Automated Soil Slurry Sampling for Parallel Nutrient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling processes are inefficient as they require drying and grinding of samples, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and do not allow for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated computer-controlled sampling system that processes soil samples in their 'as collected' condition, creating a slurry with water and filtering it for chemical analysis, enabling simultaneous and rapid analysis of multiple samples for various chemical properties without the need for drying and grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional drying and grinding processes are used for soil samples, then sample preparation is thorough, but processing time is excessive and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the soil sample from solid (requiring drying and grinding) to slurry form (mixed with water). This parameter change eliminates the need for time-consuming drying and grinding steps while maintaining adequate sample preparation quality for chemical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the time-consuming drying and grinding steps from the traditional sample preparation process. By taking out these unnecessary steps and proceeding directly to slurry formation, the system achieves rapid processing without compromising analysis quality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sequential processing is used for soil samples, then each sample is analyzed individually, but productivity is low and multiple samples cannot be processed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample processing system into multiple independent processing channels, each capable of handling a sample simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining individual analysis accuracy through dedicated extraction and analysis pathways for each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous processing where multiple samples undergo extraction, filtration, and analysis in continuous parallel streams. This eliminates idle time between samples and maintains continuous useful action across all processing stages, significantly increasing productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If complex multi-step processing is used for soil samples, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but device complexity increases and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional processing steps (mixing, extraction, filtration) into an integrated automated system where components work together in sequence. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating functions into a unified system while maintaining comprehensive chemical analysis capability through coordinated operation of integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated self-service processing where the system automatically performs sample preparation, extraction, filtration, and analysis without manual intervention. This self-service automation simplifies operation while maintaining comprehensive analysis through programmed sequential execution of processing steps.
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 system allows for rapid and efficient analysis of soil samples, as well as other agricultural samples like vegetation and manure, providing a comprehensive chemical profile with reduced processing time and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer-filter apparatus which mixes the collected raw soil sample in the 'as sampled' condition (e.g. undried and unground) with water to form a sample slurry
Implementation Method 2
The mixer-filter apparatus then filters the slurry during its extraction from the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
centrifugating the slurry sample to yield a clear supernatant
Implementation Method 4
sensing or analysis for detection of the analytes and/or chemical properties such as via colorimetric analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (i.e. mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The sample preparation and chemical analysis sub-systems can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and/or manure samples.