Measuring device for characterising soils

The soil characterization device integrates sensors and a self-regulating percussion system to address the challenge of measuring soil parameters in varying hardness, providing direct and accurate soil property measurements across different depths and soil types, enhancing drilling efficiency and stability on drones.

WO2026125789A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-18UNIV DE JAI12N

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
UNIV DE JAI12N
Filing Date
2025-12-02
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing soil characterization devices struggle to efficiently measure soil parameters like nutrients, moisture, and temperature in both soft and hard soils, often requiring manual laboratory analysis or indirect visual methods that are limited in accuracy and versatility, especially when mounted on drones.

Method used

A soil characterization device with integrated sensors and a self-regulating electromechanical percussion system that automatically adjusts drilling force based on soil hardness, using ferromagnetic coupling and propeller direction to enhance drilling capacity and stability on drones.

🎯Benefits of technology

Enables direct, accurate measurement of soil properties at various depths without manual sampling, improving drilling efficiency and stability on hard soils, and allowing precise nutrient and moisture profiling from ground level to depth, suitable for both cultivated and uncultivated areas.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a measuring device for characterising soils (1) comprising a support (2), a drilling element (3), a coupling element (32) for coupling the drilling element (3) and a first motor (4) together, ferromagnetic coupling means (6) for coupling the first motor (4) and / or the drilling element (3) and the support (2) together, with a first ferromagnetic element (61) coupled to the first motor (4) and / or drilling element (3), a second ferromagnetic element (62) coupled to the support (2), and a first ferromagnetic spring (63) arranged between the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62), control means (7) configured to adjust the electrical current flowing through the first ferromagnetic spring (63), when the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62) come into contact, in order to automatically activate an additional electromechanical system in the case of very hard ground.
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Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SOIL CHARACTERIZATION MEASURING DEVICE

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This patent application relates to a measuring device for soil characterization comprising a support, a drilling element, a coupling element, and a first motor, along with various ferromagnetic coupling means. The invention falls within the technical area / sector of agriculture, specifically in soil characterization, treatment, and fertilization.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Characterizing soil properties is crucial for crop development. Determining the appropriate parameters for fertilization, irrigation, and temperature allows for optimizing production rates and the use of resources applied to crops, forming part of what is known as precision agriculture.

[0007] Several devices are currently available for measuring soil properties. Some devices rely on soil sampling, a manual procedure in which a piece of soil is extracted using available hand tools. Once extracted, the sample, properly protected, is taken to the analytical laboratory, where the quantity of each nutrient or property of interest is determined. Other devices include handheld sensors that the operator uses to determine the property of interest. For measurements below the soil surface, pressure must be applied; for greater depths, an excavation must be made to the level of interest, and the measurement then taken with the sensor.Other devices rely on visual monitoring, using multispectral cameras—that is, cameras that capture different ranges of the visible spectrum, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.—to determine crop emission / reflection patterns. These patterns are associated with various soil deficiencies, such as a lack or excess of certain nutrients or water stress, among others. Still other devices use automated visual monitoring, where a multispectral camera is mounted on a drone or other aerial vehicle, allowing for more efficient monitoring of a crop area without requiring an operator to be physically present at the measurement site.

[0008] Regarding soil drilling devices, various systems for the drilling element are known, focused on water soundings or new plantings. For example, patent CN206930666U describes a rotary device for soil characterization with a rotary drill bit, soil removal elements, measuring sensors, and a non-rotating support. The assembly allows for the reception of soil data. In this case, the system does not include any elements for situations with high soil hardness, as it lacks an impact generator or a system for regulating the descent speed according to soil hardness. Furthermore, as described in document CN109557948A, a device is known that allows drilling and measurements with electrical connectivity at the top of the drill bit, which may limit the connection to a drive motor in that area.

[0009] In view of the above, there is a need for a device that allows the identification and measurement of soil parameters such as nutrients, moisture and temperature, allowing the task to be carried out in both soft and hard soils, and being able to automatically activate an electromechanical system only in the case of the existence of a high hardness terrain.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a measuring device for soil characterization with a drilling system that integrates measuring sensors, so that the soil properties can be determined during the drilling process itself. Thus, an automatic motorized drilling system and an analysis system integrated into the drilling element are proposed, eliminating the need for subsequent laboratory analysis.

[0012] It is common for the ground to have a high level of hardness, due to the presence of rocks or greater compaction, which requires high levels of drilling force in both manual and motorized systems, often hindering drilling progress. This is especially limiting in portable systems mounted, for example, on drones, since the overall weight of the unit is low, and excessive force on the drill will cause the system to lose contact with the ground or become unstable. Therefore, it incorporates two complementary systems that increase drilling capacity.

[0013] It's worth mentioning that the most current methodologies related to precision agriculture are based on understanding the specific needs of each element of the crop and applying the appropriate actions accordingly. Thus, with regard to the soil, knowledge of nutritional parameters such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and moisture levels is of great interest, as it allows for subsequent regulation through actions such as fertilization or irrigation.

[0014] It should be added that advanced methods based on visual inspection using cameras allow for the identification of various crop characteristics based on their emission in both the visible and other spectral ranges. The absence or excess of specific nutrients results in changes in color or emission across different spectra. However, this technique has limitations in terms of the variety of conditions it can detect and can even lead to confusion due to similar measurements, requiring subsequent manual validation.

[0015] In contrast, the system proposed by the present invention is based on drilling a small hole in the soil, which allows for a direct measurement of nutrient or moisture concentration at different depths by incorporating the appropriate sensors / electrodes for each nutrient into the drilling element itself. Since the root system of crops is located at a certain distance below the soil surface, the system allows for reaching different depths as needed. Thus, the amount of nutrients at the root zone of a specific crop can be determined. It also allows for the measurement of concentrations at intermediate depths, thereby facilitating the analysis of nutrient and water evolution when applied superficially.

[0016] Compared to manual devices, which require extracting a sample and then analyzing it in a laboratory, or drilling a hole and then manually applying the sensor to the soil, the main technical advantage of the proposed device lies in the fact that the measurement can be taken in a single step. Once the soil is drilled, the same drilling element allows for taking the measurement, as the sensor / electrodes are integrated within it. To maximize drilling capacity, considering the common presence of very hard soils, the proposed device incorporates a self-regulating electromechanical percussion system. In precision agriculture, these systems are usually mounted on a drone for ease of transport and versatility. Thus, if the soil is very hard, the drone will tend to lift off the ground and likely become unstable.The percussion system included in this invention solves this problem by increasing the drilling capacity of the unit. Furthermore, the system includes an electrical signal output that is activated when it detects a hard surface. This triggers the drone's propellers to rotate in the opposite direction of flight, generating negative lift and pushing against the ground, thus preventing it from lifting off. In this way, the drilling capacity is increased.

[0017] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows measurements to be taken as depth is increased, thus making it possible to obtain a profile of nutrients, moisture, concentrations, etc., from the ground level to the depth reached.

[0018] Regarding the aforementioned automatic visual monitoring techniques, which indirectly assess soil condition through crop color, it should be noted that the proposed device allows for the direct evaluation of soil properties, resulting in increased accuracy and a wider range of measurements. Thus, the proposed device has no limitations in measuring soil properties hidden beneath elements such as greenhouses or other structures. Similarly, the proposed system would allow for measurements of soil properties in uncultivated soils, unlike the crop chamber monitoring system, which requires the presence of a crop.

[0019] And with respect to the methods of direct sample collection by the operator, which requires making the perforation and then inserting the sensor, the proposed device allows making the perforation and once this is finished, taking the measurement directly.

[0020] It should be added that the device of the present invention is designed to be carried by a flying element such as a drone, thus eliminating the need for operator movement, as is the case when taking direct soil samples and using handheld sensors. Even on small drones, the system allows drilling into very hard soils, since it incorporates a self-regulating percussion system that adjusts according to the ground resistance. Therefore, the device includes the necessary electronics so that once the system detects a high level of hardness, it automatically activates the hammer, and an electrical output allows the drone to rotate its propellers in the opposite direction of flight, generating an additional reaction force on the ground.

[0021] More particularly, the measuring device for soil characterization comprises at least one support, at least one drilling element, at least one coupling element between the drilling element and a first motor, ferromagnetic coupling means between the first motor or the drilling element and the support, wherein the ferromagnetic coupling means comprise at least one first ferromagnetic element coupled to the first motor and / or drilling element, at least one second ferromagnetic element coupled to the support, at least one first ferromagnetic spring disposed between the first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element, and control means configured to regulate the electric current flowing through the first ferromagnetic spring when the first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element come into contact.

[0022] It should be noted that the first ferromagnetic spring holds the first ferromagnetic element in its lower position, while the first motor imparts a rotational motion to the drilling element. Furthermore, the first ferromagnetic spring is capable of conducting electricity and thus producing a magnetic field. This magnetic field separates the first ferromagnetic element from the second ferromagnetic element. At this point, the repulsive force of the first ferromagnetic spring and the electromagnet generate an additive impact force on the drilling element, increasing its capacity precisely when needed due to the hardness of the ground. This hardness compresses the first ferromagnetic spring, closing the electrical circuit.

[0023] It should be mentioned that the first motor or the drilling element is coupled to the support by means of at least one bearing and at least one guide, so that both rotation and axial displacement or sliding on the axis of the first motor are possible.

[0024] Additionally, the measuring device for soil characterization comprises vertical propulsion means to provide additional axial vertical force, enabling the drilling element to penetrate the ground. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the propulsion means are at least one propeller driven by at least one second motor, which enables the device to fly and provides additional thrust when encountering particularly hard soil.

[0025] More specifically, the control means are configured to activate the second motor, in a first sense so that the driving means propel the measuring device upwards, or in a second sense so that the driving means propel the measuring device downwards, which is a direct consequence of the direction of rotation of the propeller in one direction or the other, the second direction being opposite to the first direction generating an additional drilling capacity.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the drilling element comprises a main body, with a thread, and a drilling tip, so that the measuring device can drill and delve into the ground, with a rotating motion.

[0027] Preferably, the drilling tip comprises at least one sensor, housed in at least one hole in the main body, so that the sensor can come into contact with the ground, and thus be able to take measurements of the properties of the ground surrounding the drilling point.

[0028] It should be noted that the sensor is electrically connected to at least one slip ring, or commutator segment, so that, even while the drilling element is rotating, the sensor measurement can be transmitted to control means external to said drilling element.

[0029] In addition to the above, the measuring device comprises at least one brush configured to remain in contact with at least one slip ring by means of the push of at least one second metal spring, so that even in the presence of vibrations, electrical contact and transmission of the measurement taken by the sensor could be maintained.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second metal spring is electrically connected to at least one second output wire for the electrical signal corresponding to a soil characteristic parameter measured by the sensor, as mentioned above, in order to transmit the sensor measurement to a control device. This enables continuous electrical measurement and its subsequent analysis by a processor, which will allow the numerical value of the measurement to be obtained.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the measuring device for soil characterization comprises a structure to which the support is mounted by means of vertical displacement, in order to be able to push the drilling element to a greater depth in the soil.

[0032] More specifically, the vertical displacement means comprise a second motor that drives a spindle rotating within a threaded housing fixed to the structure. The feed motion is thus generated by an auxiliary structure that allows the device to move vertically as the drilling depth increases. Simultaneously, this structure allows the drilling device to be attached to the chassis of the carrying element, which can optionally be an aerial device, such as a drone.

[0033] It should be noted that the driving means are coupled to the structure, in order to be able to contribute additionally to the thrust of the drilling element in the ground.

[0034] The invention also relates to a flying device comprising a measuring device for soil characterization, the flying device optionally being a drone.

[0035] The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, a measuring device for soil characterization, constructed according to the invention. Other features and advantages of said measuring device for soil characterization, the subject of the present invention, will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1A- Side view of the perforating element, according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 1B- Side cross-sectional view of the drilling element, according to the present invention; Figure 2- Side cross-sectional view of the coupling between the drilling element, the first motor, and the support, according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3- Side view of the ferromagnetic coupling means with the first motor, the support, and the structure, according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4- Side view of a flying device comprising a measuring device for soil characterization, according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5- Side cross-sectional view of a flying device with a measuring device once it has landed and is beginning the characterization of the ground, according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6A- Side view of a drilling element in the position prior to soil characterization, according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6B- Side view of a drilling element in the drilling position and of the soil characterization, according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6C- Side view of a drilling element in the position after drilling and soil characterization, according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7A- Side view in cross-section detail of the ferromagnetic coupling means in a first open position not conducting electricity, according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7B- Side view in section detail of the ferromagnetic coupling means in a second closed electrically conductive position, according to the present invention;

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0048] In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, comprising the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0049] In summary, the soil characterization measuring device, the subject of this invention, comprises a drilling element (3), preferably carried by a flying device (10), which includes at one end metallic terminals of different materials, acting as sensors (31c). These sensors allow measurements of temperature, electrical conductivity, ionic activity, pH, moisture, nitrogen concentration, phosphorus concentration, etc., depending on their specific characteristics (31c). Thus, the soil characterization measuring device as a whole enables the drilling of soils (1) of varying hardness. This is achieved by incorporating an impact generation system on the drilling element (3) that activates when the hardness exceeds a certain threshold. Control means (7) enable the generation of greater vertical force on the drilling element (3) using the propellers (81) of a flying device (10).

[0050] Figure 1A shows a side view of the piercing element (3), including a main body (31), with a thread (31a), preferably helical, and a tip (31b) with at least one sensor (31c).

[0051] Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of the drilling element (3), with the main body (31), including a thread (31a), and a tip (31b) with at least one sensor (31c), which are in electrical communication with their respective slip ring (51) by means of a first cable (52). The sensor (31c) is in contact with the ground (1) throughout the drilling process. The number of sensors (31c) and slip rings (51) depends on the number of parameters to be measured, and they are spaced along the contour of the drilling element (3).

[0052] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the coupling between the drilling element (3), the first motor (4), and the support (2). Specifically, a coupling element (32) is included between the drilling element (3) and the first motor (4). Ferromagnetic coupling means (6) are also included, comprising a first ferromagnetic element (61), a second ferromagnetic element (62), and a first ferromagnetic spring (63) between them, all connected to control means (7). The first motor (4) is mounted using at least one bearing (41) and a guide (42) to allow its rotation and axial displacement. It can also be seen that the slip rings (51) are continuously in contact with brushes (53) and their corresponding second spring (54) and second cable (55), which allows continuous electrical measurement and its subsequent analysis by means of control (7), which makes it possible to obtain the numerical value of the measurement.The brushes (53) have their corresponding second spring (54) to ensure continuous contact between the brushes (53) and the slip ring (51). The brushes (53) are fixed to a support (2) that holds them. A bearing (41) and guide (42) assembly allows relative axial and rotary movement between the drilling element (3) and the support (2). The drilling element (3) has a coupling element (32) attached to the first motor (4), which generates its rotary motion. Additionally, the drilling element (1) and the first motor (4) move vertically together, sliding along guides (42). The assembly is held in its lower position by the first ferromagnetic spring (63), and the support (2) imparts a vertical movement as the drilling progresses.If, during drilling, the ground (1) is too hard, the first ferromagnetic spring (63) compresses, and the first ferromagnetic element (61) comes into contact with the second ferromagnetic element (62), closing the electrical circuit. The signal processed by the control means (7) activates the electrical circuit, which in turn includes the first ferromagnetic spring (63). This spring acts as the coil of an electromagnet, repelling the ferromagnetic elements (61, 62) and generating a repulsive magnetic force. This force, combined with that of the first ferromagnetic spring (63), causes the drilling element (1), along with the first motor (4), to abruptly move downwards, acting like a hammer, thus improving drilling capacity. Unlike other systems, this impact generation system is only activated if the ground hardness requires it.Furthermore, the proposed percussion system does not suffer appreciable wear during use, as it does not contain any mechanical elements that cause friction.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a side view of the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) with the first motor (4), the support (2), and the structure (9). The drilling element (3) with its main body (31) and tip (31b) is also visible below the first motor (4). Above this, the ferromagnetic coupling means (6), including a first ferromagnetic spring (63), are visible. All of this is assembled by the structure (9), which comprises displacement means (91), a third motor (91a), a spindle (91b), and a housing (91d). Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the forward movement generated by the structure (9) and its components allows the device to be displaced vertically as the drilling depth increases. Simultaneously, this structure (9) allows the device, with the drilling element (3), to be attached to the chassis of the carrying element, such as a flying device (10).

[0054] Figure 4 shows a side view of a flying device (10) comprising a measuring device for soil characterization (1). The tip (31b) can be seen protruding from below, the coupling element (32) in its position between the drilling element (3) and the first motor (4). Above, the driving means (8), which can be specifically a propeller (81), are activated by a second motor (82). All of this is coupled with the structure (9), forming an assembly with the flying device (10). It should be noted that the control means (7) activate the propellers (81) to push the flying device (10) towards the ground due to the encounter with a highly hard soil (1). The direction of rotation of the propellers (81) is opposite to the direction of flight, thus generating an additional force on the soil (1), which allows drilling to progress.This system does not consume energy if the soil (1) is soft, and is only activated in soils (1) of high hardness. This results in an increase in drilling capacity without compromising the autonomy of the energy systems. Thus, the measuring device of the invention has two specific systems for high-hardness soils (1): percussion on the drilling element (3) and the additional vertical force generated by the helices (81).

[0055] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a flying device (10) with a measuring device after it has landed and begun characterizing the soil (1). It can be seen how the drilling element (3) begins to act on the soil (1) once the propellant (8) has landed the flying device (10) on the ground to be analyzed.

[0056] Figure 6A shows a side view of a drilling element (3) in the position prior to soil characterization (1), with the tip (31b) containing the sensor (31c) not yet penetrating the ground. Thus, once positioned at the measurement location, the drilling element (3) moves vertically downwards while simultaneously rotating, thereby reaching the desired depth.

[0057] Figure 6B shows a side view of a drilling element (3) in the drilling position and of the soil characterization (1). The main body component (31) with its thread (31a) is visible, as well as the position of the sensor (31c) near the tip (31b). During drilling, the measuring device lowers the drilling element (3) at a certain speed. In soft soil (1), the drilling element (3) penetrates the soil (1) easily without activating the hammer system with the ferromagnetic coupling means (6). At a predetermined depth, the drilling element (3) stops rotating, the sensor (31c) takes the electrical measurement, and then the drilling element (3) rises to its initial position.

[0058] As mentioned, if the ground is hard, the first ferromagnetic spring (63) is compressed, and the control means (7) reduce the descent speed while the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) perform percussion movements on the ground (1), until the first ferromagnetic spring (63) decompresses, and the descent system continues to move the drilling element (3) deeper into the ground. Once the control means (7) detect the compression of the first ferromagnetic spring (63), a signal is activated, causing the propellers (81) of the flying device (10) to rotate in the opposite direction to the flight, thus generating an additional vertical force on the drilling element (3), increasing its capacity in hard ground.

[0059] Figure 6C shows a side view of a drilling element (3) in the position after drilling and soil characterization (1), with the main body

[0060] (31), its thread (31a) and the sensor (31c) already out of the field.

[0061] Figure 7A shows a detailed cross-sectional side view of the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) in its first open, non-conductive position. It shows how they are mounted on the support (2), as well as a close-up of the coupling element.

[0062] (32) of the first motor (4), and of the guide position (42). The detail of the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) is also shown, including a first ferromagnetic element (61), a second ferromagnetic element (62), and a first ferromagnetic spring (63), connected to the control means (7).

[0063] Figure 7B shows a detailed cross-sectional side view of the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) in a second closed, electrically conductive position. Also visible is the support (2), which houses the coupling element (32) of the first motor (4), with the piercing element (3), and a detail of a guide (42) for the first motor (4) for its vertical axial displacement. Above, the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) are shown, comprising a first ferromagnetic element (61), a second ferromagnetic element (62), and a first ferromagnetic spring (63), connected to control means (7), which regulate the activation of the driving means (8), with at least one propeller (81).

[0064] More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 7A, the measuring device for soil characterization (1) comprises at least one support (2), at least one drilling element (3), at least one coupling element (32) between the drilling element (3) and a first motor (4), ferromagnetic coupling means (6) between the first motor (4) or the drilling element (3) and the support (2), wherein the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) comprise at least one first ferromagnetic element (61) coupled to the first motor (4) and / or drilling element (3), at least one second ferromagnetic element (62) coupled to the support (2), at least one first ferromagnetic spring (63) disposed between the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62), and control means (7) configured to regulate the electric current flowing through the first ferromagnetic spring. (63),when the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62) come into contact.,

[0065] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 7A, the first motor (4) or the drilling element (3) are coupled onto the support (2) by means of at least one bearing (41) and at least one guide (42).

[0066] Additionally, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the measuring device for soil characterization (1) comprises driving means (8) on the vertical.

[0067] It should be noted that, as can be seen in figures 4 and 5, the driving means (8) are at least one propeller (81) actuated by at least one second motor (82).

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 7B, the control means (7) are configured to activate the second motor (82), either in a first direction such that the drive means (8) propel the measuring device upwards, or in a second direction such that the drive means (8) propel the measuring device downwards. Thus, due to the high hardness of the ground (1), an electrical signal is activated, which triggers the rotation of the propellers (81) in the opposite direction to the direction of travel, thereby generating an additional force on the ground (1) that allows drilling to progress. This results in an electromechanically self-regulating percussion system.

[0069] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the piercing element (3) comprises a main body (31), with a thread (31a), and a piercing tip (31b).

[0070] In more detail, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the drilling tip (31b) comprises at least one sensor (31c), housed in at least one hole in the main body (31), so that the sensor (31c) can make contact with the ground (1). Additionally, as shown in Figures 1B and 2, the sensor (31c) is electrically connected to at least one slip ring (51) by means of at least one first cable (52).

[0071] It should be mentioned that, as shown in Figure 2, the measuring device for soil characterization (1) comprises at least one brush (53) configured to remain in contact with at least one slip ring (51) by means of the push of at least one second metallic spring (54).

[0072] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second metallic spring (54) is electrically connected to at least one second wire (55) for the electrical signal output corresponding to a soil characterizing parameter (1) measured by the sensor (31c).

[0073] Furthermore, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4, the measuring device comprises a structure (9) to which the support (2) is mounted by means of vertical displacement (91).

[0074] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the vertical displacement means (91) comprise a second motor (91a) acting on a spindle (91b) rotating inside a threaded housing (91c) of a housing (91d) fixed in the structure (9).

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 4, the driving means (8) are coupled to the structure (9).

[0076] Also included in the present invention, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is a flying device (10) comprising a measuring device for soil characterization (1).

[0077] The details, shapes, dimensions, and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of the measuring device for soil characterization, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essence of the invention or the scope defined by the claims included after the following list. List of numerical references:

[0078] 1 floor

[0079] 2 supports

[0080] 3-point punch

[0081] 31 main body

[0082] 31a thread

[0083] 31b point

[0084] 31c sensor

[0085] 32 coupling element

[0086] 4 first engine

[0087] 41 bearing

[0088] 42 guide

[0089] 51 slip ring

[0090] 52 first cable

[0091] 53 brush

[0092] 54 second spring

[0093] 55 second cable

[0094] 6 ferromagnetic coupling media

[0095] 61 first ferromagnetic element

[0096] 62 second ferromagnetic element

[0097] 63 first ferromagnetic spring

[0098] 7 means of control

[0099] 8 driving forces

[0100] 81 propeller

[0101] 82 second engine

[0102] 9 structure

[0103] 91 means of transportation

[0104] 91a third engine

[0105] 91b spindle

[0106] 91c threaded housing

[0107] 91 d casing

[0108] 10 flying device

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Measuring device for soil characterization (1) comprising at least one support (2), at least one drilling element (3), at least one coupling element (32) between the drilling element (3) and a first motor (4), characterized in that it comprises ferromagnetic coupling means (6) between the first motor (4) or the drilling element (3) and the support (2), wherein the ferromagnetic coupling means (6) comprise at least one first ferromagnetic element (61) coupled to the first motor (4) and / or drilling element (3), at least one second ferromagnetic element (62) coupled to the support (2), at least one first ferromagnetic spring (63) disposed between the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62), control means (7) configured to regulate the electric current flowing through the first ferromagnetic spring (63), when the first ferromagnetic element (61) and the second ferromagnetic element (62) come into contact. 2- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first motor (4) or the drilling element (3) are coupled on the support (2) by means of at least one bearing (41) and at least one guide (42). 3- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises driving means (8) on the vertical. 4- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that the driving means (8) are at least one propeller (81) actuated by at least one second motor (82). 5- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means (7) are configured to activate the second motor (82), in a first direction so that the driving means (8) drive the measuring device upwards, or in a second direction so that the driving means (8) drive the measuring device downwards. 6- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drilling element (3) comprises a main body (31), with a thread (31a), and a drilling tip (31b). 7- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 6, characterized in that the drilling tip (31b) comprises at least one sensor (31c), housed in at least one hole of the main body (31), so that the sensor (31c) can come into contact with the soil (1). 8- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor (31c) is electrically connected to at least one slip ring (51). 9- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one brush (53) configured to remain in contact with at least one slip ring (51) by means of the push of at least one second metallic spring (54). 10- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 9, characterized in that the second metallic spring (54) is electrically connected with at least one second output cable (55) of the electrical signal corresponding to a soil characterizing parameter (1) measured by the sensor (31c). 11- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a structure (9) to which the support (2) is mounted by means of vertical displacement (91). 12- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to claim 11, characterized in that the vertical displacement means (91) comprise a second motor (91a) acting on a spindle (91b) rotating inside a threaded housing (91c) of a casing (91d) fixed in the structure (9). 13- Measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to any of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the driving means (8) are coupled to the structure (9). 14- Flying device (10) comprising a measuring device for soil characterization (1), according to any of the preceding claims.