Plant stem girth measuring device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522603828.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-09
AI Technical Summary
第一种方法通常会因为植株非标准圆柱形而导致误差较大，且游标卡尺在叶片较多、节距较小的植株下部较难方便操作，极易造成叶片损伤
[0015]本公开的实施例提供的技术方案可以包括以下有益效果：在利用该植物茎围测量装置对植物的茎围及进行测量时，茎秆通过第一弹性部与第二弹性部的相对两端，卡入测量区域。由于第一弹性部和第二弹性部具有弹性，因此可以便于茎秆卡入测量区域，并且在茎秆卡入后，在弹力作用下，第一弹性部和第二弹性部向测量区域内部收缩，以使第一弹性部和第二弹性部可贴合茎秆侧壁。随着第一弹性部和第二弹性部贴合茎秆侧壁，带动第一感应装置和第二感应装置靠近，第一感应装置与第二感应装置之间根据两者距离产生距离信号，由于连接部、第一弹性部和第二弹性部对应长度相对固定，因此，距离信号可以表征待测量植物的茎围。测量结束后，茎秆通过第一弹性部与第二弹性部的相对两端，离开测量区域。由此，本公开实施例有效的提升了对植物茎围的测量效率。
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Figure CN224802398U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of crop testing equipment technology, and in particular to a plant stem circumference measuring device. Background Technology
[0002] Stem girth refers to the perimeter of a plant stem. It is an intuitive and easily measurable agronomic trait. In modern agronomic trait surveys, accurate measurement and analysis of stem girth are of paramount practical importance for crop genetic improvement, the development of high-yield cultivation techniques, and ultimately, the achievement of stable and high agricultural yields.
[0003] Currently, the accuracy and efficiency of plant stem circumference measurements often vary depending on the plant type, leading to differences in testing methods and tools. When measuring the stem circumference of multi-leaved plants, such as tobacco, two methods are generally used. One method involves measuring the plant's diameter with calipers and then calculating the stem circumference. The other method involves holding a soft measuring tape or thin string around the tobacco stem with both hands, holding the measurement point with one hand, and removing the tape or string with the other to directly read the measurement or measure the string length with a ruler. The first method often results in larger errors due to the non-standard cylindrical shape of the plant, and the calipers are difficult to operate on the lower part of the plant with many leaves and small internodes, easily causing leaf damage. The second method is even more prone to leaf damage and larger errors due to the two-handed operation of the tape or string.
[0004] In summary, both measurement methods require two hands, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to significant errors. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of different plant types, even two-handed operation presents challenges. This is particularly true for leafy plants like tobacco, where varying internode lengths lead to different levels of complexity and error. Leaves can obstruct the view, and the raised areas at the leaf bases easily introduce substantial errors. Therefore, improving the efficiency of plant stem circumference measurement has become a pressing technical problem for those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a plant stem circumference measuring device, comprising: Connecting part; The first elastic part and the second elastic part are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the connecting part. The first elastic part, the second elastic part and the connecting part form a measuring area for placing the stem of the plant to be measured. A first sensing device is disposed at the end of the first elastic portion away from the connecting portion; A second sensing device is disposed at the end of the second elastic portion away from the connecting portion, and the second sensing device is matched with the first sensing device. The control unit is electrically connected to the first sensing device and the second sensing device respectively, and is used to acquire the distance signal between the first sensing device and the second sensing device, the distance signal being used to characterize the stem circumference of the plant to be measured.
[0006] In some embodiments, the plant stem girth measuring device further includes a handheld unit; One end of the handheld part is connected to the connecting part, and the measuring area and the handheld part are respectively located on opposite sides of the connecting part; The control unit is located inside the handheld part.
[0007] In some embodiments, a first magnetic element is provided at the end of the first elastic portion away from the connecting portion; The second elastic part has a second magnetic element at one end away from the connecting part, and the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first elastic portion, the second elastic portion, and the connecting portion are all arc-shaped, and the concave side of the arc faces the measurement area.
[0009] In some embodiments, both the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are metal springs.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first sensing device is electrically connected to the control unit via the first elastic portion; The second sensing device is electrically connected to the control unit via the second elastic part.
[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is provided with a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity; At least a portion of the first elastic portion is slidably disposed inside the first mounting cavity, and at least a portion of the second elastic portion is slidably disposed inside the second mounting cavity.
[0012] In some embodiments, the curvature of the inner wall of the first mounting cavity is greater than or less than the curvature of the first elastic portion; The curvature of the inner wall of the second mounting cavity is greater than or less than the curvature of the second elastic part.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first mounting cavity has a first contact inside its cavity, and the second mounting cavity has a second contact inside its cavity; The first elastic part is slidably connected to the first contact, the second elastic part is slidably connected to the second contact, and the first contact and the second contact are respectively electrically connected to the control unit.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first elastic portion is provided with a first hook at one end located inside the first mounting cavity, and the first mounting cavity is provided with a first protrusion that matches the first hook, and the first hook and the first protrusion are detachably engaged. The second elastic part is provided with a second hook at one end inside the second mounting cavity, and a second protrusion matching the second hook is provided inside the second mounting cavity. The second hook and the second protrusion are detachably engaged.
[0015] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: When measuring the stem circumference of a plant using the plant stem circumference measuring device, the stem is inserted into the measurement area through the opposite ends of the first elastic part and the second elastic part. Since the first and second elastic parts are elastic, it is easy for the stem to be inserted into the measurement area. After the stem is inserted, under the action of elastic force, the first and second elastic parts contract inward into the measurement area, so that the first and second elastic parts can adhere to the sidewall of the stem. As the first and second elastic parts adhere to the sidewall of the stem, the first and second sensing devices move closer together. A distance signal is generated between the first and second sensing devices based on their distance. Since the connecting part, the corresponding lengths of the first and second elastic parts are relatively fixed, the distance signal can characterize the stem circumference of the plant to be measured. After the measurement is completed, the stem leaves the measurement area through the opposite ends of the first and second elastic parts. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure effectively improve the measurement efficiency of plant stem circumference.
[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plant stem circumference measuring device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure at point C. Detailed Implementation
[0019] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must be performed in a particular order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.
[0020] The embodiments described in the following examples of this disclosure are not representative of all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
[0021] Stem girth refers to the circumference of a plant stem. It is an intuitive and easily measurable agronomic trait. In modern agronomic trait surveys, accurate measurement and analysis of stem girth are of paramount practical importance for crop genetic improvement, the development of high-yield cultivation techniques, and ultimately, the achievement of stable and high agricultural yields. Currently, the accuracy and efficiency of stem girth measurements often vary depending on the plant type, leading to differences in testing methods and tools. When measuring stem girth in multi-leaved plants, such as tobacco, two methods are generally used. One method involves measuring the plant's diameter with calipers and then calculating the stem girth. The other method involves holding a soft measuring tape or thin string around the tobacco stem with both hands, holding the measurement point with one hand, and removing the tape or string with the other to directly read the measurement or measure the length of the string with a ruler. The first method often results in larger errors due to the non-standard cylindrical shape of the plant, and the calipers are difficult to operate on the lower part of the plant with many leaves and small internodes, easily causing leaf damage. The second method is even more prone to leaf damage and larger errors due to the two-handed operation of the tape or string. In summary, both measurement methods require two hands, are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to significant errors. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of different plant types, even two-handed operation presents challenges. This is especially true for leafy plants like tobacco, where variations in internode spacing lead to different levels of complexity and error. Leaves can obstruct the view, and the raised areas at the leaf bases can easily introduce substantial errors.
[0022] In view of this, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a plant stem circumference measuring device. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plant stem circumference measuring device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as... Figure 1As shown, the plant stem circumference measuring device includes a connecting part 5, a first elastic part 1, a second elastic part 2, a first sensing device 3, a second sensing device 4, and a control unit (not shown in the figure). The first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the connecting part 5, forming a measuring area for placing the stem of the plant to be measured. The first sensing device 3 is disposed at the end of the first elastic part 1 furthest from the connecting part 5. The second sensing device 4 is disposed at the end of the second elastic part 2 furthest from the connecting part 5, and is matched with the first sensing device 3. The control unit is electrically connected to both the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4, and is used to acquire the distance signal between the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4. The distance signal is used to characterize the stem circumference of the plant to be measured.
[0023] When measuring the stem circumference of a plant using this plant stem circumference measuring device, the stem is inserted into the measurement area through the opposite ends of the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2. Because the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 are elastic, the stem can easily be inserted into the measurement area. After the stem is inserted, under the action of elastic force, the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 contract inward into the measurement area, so that the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 can adhere to the side wall of the stem. As the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 adhere to the side wall of the stem, the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 move closer together. A distance signal is generated between the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 based on their distance. Since the connecting part 5, the first elastic part 1, and the second elastic part 2 have relatively fixed lengths, the distance signal can characterize the stem circumference of the plant to be measured. After the measurement is completed, the stem leaves the measurement area through the opposite ends of the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure effectively improve the efficiency of measuring plant stem circumference.
[0024] The first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 can adopt common technologies such as through-beam ultrasonic sensors, through-beam laser rangefinders or Hall sensors. This disclosure does not make specific limitations on them, as long as the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 can generate distance signals based on the distance between them.
[0025] For example, the first sensing device 3 is the transmitting end of the ultrasonic sensor, and the second sensing device 4 is the receiving end of the ultrasonic sensor. The first sensing device 3 receives a "transmit start" command from the control unit (MCU), and the MCU's PWM module or timer generates a 40kHz (or other resonant frequency) square wave signal. An H-bridge is constructed using two N-channel and two P-channel MOSFETs to convert the low-voltage PWM signal into an AC signal that can apply positive and negative high voltages across the transducer, thereby generating maximum sound pressure. The second sensing device 4 detects the weak ultrasonic signal, amplifies, filters, and shapes it into a digital pulse recognizable by the MCU, converting the received sound pressure back into a weak electrical signal. The first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 have a synchronization mechanism, using a separate wire to connect the MCUs of the transmitting and receiving units. While driving the H-bridge, the transmitting MCU sends a short low-level or high-level pulse to the receiving MCU through this wire. The general steps are as follows: The control unit issues a "start measurement" command. The transmitting MCU starts an internal timer T1 (optional, used to control the duration of the transmitted pulse train). Immediately, a synchronization pulse is sent to the receiving MCU via the synchronization signal line. Simultaneously, its drive circuit (e.g., enabling the H-bridge) is activated, initiating the transmission of a fixed number (e.g., 8-16) of 40kHz ultrasonic pulses. Transmission continues for several cycles to ensure sufficient energy. The receiving MCU: Upon detecting the rising edge of the synchronization pulse, immediately starts its internal high-precision timer T2 (e.g., begins counting microseconds). The receiving MCU detects the receive flag signal (rising edge) from the comparator. Timer T2 is immediately stopped. The value of T2 at this point is the time difference Δt between "synchronization signal transmission" and "ultrasonic signal reception." Based on the speed of sound and the time difference Δt, the distance between the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 is obtained.
[0026] In some embodiments, the plant stem circumference measuring device further includes a handheld part 6; one end of the handheld part 6 is connected to the connecting part 5, and the measuring area and the handheld part 6 are located on opposite sides of the connecting part 5; a control unit is disposed inside the handheld part 6. The handheld part 6 is provided to facilitate user gripping.
[0027] In some embodiments, the plant stem circumference measuring device further includes a control unit 7, which is disposed on the handheld unit 6. The control unit 7 includes a display screen 71 and control buttons 72, both of which are electrically connected to the control unit. For example, the display screen 71 can be used to display the measured stem circumference, and the control buttons 72 can be used to control functions such as power on / off, start measurement, return, and average value calculation.
[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A is shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, a first magnetic element 11 is provided at the end of the first elastic part 1 away from the connecting part 5; a second magnetic element 21 is provided at the end of the second elastic part 2 away from the connecting part 5, and the first magnetic element 11 and the second magnetic element 21 attract each other. By providing the mutually attracting first magnetic element 11 and second magnetic element 21, the force of the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 contracting into the measurement area is strengthened, so that the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 can fit the stem more closely, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement.
[0029] In some embodiments, the first elastic part 1, the second elastic part 2, and the connecting part 5 are all arc-shaped, and the concave side of the arc faces the measurement area, so that the measurement area formed by the first elastic part 1, the second elastic part 2, and the connecting part 5 is approximately circular, which is more suitable for the outer wall of the stem.
[0030] In some embodiments, both the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 are metal spring sheets, which have a relatively simple structure and are beneficial for processing and manufacturing.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first sensing device 3 is electrically connected to the control unit via the first elastic part 1; the second sensing device 4 is electrically connected to the control unit via the second elastic part 2. By providing the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2, which are made of metal, not only can elastic deformation be achieved, but they can also be used for signal transmission.
[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram at point B is shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 5 is provided with a first mounting cavity 51 and a second mounting cavity 52; at least a portion of the first elastic portion 1 is slidably disposed inside the first mounting cavity 51, and at least a portion of the second elastic portion 2 is slidably disposed inside the second mounting cavity 52. By providing the first mounting cavity 51 and the second mounting cavity 52, the first elastic portion 1 and the second elastic portion 2 can slide relative to the connecting portion 5, thereby adjusting the size of the formed measuring area and adapting to stems of different diameters.
[0033] It should be noted that the distance signal generated between the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 is the actual distance between the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4. Therefore, those skilled in the art can modify the stem circumference represented by the distance signal according to the size of the measurement area, which will not be elaborated here.
[0034] In some embodiments, the curvature of the inner wall of the first mounting cavity 51 is greater than or less than the curvature of the first elastic part 1, that is, the first mounting cavity 51 and the first elastic part 1 have different curvatures, so that the first elastic part 1 has at least two contact points inside the first mounting cavity 51, to ensure the relative stability of the first elastic part 1 and to prevent the first elastic part 1 from sliding inside the first mounting cavity 51 during the measurement process. Similarly, the curvature of the inner wall of the second mounting cavity 52 is greater than or less than the curvature of the second elastic part 2.
[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first mounting cavity 51 has a first contact 73 inside, and the second mounting cavity 52 has a second contact 74 inside. The first elastic part 1 is slidably connected to the first contact 73, and the second elastic part 2 is slidably connected to the second contact 74. The first contact 73 and the second contact 74 are electrically connected to the control unit, respectively. By setting the first contact 73 and the second contact 74, both the first elastic part 1 and the second elastic part 2 can transmit distance signals from the first sensing device 3 and the second sensing device 4 within their sliding range via the first contact 73 and the second contact 74. Furthermore, the first contact 73 and the second contact 74 are electrically connected to the control unit via wires 75, respectively.
[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram at point C is shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first elastic part 1 has a first hook 12 at one end located inside the first mounting cavity 51, and the first mounting cavity 51 has a first boss 511 that matches the first hook 12. The first hook 12 and the first boss 511 are detachably engaged, thereby facilitating the storage of the first elastic part 1 inside the first mounting cavity 51. Similarly, the second elastic part 2 has a second hook 22 at one end located inside the second mounting cavity 52, and the second mounting cavity 52 has a second boss (not shown in the figure) that matches the second hook 22. The second hook 22 and the second boss are detachably engaged.
[0037] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technical improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A plant stem circumference measuring device, characterized in that, include: Connecting part; The first elastic part and the second elastic part are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the connecting part. The first elastic part, the second elastic part and the connecting part form a measuring area for placing the stem of the plant to be measured. A first sensing device is disposed at the end of the first elastic portion away from the connecting portion; A second sensing device is disposed at the end of the second elastic portion away from the connecting portion, and the second sensing device is matched with the first sensing device. The control unit is electrically connected to the first sensing device and the second sensing device respectively, and is used to acquire the distance signal between the first sensing device and the second sensing device, the distance signal being used to characterize the stem circumference of the plant to be measured.
2. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plant stem circumference measuring device also includes a handheld unit; One end of the handheld part is connected to the connecting part, and the measuring area and the handheld part are respectively located on opposite sides of the connecting part; The control unit is located inside the handheld part.
3. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first magnetic element is provided at the end of the first elastic portion away from the connecting portion; The second elastic part has a second magnetic element at one end away from the connecting part, and the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.
4. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic part, the second elastic part, and the connecting part are all arc-shaped, and the concave side of the arc faces the measurement area.
5. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Both the first elastic part and the second elastic part are metal spring sheets.
6. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sensing device is electrically connected to the control unit via the first elastic part; The second sensing device is electrically connected to the control unit via the second elastic part.
7. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting portion is provided with a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity; At least a portion of the first elastic portion is slidably disposed inside the first mounting cavity, and at least a portion of the second elastic portion is slidably disposed inside the second mounting cavity.
8. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The curvature of the inner wall of the first mounting cavity is greater than or less than the curvature of the first elastic part; The curvature of the inner wall of the second mounting cavity is greater than or less than the curvature of the second elastic part.
9. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first mounting cavity has a first contact point inside its cavity, and the second mounting cavity has a second contact point inside its cavity; The first elastic part is slidably connected to the first contact, the second elastic part is slidably connected to the second contact, and the first contact and the second contact are respectively electrically connected to the control unit.
10. The plant stem circumference measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first elastic part is provided with a first hook at one end inside the first mounting cavity, and a first protrusion matching the first hook is provided inside the first mounting cavity. The first hook and the first protrusion are detachably engaged. The second elastic part is provided with a second hook at one end inside the second mounting cavity, and a second protrusion matching the second hook is provided inside the second mounting cavity. The second hook and the second protrusion are detachably engaged.