A device for measuring physical properties of a substrate

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of device for determining the physical properties of matrix, from top to bottom successively including the upper annular sample cylinder and lower annular sample cylinder stacked together;The outside of the connecting place between the upper annular sample cylinder and lower annular sample cylinder is provided with a sample cylinder fixing ring, the sample cylinder fixing ring includes two mutually adapted half-ring clamping blocks, the two half-ring clamping blocks are coated outside the connecting place between the upper annular sample cylinder and lower annular sample cylinder and then spliced together, and then a sample cylinder tightening belt is coated outside it;The bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder is coated with gauze, and then gauze tightening belt is used to clamp it.The utility model is provided with three locking structures of sample cylinder clamping edge, split fixing ring and tightening belt, which ensures the connection strength and sealing property of upper and lower sample cylinders in sandbox negative pressure environment, effectively preventing matrix sample from seeping out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of laboratory soil testing, and in particular to a device for measuring the physical properties of a matrix. Background Technology

[0002] In routine agricultural testing, laboratory technicians primarily assess the quality of substrate products by measuring their chemical properties, while their physical properties have been neglected and underdeveloped. The development of substrate physical properties is an evolutionary history from reliance on nature to precise design, driven by agricultural modernization and technological advancements. Modern agriculture no longer views physical properties in isolation but couples them with chemical properties (EC, pH) and biological properties (microbiome). Its future development will not merely pursue a few ideal chemical and physical parameters, but will strive to create a predictable, controllable, sustainable, and intelligently interactive "living" physical ecosystem that interacts with plant roots. Only by combining the chemical and physical properties of substrates can they be more accurately applied to modern agricultural development.

[0003] Currently, substrate soil evaluation relies on measuring its chemical properties, lacking comprehensive methods for physical property testing. The barriers to determining the physical properties of substrate soil often lie in the difficulty of accurately obtaining volume data due to its loose texture and the inability to accurately represent the field state of the substrate. The physical properties of substrate mainly include porosity (air porosity and water-holding porosity), water retention capacity, bulk density, and shrinkage value. These physical properties can more comprehensively characterize the properties of substrate soil. Based on these properties, agricultural workers can both inspect the quality of substrate leaving the factory and provide more precise fertilization management plans for crops. However, obtaining accurate volume data and simultaneously capturing the field state of the substrate remains a challenge.

[0004] Existing technologies have significant shortcomings: Traditional sampling tools such as ring cutters are prone to damaging the original loose structure of the substrate during sampling and transfer, and cannot truly reflect the field conditions.

[0005] Physical properties can only be roughly assessed and cannot be quantified. Farmers use the hand-grip method based on experience to make a rough assessment, that is, grab a handful of soaked substrate and judge the water retention of the substrate by the amount of water flowing out from between their fingers when applying different amounts of pressure.

[0006] Existing devices (such as the patent document CN2020222935939U) are mostly independent sampling or measuring tools, and they only use the form of blocks to recreate the field state of the substrate. They are not designed with a dedicated fixing structure to work in conjunction with the sandbox, which leads to unstable measurement process and poor repeatability. At the same time, existing devices can only be used to determine the chemical properties of the substrate, and the physical properties cannot be obtained.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings, the designer has actively researched and innovated in order to create a device for measuring the physical properties of a matrix, making it more valuable for industrial applications. Utility Model Content

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a device for measuring the physical properties of a matrix.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a matrix, comprising, from top to bottom, an upper annular sample tube and a lower annular sample tube stacked together; A sample tube fixing ring is provided on the outside of the connection between the upper and lower annular sample tubes. The sample tube fixing ring includes two mutually compatible semi-annular clamping blocks. The two semi-annular clamping blocks are covered on the outside of the connection between the upper and lower annular sample tubes and then spliced ​​together. Then a sample tube binding strap is wrapped around its outside. The bottom of the lower annular sample tube is covered with a mesh, and then it is clamped by a mesh binding strap.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the top and bottom of both the upper and lower annular sample tubes are open structures.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, outwardly protruding splicing blocks are provided on both sides of the first semi-circular clamping block, and inwardly recessed splicing grooves are provided on both sides of the second semi-circular clamping block, with the splicing blocks and splicing grooves spliced ​​together.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, a first annular recess is provided in the middle of the outer side of each of the two semi-annular clamping blocks, and the sample tube binding strap is located in the first annular recess.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, a second annular recess is provided near the bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder, and the mesh binding strap is located in the second annular recess.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, a second annular recess is provided near the bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder, and the mesh binding strap is located in the second annular recess.

[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a sandbox, on which a placement plate is installed at the bottom inner side, and several support rings are evenly arranged on the placement plate, and the bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder can be placed inside the support rings.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the placement plate and the support ring are integrally formed and both are transparent sheet material structures.

[0017] By means of the above solution, this utility model has at least the following advantages: This invention employs a triple-locking structure consisting of a sample tube edge clamp, a split-type fixing ring, and a binding strap to ensure the connection strength and sealing of the upper and lower sample tubes under the negative pressure environment of the sand box, effectively preventing matrix sample leakage.

[0018] This invention, through its sturdy connection and bottom mesh design, allows the loose matrix to maintain its natural structure during sample loading and saturation, resulting in more accurate measurement results.

[0019] This invention features a split-type fixing ring design for easy and quick assembly and disassembly; the design of multiple support rings inside the sandbox allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple samples, greatly improving experimental efficiency.

[0020] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the following are the preferred embodiments of this utility model and are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle sample tube fixing ring; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection between the upper and lower annular sample tubes; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The meanings of the labels in the figures are as follows.

[0024] Upper annular sample tube 1, lower annular sample tube 2, sample tube fixing ring 3, sample tube binding strap 4, mesh 5, mesh binding strap 6, semi-annular clamping block 7, splicing block 8, splicing groove 9, sample tube edge clamping 10, sand box 11, placement plate 12, support clamping ring 13. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The first embodiment of this utility model: The purpose of this embodiment is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a substrate physical property measuring device and system that has a stable connection, good sealing performance, can effectively maintain the original structure of the substrate in the field, and can achieve batch, efficient and accurate measurement.

[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a matrix in this embodiment includes, from top to bottom, an upper annular sample tube 1 and a lower annular sample tube 2 stacked together.

[0029] A downwardly protruding sample tube retainer 10 is provided at the bottom of the upper annular sample tube 1. The inner diameter of the sample tube retainer 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower annular sample tube 2, so that the sample tube retainer 10 can be embedded in the lower annular sample tube 2 below.

[0030] A sample tube fixing ring 3 is provided on the outside of the connection between the upper annular sample tube 1 and the lower annular sample tube 2. The sample tube fixing ring 3 includes two mutually compatible semi-annular clamping blocks 7. The two semi-annular clamping blocks 7 are covered on the outside of the connection between the upper annular sample tube 1 and the lower annular sample tube 2 and then spliced ​​together. Then, a sample tube binding strap 4 is wrapped on its outside.

[0031] On both sides of the first semi-circular clamping block 7, there are outwardly protruding splicing blocks 8, and on both sides of the second semi-circular clamping block 7, there are inwardly recessed splicing grooves 9. The splicing blocks 8 and the splicing grooves 9 are spliced ​​together.

[0032] A first annular recess is provided on the outer middle of each of the two semi-annular clamping blocks 7, which is recessed inward. The sample tube binding strap 4 is located in the first annular recess.

[0033] The sample tube fixing ring is composed of two semi-circular clamping blocks spliced ​​together, covering the outside of the connection between the upper and lower sample tubes, and is locked by the sample tube binding strap, forming a reliable modular connection. The bottom of the upper annular sample tube has a downwardly protruding sample tube retaining edge, which is embedded inside the lower annular sample tube, realizing the initial positioning and sealing of the connection.

[0034] The bottom of the lower annular sample tube 2 is covered with a mesh 5, which is then clamped by a mesh binding strap 6. Before measuring the physical properties of the matrix, the sample needs to be immersed in water until it reaches saturation. Then, the sample is poured into the ring. The mesh serves two purposes: firstly, it ensures that all the saturated matrix remains in the ring; secondly, after each state has stabilized, the mesh prevents the matrix sample from leaking out when the entire apparatus is removed from the sandbox. Furthermore, the mesh can be gently removed without damaging the integrity of the matrix state, facilitating the acquisition of physical parameters later.

[0035] A second annular recess is provided near the bottom of the lower annular sample tube 2, which is recessed inward. The mesh binding strap 6 is located inside the second annular recess.

[0036] The annular recesses on the template and fixing ring prevent the binding strap from slipping.

[0037] The top and bottom of both the upper annular sample tube 1 and the lower annular sample tube 2 are open structures.

[0038] The second embodiment of this utility model: This embodiment can accurately measure the physical properties of the substrate soil (porosity (air porosity and water-holding porosity), water retention, bulk density and shrinkage value).

[0039] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the main structure of the apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a matrix in this embodiment is briefly described as follows: Sample tube system: The upper annular sample tube 1 and the lower annular sample tube 2 are preferably made of corrosion-resistant and non-deformable materials (such as stainless steel or engineering plastics). The height of the upper ring is (53±1) mm, the height of the lower ring is (50±1) mm, and the inner diameter of both is (100±1) mm. This standard size is convenient for subsequent unified calculations.

[0040] The key improvement lies in the downward-protruding sample tube retainer 10 at the bottom of the upper annular sample tube 1. The outer diameter of this retainer is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the lower annular sample tube 2 (e.g., 0.5-1 mm smaller), allowing it to be tightly inserted into the top of the lower annular sample tube 2. This design provides initial alignment and sealing during assembly, preventing misalignment of the upper ring during operation.

[0041] Sample tube retaining ring 3: This is a split structure, consisting of two identical semi-circular clamping blocks 7 joined together. This design makes it easier to quickly install and disassemble after sample loading compared to a one-piece collar.

[0042] To achieve precise splicing, outwardly protruding splicing blocks 8 are provided on both sides of one semi-circular clamping block 7, and inwardly recessed splicing grooves 9 are provided on both sides of the other. The splicing blocks 8 and splicing grooves 9 adopt an interference fit to ensure that they will not automatically loosen after splicing.

[0043] On the outer center of each of the two semi-annular clamping blocks 7, there is a first annular recess. The function of the recess is to accommodate the sample tube binding strap 4 (such as nylon cable ties or elastic rubber rings), prevent the binding strap from sliding axially during the locking process, and ensure that the locking force is concentrated at the connection.

[0044] Mesh fixing system: The mesh 5 is a non-biodegradable nylon mesh with a preferred aperture of 0.1 mm, allowing water and gas to pass through freely while effectively blocking fine soil particles.

[0045] On the outer wall of the lower annular sample tube 2 near the bottom, there is a second annular recess. The mesh binding strap 6 is placed in this recess, firmly pressing the mesh to the bottom of the sample tube. This recess also serves to prevent the binding strap from slipping.

[0046] Sandbox system: A placement plate 12 is installed on the inner bottom of the sandbox 11. Several support rings 13 are evenly arranged on the placement plate 12, and the bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder 2 can be placed inside the support rings 13. The placement plate 12 and the support rings 13 are integrally formed and are both transparent sheet metal structures. The transparent support rings are used to stably support and position multiple measuring devices during testing, enabling batch processing. Furthermore, the transparent support rings and placement plate facilitate observation of the water level and sample condition inside the sandbox.

[0047] The sandbox 11 is a conventional experimental sandbox. The improvement of this utility model lies in its internal configuration: a placement plate 12 is installed on the bottom inner side of the sandbox 11, and multiple support rings 13 are integrally formed on the plate.

[0048] The inner diameter of the support ring 13 is adapted to the outer diameter of the lower annular sample cylinder 2, allowing it to be inserted precisely and held in place, maintaining an upright position. Both the placement plate 12 and the support ring 13 are made of transparent acrylic or similar materials, facilitating observation of the sample saturation process and the water level in the sandbox from the outside and bottom by the experimenter.

[0049] Sandboxes replace external pressure blocks to simulate the stable water absorption of the substrate in the field root system during planting. Sandboxes can provide different negative pressure requirements, i.e., different water absorption, including field water holding capacity and wilting state, to measure the quality of substrate products under different conditions.

[0050] How to use this embodiment: Prepare the upper annular sample tube 1, the lower annular sample tube 2, and the sample tube fixing ring 3; The upper annular sample tube 1 and the lower annular sample tube 2 are fixed together with the sample tube fixing ring 3, and the port of the lower annular sample tube 2 is fixed with the nylon mesh 5 and the mesh binding strap 6 (or rubber band) to assemble the sample ring. The prepared substrate soil is loosely placed into the fixed sample ring, and the sample is filled to a distance of 1-2 cm from the top of the upper ring sample tube 1.

[0051] The entire sample ring apparatus was transferred into a sandbox, and the different suction forces of the sandbox were used to adjust the different states of the substrate soil. Each different suction force corresponds to a different field substrate state, restoring the substrate soil under different planting conditions, thereby determining the physical properties of the substrate under different conditions.

[0052] After confirming that the soil condition in a certain field has reached stability, the sample ring device with the sample installed is removed, the fixing ring is loosened, and the two sample tubes are gently cut open with a knife. The sample in the lower annular sample tube is the matrix soil under a fixed volume condition. Then, the parameters of each physical state are obtained by calculation.

[0053] This embodiment can quickly measure the physical properties of the substrate, providing convenient and accurate fertilization recommendations. It is environmentally friendly, low-carbon, fast, and accurate.

[0054] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0055] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a matrix, comprising, from top to bottom, an upper annular sample tube (1) and a lower annular sample tube (2) stacked together. Its features are: A sample tube fixing ring (3) is provided on the outside of the connection between the upper annular sample tube (1) and the lower annular sample tube (2). The sample tube fixing ring (3) includes two mutually compatible semi-annular clamping blocks (8). The two semi-annular clamping blocks (8) are covered on the outside of the connection between the upper annular sample tube (1) and the lower annular sample tube (2) and then spliced ​​together. Then a sample tube binding strap (4) is wrapped around its outside. The bottom of the lower annular sample tube (2) is covered with a mesh (5) and then clamped by a mesh binding strap (6).

2. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top and bottom of the upper annular sample tube (1) and the lower annular sample tube (2) are both open structures.

3. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, On both sides of the first semi-circular clamping block (7), there are outwardly protruding splicing blocks (8), and on both sides of the second semi-circular clamping block (7), there are inwardly recessed splicing grooves (9). The splicing blocks (8) and the splicing grooves (9) are spliced ​​together.

4. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both of the two semi-annular clamping blocks (7) have a first annular recessed portion that is recessed inward at the middle of the outer side, and the sample tube binding strap (4) is located in the first annular recessed portion.

5. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A second annular recess is provided near the bottom of the lower annular sample tube (2), and the mesh binding strap (6) is located inside the second annular recess.

6. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A downwardly protruding sample tube retainer (10) is provided at the bottom of the upper annular sample tube (1). The inner diameter of the sample tube retainer (10) is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower annular sample tube (2), so that the sample tube retainer (10) can be embedded in the lower annular sample tube (2).

7. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sandbox (11), on which a placement plate (12) is installed at the bottom inner side. Several support rings (13) are evenly arranged on the placement plate (12), and the bottom of the lower annular sample cylinder (2) can be placed inside the support rings (13).

8. The apparatus for determining the physical properties of a matrix as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The placement plate (12) and the support ring (13) are integrally formed and are both transparent sheet material structures.

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