A device for preparing and curing a sample of a vegetation material

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of plant material sample preparation maintenance devices, including box, fixed plate is fixed in the box, multiple upper and lower through mounting holes are equipped on the fixed plate, detachably connected with sample preparation cylinder in the mounting hole, the lower of the fixed plate is slidably provided with support plate, and can be moved between first position and second position relative to box;Closed area and water-permeable area are equipped on the support plate;When the support plate is in first position, the lower end of the mounting hole is aligned in closed area, for closing the bottom of sample preparation cylinder;When the support plate is in second position, the lower end of the mounting hole is aligned in water-permeable area, for making the bottom of sample preparation cylinder water-permeable;The top of the box is equipped with spraying assembly, the bottom of the box is equipped with waste liquid pool and drainage structure.The utility model has the advantages that it can not only facilitate sample preparation, but also simulate real growth environment for maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant material sample preparation technology, and in particular to a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device. Background Technology

[0002] Vegetation-based materials are a novel type of composite material that organically combines plant growth with an engineering substrate. They are widely used for ecological restoration and soil and water conservation in areas such as exposed rock slopes, mining sites, riverbanks, and dams, restoring ecosystems and reinforcing engineering structures through vegetation growth. A significant characteristic of vegetation-based materials is the dynamic variability of their properties. In the early stages of application, their mechanical properties are primarily determined by the substrate. However, as the curing period progresses, the germination and growth of internal plant seeds, along with the continuous development, penetration, and reinforcement of their root systems, significantly influence and even reshape the physical and mechanical properties of the entire material, such as compressive strength, shear strength, and erosion resistance. Therefore, scientifically and accurately studying the evolution of the mechanical properties of vegetation-based materials throughout the entire curing cycle is crucial for optimizing material formulations, guiding engineering design, and evaluating restoration effectiveness.

[0003] In existing R&D and quality control processes, performance testing of vegetation materials typically requires the preparation of standard-sized specimens. Currently, researchers generally follow traditional practices in the field of civil engineering, such as using standard molds (e.g., 150mm×150mm×150mm cube molds) specified in the "Standard for Test Methods of Mechanical Properties of Ordinary Concrete" (GB / T50081), or using ring cutters or cylindrical molds from geotechnical testing to prepare samples of vegetation materials.

[0004] However, these sample preparation tools, which originated from the field of traditional inorganic materials, have revealed a series of insurmountable defects when applied to plant materials:

[0005] First, the curing environment is distorted and cannot simulate real vegetation conditions. Traditional concrete or soil molds are typically closed structures that are impermeable to water and air. If traditional molds are used for long-term curing, the curing water cannot be effectively drained, leading to water accumulation and oxygen isolation inside the sample. This can cause seed rot, root necrosis, and ultimately, test failure. Conversely, if no curing is performed, the sample will dry out due to water evaporation, also failing to meet the requirements for vegetation growth. Therefore, existing molds cannot provide a controllable curing environment similar to natural soil for vegetation materials, causing the measured mechanical property data to deviate significantly from actual working conditions and lose their reference value.

[0006] Secondly, the sample preparation process is difficult and struggles to meet specific technological requirements. The construction process for vegetation materials often requires layered spreading and compaction to ensure material uniformity and structural stability. However, traditional molds are mostly one-piece structures, making precise layering difficult. Operators struggle to effectively compact the lower layers of filler, and during demolding, the mold structure often disturbs or even damages the not-yet-fully-solidified vegetation material samples with lower structural strength, affecting sample integrity and the accuracy of test results.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to further improve and perfect the existing technology to overcome these shortcomings, and this utility model is made based on this situation. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device that can facilitate sample preparation and simulate the real growth environment for maintenance.

[0009] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device, including a box body, a fixing plate fixedly installed inside the box body, a plurality of vertically penetrating mounting holes on the fixing plate, a sample preparation cylinder detachably connected to each mounting hole, a support plate slidably installed below the fixing plate, and capable of moving relative to the box body between a first position and a second position; the support plate is provided with a closed area and a water-permeable area.

[0011] When the support plate is in the first position, the closed area is aligned with the lower end of the mounting hole to seal the bottom of the sample preparation tube; when the support plate is in the second position, the water-permeable area is aligned with the lower end of the mounting hole to allow water to permeate the bottom of the sample preparation tube.

[0012] The top of the box is equipped with a spray assembly, and the bottom of the box is equipped with a waste liquid pool and a drainage structure.

[0013] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the present utility model provides a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device, wherein the sample preparation cylinder includes two interlocking half cylinders and a hoop for fastening the two half cylinders together.

[0014] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, in the plant material sample preparation and maintenance device provided by this utility model, the docking edge of the half cylinder is provided with a stepped snap-fit ​​structure.

[0015] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, the sample preparation and maintenance device for plant materials provided by this utility model has a transparent sample preparation cylinder and a scale line for marking the height of the filler on its outer side wall.

[0016] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, the permeable zone of the plant material sample preparation and maintenance device provided by this utility model is provided with a plurality of permeable holes.

[0017] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, in the plant material sample preparation and maintenance device provided by this utility model, a first drainage groove is provided through the upper and lower parts of the fixed plate, and a second drainage groove is provided through the upper and lower parts of the support plate.

[0018] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, the present utility model provides a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device, wherein the spraying component includes a liquid replenishment tank placed outside the box body, a water pump disposed in the liquid replenishment tank, and a spray head connected to the output end of the water pump and extending into the box body from the top of the box body, wherein the spray head is located above the plurality of sample preparation cylinders.

[0019] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, in the plant material sample preparation and maintenance device provided by this utility model, the top of the box is an open structure and is detachably connected with a top cover, and the top cover is provided with one or more exhaust holes.

[0020] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, in the plant material sample preparation and maintenance device provided by this utility model, the side wall of the box is provided with an opening for the support plate to be inserted, the inner wall of the opening is provided with a slide rail structure for guiding the support plate to slide, and the outer end face of the support plate is provided with a handle extending out of the side of the box.

[0021] In order to further solve the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, the sample preparation and maintenance device for plant materials provided by this utility model has a transparent box or a transparent observation window on its side wall.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] This utility model designs a device that integrates the functions of "closed sample preparation" and "permeable curing". Its main innovations and advantages are reflected in the following two points:

[0024] 1. The switchable support plate design enables "in-situ maintenance":

[0025] This invention innovatively features a pull-out support plate that can switch between a closed zone and a permeable zone. During sample preparation, the closed zone forms a leak-proof mold base, meeting the requirements for material casting and molding. During curing, switching to the permeable zone allows ventilation and drainage at the bottom of the sample, simulating the growth environment of real soil. This structure solves the fundamental contradiction of existing technologies that cannot simultaneously meet the needs of molding and vegetation within a single mold. It avoids experimental failures caused by unsuitable environments (waterlogging, lack of oxygen), ensures the authenticity and validity of curing data, and achieves true "in-situ" dynamic curing and research.

[0026] 2. The integrated design simplifies the operation process:

[0027] This invention integrates a sample preparation mold, a curing environment simulation system (spraying, drainage, and ventilation), and an observation system into a single enclosure. Compared to traditional decentralized operations (sample preparation using mold A, followed by curing in environment B), this device achieves a fully integrated process from sample preparation to curing completion, making operation extremely simple and significantly improving experimental efficiency. Furthermore, the detachable sample preparation cylinder design simplifies and speeds up the demolding process, minimizing sample damage and ensuring sample integrity. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the sample preparation tube. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides a plant material sample preparation and maintenance device. This device combines the sample preparation mold with the maintenance environment, solving the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to simulate real plant conditions for sample maintenance.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the overall structure of this device includes a box 1. Preferably, the box 1 is made of transparent plexiglass or other highly transparent materials, which not only provides the necessary light conditions for the growth of vegetation inside the box 1, but also facilitates the experimenter's real-time observation of the specimen's maintenance status and plant growth from the outside. In some embodiments, the box 1 may also be opaque, but one or more transparent observation windows are provided on its side walls.

[0036] Inside the housing 1, a fixing plate 2, serving as the core support component, is horizontally fixed. The fixing plate 2 has multiple vertically penetrating mounting holes 21 evenly distributed on it for placing and positioning the sample tube 3.

[0037] The sample preparation cylinder 3 is a container used to form plant material samples. For example... Figure 4 As shown, to facilitate demolding after sample molding, each sample preparation cylinder 3 adopts a detachable design, specifically including two interlocking half-cylinders 31 and a clamping ring 32 for fastening. The two half-cylinders 31, when joined together, form a complete cylindrical body. The joint edge has a stepped interlocking structure 311, which provides initial positioning and sealing during assembly to prevent grout leakage. After the two half-cylinders 31 are closed, the clamping ring 32 is used to secure and lock them in place, forming a stable sample preparation mold. Furthermore, the outer wall of the sample preparation cylinder 3 is printed with graduation lines 312. When pouring vegetation material in layers, the thickness of each layer can be precisely controlled according to the graduation lines, ensuring the standardization and repeatability of sample preparation.

[0038] Please refer to it again. Figures 1-3 Below the fixed plate 2, a key functional switching component—the support plate 4—is slidably installed. A narrow opening 13 is formed on the side wall of the housing 1 for this purpose, and a slide rail structure (not shown in the figure) is provided on the inner wall of the opening 13, allowing the support plate 4 to slide inside and outside the housing 1. A handle 44 is provided at the outer end of the support plate 4 for easy pulling by the operator. The support plate 4 is divided into two functional areas: a closed area 41 without through holes and a permeable area 42 with several water-permeable holes 421. By pulling the support plate 4, it can be switched between a first position that seals the bottom of the sample and a second position that allows water to permeate the sample.

[0039] To handle the wastewater generated during the maintenance process, the device is equipped with a comprehensive drainage system. A first drainage trough 22 is provided on the surface of the fixed plate 2; a second drainage trough 43 is also provided on the surface of the support plate 4. These two drainage troughs collect liquid that may splash onto the plate surface during spraying and guide it to the waste liquid pool 11 at the bottom of the tank 1. The waste liquid pool 11 is used to collect all discharged liquid, and its bottom is equipped with a drainage structure 12 consisting of a drain pipe and a drain valve, which allows for convenient discharge of waste liquid or sampling for analysis.

[0040] At the top of the housing 1, there is a spray assembly 5 for simulating rainfall and applying nutrient solution. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the spray assembly 5 includes an external replenishment tank 51, a water pump 52 installed inside the replenishment tank 51, and a spray head 53 extending into the top of the tank 1. The replenishment tank 51 can be used to prepare various maintenance solutions such as water, nutrient solution, and soil conditioner. After the water pump 52 is started, the solution is transported to the spray head 53 through pipelines and sprayed evenly from the spray head 53 into each sample preparation cylinder 3 below.

[0041] To maintain air circulation inside the box 1, the top of the box 1 is an open structure and is equipped with a removable top cover 6. The top cover 6 has one or more exhaust holes 61 to ensure that the air necessary for plant growth can be freely exchanged, while also preventing dust and other debris from falling in.

[0042] The plant material sample preparation and maintenance device described in this embodiment is mainly divided into a sample preparation stage and a maintenance stage.

[0043] (I) Sample Preparation Stage

[0044] 1. Preparation: First, push the support plate 4 into the housing 1, positioning it in the first position, ensuring that the enclosed area 41 on it is fully aligned with and covers the lower ends of all mounting holes 21. At this point, the bottom of the mounting holes 21 is completely sealed.

[0045] 2. Mold Assembly: Take two half-cylinders 31, connect them using the stepped snap-fit ​​structure 311, and then fasten them with a hoop 32 to form a complete sample cylinder 3. Insert the assembled sample cylinder 3 into the mounting hole 21 of the fixing plate 2, with its bottom end resting stably on the closed area 41 of the support plate 4. To facilitate subsequent demolding, a layer of release agent can be applied to the inner wall of the sample cylinder 3.

[0046] 3. Material Preparation and Casting: Based on the experimental design, determine the designed thicknesses of the substrate and seed layers. Mix cement, planting soil, amendment, organic matter, and water to form the planting substrate. Cast a portion of the planting substrate into sample preparation cylinder 3, referring to the graduation line 312 on the outer wall, until the predetermined thickness is reached to form the substrate layer. Then, mix plant seeds with the remaining planting substrate and cast them onto the substrate layer to form the seed layer. Repeat this process to complete the preparation of all samples.

[0047] (II) Curing and Demolding Stage

[0048] 4. State Switching: Wait for the curing material (such as cement, gel, etc.) inside the sample to complete its initial setting, for example, after standing for 24 hours. At this time, hold the handle 44 and pull the support plate 4 outward to move it to the second position. In this position, the permeable area 42 on the support plate 4 (i.e., the area with permeable holes 421) is aligned with the lower end of the corresponding sample preparation tube 3. At the same time, put on the top cover 6.

[0049] 5. Spray Curing: Prepare the necessary curing solution (such as clean water or a nutrient solution of a specific concentration) in the external replenishment tank 51. According to the experimental requirements, set the spraying program and spray the sample periodically through the spraying assembly 5. The curing solution will be evenly sprayed onto the sample. After moisturizing the seed layer and substrate layer, excess liquid will drain through the sample itself and the drainage holes 421 at the bottom, dripping into the waste liquid pool 11 below. Throughout the curing period, the bottom of the sample is well-ventilated and permeable, completely simulating the natural soil growth environment.

[0050] 6. Sample Removal: After the sample has reached the predetermined curing age, stop spraying. Directly remove the entire sample preparation cylinder 3 from the fixing plate 2. Loosen the hoop 32 and remove the two half-cylinders 31 to obtain a complete vegetation material sample with an internal root system. This sample can be directly used for subsequent scientific research such as mechanical property testing.

[0051] Through the above-described structural design, this invention enables the standardized preparation of plant materials and the scientific maintenance of plants in a simulated real environment within the same device. It is easy to operate, solves the pain points of existing technologies, and provides reliable technical support for the performance research of plant materials.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for preparing and maintaining plant material samples, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (1), a fixing plate (2) fixed inside the housing (1), a plurality of through mounting holes (21) on the fixing plate (2), a sample preparation tube (3) detachably connected to each mounting hole (21), a support plate (4) slidably disposed below the fixing plate (2), and capable of moving relative to the housing (1) between a first position and a second position; the support plate (4) is provided with a closed area (41) and a water-permeable area (42); When the support plate (4) is in the first position, the closed area (41) is aligned with the lower end of the mounting hole (21) to close the bottom of the sample preparation tube (3); when the support plate (4) is in the second position, the water-permeable area (42) is aligned with the lower end of the mounting hole (21) to allow water to permeate the bottom of the sample preparation tube (3). The top of the box (1) is provided with a spray assembly (5), and the bottom of the box (1) is provided with a waste liquid pool (11) and a drainage structure (12).

2. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tube (3) includes two interlocking half-tubes (31) and a hoop (32) for fastening the two half-tubes (31) together.

3. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The semi-cylinder (31) has a stepped snap-fit ​​structure (311) at its mating edge.

4. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample preparation tube (3) is transparent, and its outer wall is provided with scale lines (312) for marking the height of the filler.

5. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The permeable zone (42) is provided with a number of permeable holes (421).

6. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed plate (2) has a first drainage groove (22) that runs vertically through it, and the support plate (4) has a second drainage groove (43) that runs vertically through it.

7. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray assembly (5) includes a replenishment tank (51) externally placed in the housing (1), a water pump (52) disposed in the replenishment tank (51), and a spray head (53) connected to the output end of the water pump (52) and extending into the housing (1) from the top therein. The spray head (53) is located above the plurality of sample preparation cylinders (3).

8. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the box (1) is an open structure and is detachably connected to a top cover (6), which has one or more vent holes (61).

9. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the box (1) is provided with an opening (13) for inserting the support plate (4). The inner wall of the opening (13) is provided with a slide rail structure for guiding the support plate (4) to slide. The outer end face of the support plate (4) is provided with a handle (44) extending out of the side of the box (1).

10. The plant material sample preparation and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box (1) is transparent or has a transparent observation window on its side wall.

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