the switch component 19 for 3 seconds. The measurement mode, data storage, and central control compartment 6 includes an RFID electronic ear tag reader / writer, a storage module, and a USB interface. After securing the sheep, the measuring rod first uses the data storage and central control compartment 6 to read the RFID electronic ear tag number of the sheep to be measured. After adjusting the measurement position, the switch component 19 on each corresponding dimension measuring rod can be pressed to confirm the measurement and store the measurement data. In automatic measurement mode, the reading can be fixed when the fluctuation range of the reading is less than 0.02 cm within 3 seconds. After the measurement is completed, the measuring rod is folded and stored. Finally, the measurement data in the measuring rod is exported from the measuring rod using a USB cable and saved to the computer for subsequent breeding and production analysis.
[0029] Example 2: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The technical solution shown addresses the problem that the ultrasonic testing probe 5 is easily damaged by impact when not in use. The three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device discloses a protective mechanism. Limiting blocks 8 are installed at the ends of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 and the vertical axis measuring rod 3 near the ultrasonic testing probe 5. A protective mechanism for protecting the ultrasonic testing probe 5 is engaged with the inner side of the limiting blocks 8. The protective mechanism includes a protective sleeve 7, which is fitted over the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 and the vertical axis measuring rod 3. The outer side of the measuring rod 3 has a protective sleeve 7 that is longer than the ultrasonic testing probe 5. The top of the limiting block 8 is engaged with a locking block 9, and the top and bottom of the protective sleeve 7 are provided with locking grooves 11 that match the locking block 9. The bottom of the locking block 9 passes through the limiting block 8 and extends into the interior of the protective sleeve 7. The cross-section of the locking block 9 is T-shaped, and the bottom of the locking block 9 is positioned above the horizontal axis measuring rod 1. A connecting spring 10 is wound around the upper outer side of the locking block 9, and the locking block 9 and the limiting block 8 form an elastic structure through the connecting spring 10.
[0030] In this example, by fitting the protective sleeve 7 onto the outside of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 and the vertical axis measuring rod 3, and utilizing the limiting block 8, the protective sleeve 7 can be fitted onto the outside of the ultrasonic testing probe 5, preventing damage to the ultrasonic testing probe 5 due to collision when not in use. When not in use, the ultrasonic testing probe 5 can rotate and fit against the sides of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1 and the vertical axis measuring rod 3, allowing the protective sleeve 7 to protect it. When the protective sleeve 7 and the limiting block 8 are engaged, the locking block 9 passes through the limiting block 8 and extends into the interior of the protective sleeve 7. The locking block 9 and the locking groove 11 are mutually compatible. The locking mechanism secures the protective sleeve 7 to the limiting block 8, effectively preventing the protective sleeve 7 from becoming loose and ensuring stable protection for the ultrasonic detection probe 5. The limiting block 8 has an L-shaped cross-section, preventing it from coming loose when locked together. The locking block 9 has a T-shaped cross-section, ensuring it remains in place when locked together with the limiting block 8. A connecting spring 10 connects the locking block 9 and the limiting block 8, creating an elastic structure that allows the locking block 9 to quickly return to its original position when pulled, increasing flexibility during use.
[0031] Example 3: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The technical solution shown addresses the problem of loosening at the ends of the measuring scale due to hinges when it is not in use and is being stored. This three-dimensional intelligent sheep measuring scale device discloses a storage mechanism. Fixing frames 12 are installed on both the left and right sides of the top of the horizontal axis measuring rod 1. The inner side of the fixing frames 12 is provided with a storage mechanism for limiting the vertical axis measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4. The storage mechanism includes an elastic airbag 13, which fits against the inner side of the fixing frames 12. The front end of the airbag 13 is fitted with a compression plate 18, and a positioning block 15 is installed at the top of the fixing frame 12. A piston 16 is slidably connected inside the positioning block 15, and a movable block 17 is installed at the bottom of the piston 16. Return springs 14 are provided on both the left and right sides of the compression plate 18, and the compression plate 18 and the fixing frame 12 form an elastic structure through the elastic force of the return springs 14. The top of the compression plate 18 and the fixing frame 12 form a sliding structure, and the height of the compression plate 18 is the same as the height of the elastic airbag 13.
[0032] In this example, after use and during storage, the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4 are rotated and adjusted via the measuring rod connecting hinge 2, so that the sides of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4 can engage with the inside of the fixing frame 12. The sides of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4 can then compress the compression plate 18. The gas inside the compression plate 18 is transported to the inside of the positioning block 15 through the elastic air bladder 13. The increased gas inside the positioning block 15 causes the piston 16 to be pushed out. The movable block 17 inside the piston 16 extends to the lower end of the positioning block 15. The lower end of the side of the movable block 17 engages with the sides of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4, thus allowing the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4 to engage with each other. The position of the dimension measuring rod 4 is fixed. When the elastic airbag 13 is resetting, the elastic force of the reset spring 14 can assist the compression plate 18 in resetting its position, thereby allowing the elastic airbag 13 to reverse the gas inside the positioning block 15 and draw it back into the elastic airbag 13 through the hose, thus keeping the elastic airbag 13 in a state of full gas filling. The cross-section of the movable block 17 is L-shaped. The extended part at the lower end of the movable block 17 can fit and limit the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4. When the pressure on the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the compression plate 18 is removed, the lower end of the side of the movable block 17 will lock the side of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4, thereby realizing the storage limit of the longitudinal dimension measuring rod 3 and the vertical dimension measuring rod 4.
[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A three-dimensional intelligent sheep body size measuring device, comprising a horizontal dimension measuring rod (1), a measuring rod connecting hinge (2) rotatably connected at the middle position of the bottom end of the horizontal dimension measuring rod (1), and a vertical dimension measuring rod (3) is provided at the lower end of the horizontal dimension measuring rod (1) outside the measuring rod connecting hinge (2), and a vertical dimension measuring rod (4) is rotatably connected at the lower end of the vertical dimension measuring rod (3), and an ultrasonic detection probe (5) is rotatably connected to the side of the ends of the horizontal dimension measuring rod (1) and the vertical dimension measuring rod (3), and a switch assembly (19) is provided on the side of the top of the horizontal dimension measuring rod (1), the vertical dimension measuring rod (3) and the vertical dimension measuring rod (4) near the measuring rod connecting hinge (2), and a data storage and central control compartment (6) is installed at the top of the horizontal dimension measuring rod (1); Its features are: Limiting blocks (8) are installed at the ends of the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod (1) and the vertical axis dimension measuring rod (3) near the ultrasonic detection probe (5). The inner side of the limiting block (8) is engaged with a protective mechanism for protecting the ultrasonic detection probe (5). The protective mechanism includes a protective sleeve (7), which is sleeved on the outer side of the ends of the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod (1) and the vertical axis dimension measuring rod (3). The length of the protective sleeve (7) is greater than the length of the ultrasonic detection probe (5). The horizontal dimension measuring stick (1) has a fixing frame (12) installed on both the left and right sides of its top end, and the inner side of the fixing frame (12) is provided with a storage mechanism for limiting the vertical dimension measuring stick (3) and the vertical dimension measuring stick (4).
2. The three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the limiting block (8) is engaged with a card block (9), and the top and bottom of the protective sleeve (7) are provided with card slots (11) that match the card block (9). The bottom of the card block (9) passes through the limiting block (8) and extends into the interior of the protective sleeve (7).
3. The three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-section of the card block (9) is T-shaped, and the bottom end of the card block (9) is positioned above the horizontal axis dimension measuring rod (1).
4. The three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A connecting spring (10) is wound around the upper end of the outer side of the card block (9), and the card block (9) and the limiting block (8) form an elastic structure through the connecting spring (10).
5. A three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The storage mechanism includes an elastic airbag (13), which is attached to the inner side of the fixing frame (12). The front end of the elastic airbag (13) is attached to a compression plate (18), and a positioning block (15) is installed at the top of the fixing frame (12). A piston (16) is slidably connected inside the positioning block (15), and a movable block (17) is installed at the bottom end of the piston (16).
6. The three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extrusion plate (18) is provided with a return spring (14) on both the left and right sides, and the extrusion plate (18) and the fixing frame (12) form an elastic structure through the elastic force of the return spring (14).
7. A three-dimensional intelligent sheep body measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the extrusion plate (18) forms a sliding structure with the fixing frame (12), and the height of the extrusion plate (18) is the same as the height of the elastic airbag (13).