Automated Root Pulling Force Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring root pulling force in crops are arduous and inefficient, limiting the ability to study root structure and function at scale, which is crucial for improving crop productivity and understanding plant growth regulation in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automated Root Pulling Force (RPF) device equipped with a plant grasping mechanism, force measurement sensor, and motion mechanism, capable of accurately measuring the force required to pull a plant from the soil, featuring a programmable computer system, three-axis load cell, and various sensors for precise data collection and plant location identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual root pulling method is used, then data collection is possible, but the process is arduous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (handheld dynamometer and rope) with an automated mechanical system featuring a robotic arm, automated grasping mechanism, and computer-controlled pulling apparatus. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining the core measurement function, directly resolving the contradiction between data collection efficiency and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated RPF device performs self-positioning using sensors to locate plant stalks, self-grasping through automated closing of parallel plates, and self-measurement by automatically recording pulling force data. This self-service capability allows continuous operation without human intervention, dramatically improving productivity while reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If automated RPF device is used, then data collection efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated RPF device integrates multiple functions into a single system: plant location identification through sensors, automated navigation to target plants, mechanical grasping of stalks, controlled pulling motion, force measurement, and data recording. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, managing complexity while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a computer system as an intermediary that coordinates all complex subsystems (sensors, actuators, measurement devices). This central control unit simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single point of coordination, managing the complexity of integrating multiple automated functions while maintaining high data collection efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual measurement method is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but the ability to study root structure at scale is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of manual operations with automated mechanical systems enables the device to process large numbers of plants systematically. The robotic arm can rapidly move between plants, the automated grasping mechanism ensures consistent measurement application, and the computer-controlled system maintains uniform pulling speeds, all of which enable scalable study of root structure across entire fields rather than limited manual sampling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automated RPF device significantly enhances data collection efficiency, providing detailed insights into root system architecture and phenotype, enabling more effective genetic and genomic studies for improving crop productivity and soil bio-geochemistry.
Implementation Method 1
force measurement sensor, three-axis load cell
Data Source
AI summary
This invention comprises a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device comprises a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. In certain embodiments, the device is automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.