A field soil condition monitoring device
By designing a support column cavity structure in the field soil moisture monitoring device, the internal cavity connection between the main unit and the sensor, the communication between the monitoring equipment and the main unit, and the internal cavity power supply of the solar panel and battery were realized. This solved the problems of easy damage to the wiring harness and difficulty in replacing the sensor, improved the protection effect and the degree of integration, and reduced the weight of the device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521810922.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing field soil moisture monitoring devices have exposed wiring harnesses, poor protection, and are easily damaged by human intervention. The connection between sensors and equipment boxes is inconvenient for replacement, resulting in low levels of protection and integration.
The design incorporates a support column with an internal cavity structure. The main unit and sensors are connected via wiring harnesses within the cavity. The monitoring equipment communicates with the main unit, and the solar panel and battery are powered via wiring harnesses within the cavity. The cover plate and debugging window are sealed together, enhancing protection and integration.
It reduces the probability of human-caused damage, improves maintenance efficiency, reduces material usage, lightens the weight of the device, and enhances the stability and protection of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224594640U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of soil moisture monitoring technology, and in particular to a field soil moisture monitoring device. Background Technology
[0002] In agricultural and water conservancy production, soil volumetric moisture content is one of the key factors affecting crop growth. Traditional irrigation methods are often based on experience or fixed schedules, making it difficult to achieve precise irrigation. However, field soil moisture monitoring devices can monitor soil volumetric moisture content and soil temperature in real time, providing accurate data support for agriculture, water conservancy, and other industries. This allows for the development of more rational irrigation plans, improved water resource utilization efficiency, and reduced human waste.
[0003] Changes in the ecological environment are closely related to soil volumetric moisture content. Field soil moisture monitoring devices can continuously monitor the dynamic changes in soil volumetric moisture content, providing valuable data support for ecological research. This data helps to reveal the interaction between soil volumetric moisture content and the ecological environment, providing a scientific basis for ecological protection and environmental governance.
[0004] Existing field soil moisture monitoring devices generally consist of a support pole, an equipment box, and sensors. The equipment box is located outside the support pole, exposing the wiring harness between the equipment box and the sensors and other related devices. This results in poor rain protection, susceptibility to vandalism (such as breaking the wiring harness), and overall poor protection. Furthermore, the existing sensors are directly connected to the equipment box, making sensor replacement inconvenient after damage. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a field soil moisture monitoring device to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the protection effect, reduce the probability of human-caused damage, improve the integration level, improve maintenance efficiency, reduce material usage, and reduce the overall weight of the device.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:
[0007] This utility model provides a field soil moisture monitoring device, including a support column, a main unit, and sensors, wherein:
[0008] The support column is provided with an inner cavity, and a sensor interface is fixedly connected to the lower end of the support column. The sensor interface is used to be buried in the soil.
[0009] The host is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the middle section of the support column; the host is connected to the sensor interface through a first wire harness, which is located inside the inner cavity.
[0010] The sensor is used to connect to the sensor interface, the sensor is in communication connection with the host, and the sensor is capable of detecting the physical parameters of the soil.
[0011] Preferably, it also includes a monitoring device connected to the upper end of the support column, the monitoring device being able to acquire images of the soil and crops within a first set range.
[0012] Preferably, the monitoring device is capable of capturing images of moving objects or people within a second set range, and the monitoring device is capable of communicating with a cloud service platform.
[0013] Preferably, the monitoring device is connected to the host via a second wiring harness located inside the cavity, and the host is used to communicate with the cloud service platform.
[0014] Preferably, it also includes a solar panel and a battery. The solar panel is installed at the upper end of the support column, and the battery is fixedly connected in the inner cavity. The solar panel and the battery are connected through a third wiring harness located in the inner cavity. The battery is electrically connected to both the host and the monitoring device. The host can be connected to the sensor through the first wiring harness.
[0015] Preferably, it also includes a cover plate and a device lock, the support column is provided with a debugging window disposed opposite to the host, the cover plate is sealed to the debugging window; the device lock can lock the cover plate on the debugging window.
[0016] Preferably, it also includes a reference platform, the lower end of the support column is provided with a buried section, and the sensor interface is provided on the buried section; the top of the buried section is fixedly connected to the reference platform, the buried section is used to be buried in the soil, and the reference platform is used to be flush with the ground; after the buried section is buried in the soil, the reference platform can contact the upper surface of the soil.
[0017] Preferably, it further includes at least one support foot, one end of each support foot is connected to the buried section, and the other end of each support foot extends away from the support column, the support foot being used to be buried in the soil.
[0018] Preferably, it also includes an anti-sinking plate, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the buried section, and the contact area between the anti-sinking plate and the soil is greater than the contact area between the bottom of the buried section and the soil.
[0019] Preferably, the sensor is capable of detecting soil volumetric moisture content.
[0020] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:
[0021] This invention provides a field soil moisture monitoring device, including a support column, a main unit, and sensors. The support column has an inner cavity, and a sensor interface is fixedly connected to its lower end for burial in the soil. The main unit is fixedly connected within the inner cavity of the middle section of the support column. The main unit and the sensor interface are connected via a first wiring harness located within the inner cavity. The sensor is connected to the sensor interface and communicates with the main unit, enabling it to detect soil physical parameters. The main unit and the wiring harness between the main unit and the sensor are all located within the inner cavity, improving protection, reducing the probability of human-caused damage, and enhancing the overall integration. The sensor connects to the main unit via the sensor interface, facilitating installation and easy replacement and disassembly for repair, improving maintenance efficiency. The hollow design of the support column not only provides internal installation space but also reduces material usage and the overall weight of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the field soil moisture monitoring device provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of A in the middle;
[0025] In the diagram: 100, Field soil moisture monitoring device; 1, Support column; 101, Buried section; 102, Equipment compartment; 103, Battery compartment; 104, Monitoring section; 105, Pin hole; 2, Sensor interface; 3, Monitoring equipment; 4, Solar panel; 5, Cover plate; 6, Reference platform; 7, Anti-sinking plate. 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] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] The purpose of this invention is to provide a field soil moisture monitoring device to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the protection effect, reduce the probability of human-caused damage, improve the integration level, improve maintenance efficiency, reduce material usage, and reduce the overall weight of the device.
[0030] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0031] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, this utility model provides a field soil moisture monitoring device 100, including a support column 1, a main unit, and a sensor. The support column 1 has an inner cavity, and a sensor interface 2 is fixedly connected to its lower end for burial in the soil. The main unit is fixedly connected within the inner cavity of the middle section of the support column 1. The main unit and the sensor interface 2 are connected via a first wiring harness located within the inner cavity. The sensor is connected to the sensor interface 2 and communicates with the main unit, enabling it to detect soil physical parameters. The main unit and the wiring harness between the main unit and the sensor are all located within the inner cavity, improving protection, reducing the probability of human-caused damage, and enhancing the overall integration. The sensor is connected to the main unit via the sensor interface 2, facilitating installation and easy replacement and disassembly for repair, improving maintenance efficiency. The hollow design of the support column 1 not only provides internal installation space but also reduces material usage and the overall weight of the device.
[0032] In this specific embodiment, the inner cavity is preferably a sealed cavity to improve rain and dust protection, protecting the main unit from dust and rainwater. The sensor is preferably a soil sensor, which can be a mature product in the prior art, such as the sensor suitable for measuring the dielectric properties of soil using a frequency-stepping system provided by Chinese Patent CN201820217329.7.
[0033] In this specific embodiment, a monitoring device 3 is also included. The monitoring device 3 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support column 1. The monitoring device 3 can acquire images of the soil and crops within a first set range. By acquiring these images, the state of the soil and crops, as well as the soil conditions around the monitoring sensor, can be obtained. This allows for the timely capture of key information during crop growth, providing precise guidance for agricultural production. It should be noted that the monitoring device 3 does not need to continuously photograph the soil and crops; it can activate the photographing function at certain time intervals.
[0034] In this specific embodiment, the monitoring device 3 can capture images of moving objects or people within a second set range, and can communicate with a cloud service platform. When the monitoring device 3 has the capture function, it connects to the network via a built-in IoT card, and the captured photos can be uploaded to a cloud server platform, such as the Huawei Cloud service platform, in real time via the IoT card. Monitoring personnel can log in with an account and password to view the data on the cloud server platform. At this time, the monitoring device 3 can be disconnected from the host computer, and the images of soil and crops captured by the monitoring device 3 are also uploaded to the cloud server platform via the built-in IoT card. The monitoring device 3 can monitor surrounding personnel to create a deterrent effect, making thieves less likely to commit theft and reducing the risk of theft or damage. Furthermore, since the crop photos and captured images of moving objects captured by the monitoring device 3 can be uploaded to the cloud server platform at set time intervals, if the host computer is stolen, the photo information on the cloud server platform can be used to help locate the thief. The monitoring device 3 triggers shooting after detecting a moving object or person, so that the monitoring device 3 does not need to be in shooting mode all the time, saving power. The monitoring device 3 is preferably a camera.
[0035] In this specific embodiment, the monitoring device 3 is connected to the host via a second wiring harness located inside the cavity. The host is used to communicate with the cloud service platform. Preferably, the host communicates with the cloud service platform via its built-in IoT card. Preferably, the outlet end face of the second wiring harness on the monitoring device 3 (the outlet end face of the outer ring of the second wiring harness) is sealed to the outer ring of the inlet of the support column 1, ensuring a sealed inlet and guaranteeing the overall waterproof and dustproof performance and integrity of the device. When the monitoring device 3 does not have a snapshot function, it is only used to acquire images of the soil and crops. In this case, the monitoring device 3 does not need an IoT card; only the host has an IoT card. The monitoring device 3 sends the soil and crop images to the host via the second wiring harness. The host then transmits the soil and crop images, along with the soil sensor's detection data, to the cloud server platform at a certain upload cycle.
[0036] In this specific embodiment, the device also includes a solar panel 4 and a battery. The solar panel 4 is installed (preferably fixedly connected) on the upper end of the support column 1, and the battery is fixedly connected inside the cavity. The solar panel 4 and the battery are connected via a third wiring harness located inside the cavity. The battery is electrically connected to both the host and the monitoring device 3. The sensor is installed after the sensor interface 2, and the sensor communicates with the host via the first wiring harness. The solar panel 4 is connected to the battery through the interior of the support column 1, further improving the integration of the device. The solar panel 4 converts solar energy into electrical energy and stores it in the battery. The battery powers the monitoring device 3, the host, and other devices, greatly improving the energy self-sufficiency of the field soil moisture monitoring device 100 and significantly saving electricity. Solar energy, as an energy source, is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce pollutant emissions, helping to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution. It can better meet the needs of remote areas, areas without power grid coverage, or areas with unstable power grids. As an energy storage device, the battery can provide a stable power supply to the monitoring device during periods when solar energy is insufficient or at night, ensuring the continuity and stability of the monitoring work.
[0037] Preferably, the outlet end face of the third wire harness on the solar panel 4 (the outlet end face of the outer ring of the third wire harness) is sealed to the outer ring of the inlet of the support column 1, so that the inlet of the support column 1 is sealed, ensuring the overall waterproof and dustproof effect and integrity of the device.
[0038] It should be noted that, depending on the local environmental characteristics, this utility model can also choose whether to connect the field soil moisture monitoring device 100 to the power grid or a backup battery. For example, in areas with continuous rain, it can be connected to the power grid to ensure that the device can work normally when solar power is insufficient.
[0039] In this specific embodiment, a cover plate 5 and an equipment lock are also included. The support column 1 has a debugging window positioned opposite the main unit, and the cover plate 5 is sealed to the debugging window. The equipment lock secures the cover plate 5 to the debugging window. The design of the debugging window allows technicians to quickly access the main unit during initial installation and subsequent maintenance to perform parameter configuration, software upgrades, fault diagnosis, and other operations, greatly improving work efficiency and reducing maintenance difficulty and costs. The cover plate 5 is sealed to the debugging window to achieve waterproof and dustproof effects, and preferably has a certain level of protection. After installation or maintenance, the cover plate 5 is locked with the unique equipment lock, which prevents the main unit from being easily removed and reduces the risk of theft.
[0040] In this specific embodiment, a reference platform 6 is also included. A buried section 101 is provided at the lower end of the support column 1, and the sensor interface 2 is located on the buried section 101. The reference platform 6 is fixedly connected to the top of the buried section 101. The buried section 101 is used to be buried in the soil, and the reference platform 6 is used to be flush with the ground. After the buried section 101 is buried in the soil, the reference platform 6 can contact the upper surface of the soil. Placing the buried section 101 in the pit, and making the reference platform 6 flush with the ground, provides technicians with a clear installation reference, allowing for intuitive judgment and control of the burial depth of the device. This simplifies the installation process and helps ensure that the monitoring equipment (such as sensors, cameras, etc.) in the device is located at an appropriate depth and height to obtain more accurate data. When the device is completely buried in the soil, the reference platform 6 is in close contact with the soil, providing a stable support point for the entire device and enhancing the stability of the device in the soil to a certain extent.
[0041] In this specific embodiment, it also includes at least one support foot, one end of each support foot is connected to the buried section 101, and the other end of each support foot extends away from the support column 1. The support foot is used to be buried in the soil.
[0042] In this specific embodiment, the buried section 101 is provided with three pin holes 105 that penetrate the axis of the buried section 101 radially. The three pin holes 105 are spaced apart along the length of the buried section 101, and the angle between two adjacent pin holes 105 in the horizontal direction is 120°. The support foot is a pin, preferably 1 meter long. The pin is inserted into the pin hole 105 with both ends extending out of the pin hole 105, ensuring that the pin can penetrate deep into the soil and provide stable support. The even distribution of the pins helps to balance the force on the device in the soil. The length design of the pins ensures that the pins penetrate deeply into the soil and provide sufficient anchoring force. After inserting the pins, the device is placed in the pit and filled with soil to ensure the stability of the device.
[0043] In this specific embodiment, an anti-sinking plate 7 is also included. The anti-sinking plate 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the buried section 101, and the contact area between the anti-sinking plate 7 and the soil is larger than the contact area between the bottom of the buried section 101 and the soil. The larger anti-sinking plate 7 can distribute the pressure of the device on the soil. When the device is buried in the soil, its weight is evenly transferred to the soil through the anti-sinking plate 7, preventing excessive local pressure from causing the device to sink. The anti-sinking plate 7 not only distributes the weight but also increases the contact area between the device and the soil, which helps to improve the device's anti-overturning and anti-slip capabilities, enabling it to remain stable under various environmental conditions.
[0044] In this specific embodiment, the sensor can detect the soil volumetric moisture content, allowing users to understand the dynamic changes in soil volumetric moisture content and providing technical support for precise decision-making in agriculture, water conservancy, and other fields.
[0045] In this specific embodiment, the support column 1 is a hollow cylindrical column. The upper section of the support column 1 is the monitoring section 104, and the middle section of the support column 1 is the main control compartment. The main control compartment includes an equipment compartment 102 and a battery compartment 103. The equipment compartment 102 is located above the battery compartment 103 and is used to fix the host computer, while the battery compartment 103 is used to fix the battery. The segmented design of this device (monitoring section 104, main control compartment, and underground section 101) provides installation space for the monitoring equipment 3, solar panel 4, host computer, battery, and sensors, enabling each part to perform its function and work collaboratively.
[0046] In this specific embodiment, anti-disassembly threads are tapped on the cover plate 5 and the support column 1 using an anti-theft tap, so that after the cover plate 5 is installed on the support column 1 by bolts or other connecting parts, it is difficult to be removed by conventional tools, thus forming a locking and anti-theft function of the equipment lock.
[0047] As a preferred embodiment, a sealing strip is provided at the connection between the cover plate 5 and the debugging window. After the equipment lock fastens the cover plate 5 to the support column 1, the sealing strip is clamped between the cover plate 5 and the support column 1, resulting in a better sealing effect.
[0048] In this specific embodiment, the monitoring device 3 and the solar panel 4 are set at a height of about 3 meters, making them difficult to touch.
[0049] In this specific embodiment, the host unit is model SOILTOP-300, with extremely low operating power, less than ten watts. Both the sensor connector and the sensor are waterproof.
[0050] During installation, first dig a deep pit in the ground. The height of the pit should be greater than the height of the buried section 101, and the width should be greater than the length of the pin. Insert the pin into the pin hole 105, then place the device into the pit and fill it with soil to complete the installation. This utility model is easy to install and convenient for workers to operate.
[0051] This utility model uses specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the idea of this utility model. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A field soil moisture monitoring device, characterized in that: Includes support columns, main unit, and sensors, among which: The support column is provided with an inner cavity, and a sensor interface is fixedly connected to the lower end of the support column. The sensor interface is used to be buried in the soil. The host is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the middle section of the support column; the host is connected to the sensor interface through a first wire harness, which is located inside the inner cavity. The sensor is used to connect to the sensor interface, the sensor is in communication connection with the host, and the sensor is capable of detecting the physical parameters of the soil.
2. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes monitoring equipment connected to the upper end of the support column, which is capable of acquiring images of the soil and crops within a first set range.
3. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The monitoring device is capable of capturing images of moving objects or people within a second set range, and the monitoring device is capable of communicating with a cloud service platform.
4. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The monitoring device can communicate with the host via a second wiring harness located inside the cavity, and the host is used to communicate with the cloud service platform.
5. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a solar panel and a battery. The solar panel is installed on the upper end of the support column, and the battery is fixedly connected in the inner cavity. The solar panel and the battery are connected through a third wiring harness located in the inner cavity. The battery is electrically connected to both the host and the monitoring equipment. The host can be connected to the sensor through the first wiring harness.
6. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cover plate and a device lock. The support column is provided with a debugging window that is positioned opposite to the host. The cover plate is sealed to the debugging window. The device lock can lock the cover plate onto the debugging window.
7. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a reference platform, and the lower end of the support column is provided with a buried section, and the sensor interface is provided on the buried section; the reference platform is fixedly connected to the top of the buried section, the buried section is used to be buried in the soil, and the reference platform is used to be flush with the ground; after the buried section is buried in the soil, the reference platform can contact the upper surface of the soil.
8. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes at least one support foot, one end of each support foot being connected to the buried section, and the other end of each support foot extending away from the support column, the support foot being used to be buried in the soil.
9. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an anti-sinking plate, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the buried section, and the contact area between the anti-sinking plate and the soil is greater than the contact area between the bottom of the buried section and the soil.
10. The field soil moisture monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor is capable of detecting the volumetric moisture content of the soil.