Autonomous Soil Sampler with LIDAR Navigation and On-Site Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil sampling methods in agriculture are inaccurate due to human error, time-consuming, expensive, and require off-site laboratory analysis, often resulting in inconsistent and contaminated samples, with a need for real-time data and efficient sampling processes.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous, unmanned soil sampling machine that autonomously drives to sampling locations, extracts soil using an auger, packages and labels samples, and conducts on-site diagnostics, utilizing GPS and LIDAR for navigation and obstacle avoidance, with integrated soil analysis and data transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual soil sampling by inexperienced workers is used, then the sampling process is simple and low-cost, but the sample accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous soil sampler performs self-navigation, self-sampling, self-packaging, and self-labeling operations without human intervention. The system uses onboard GPS, LIDAR, and automated mechanisms to complete the entire sampling workflow independently, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated robotic system that uses computer vision, LIDAR scanning, and programmable mechanical arms to perform sampling tasks. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated systems resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based location recording is used, then the equipment is simple, but the location accuracy deteriorates resulting in hundreds of feet variation year to year
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges GPS technology with LIDAR scanning and computer vision to create a multi-sensory navigation system. By combining these technologies, the autonomous sampler achieves high location accuracy through cross-validation and integrated positioning, resolving the contradiction between location precision and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LIDAR and computer vision as intermediary systems that bridge the gap between GPS coordinates and precise physical location identification. These intermediaries enhance location accuracy by providing visual and spatial context to GPS data, enabling consistent year-to-year sampling at the exact same location
3Loss of time
If off-site laboratory analysis is used, then the equipment is simple, but the time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges soil sampling and analysis functions into a single integrated platform by combining the autonomous sampler with portable laboratory equipment. This merging eliminates the need for off-site analysis, reducing time loss while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle serves multiple functions: navigation, soil sampling, sample packaging, and on-site analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and processes, decreasing time loss while the modular design manages system complexity through universal platform usage
4Reliability
If manual sampling and packaging is used, then the process is simple, but sample contamination and inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-packaging and self-labeling operations automatically. The robotic arm transfers samples to containers, seals them, and applies labels with location and depth information without human intervention, ensuring consistent and contamination-free packaging while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual packaging operations with automated robotic mechanisms that precisely handle sample transfer, sealing, and labeling. This mechanical substitution eliminates human error and contamination risks, ensuring sample consistency while the automated systems manage packaging complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous soil sampling device. The device including a vehicle for generally autonomously navigating a given area for sampling and adapted with systems to generally avoid obstacles during maneuvering. The device including a soil sampling system designed for placement on a platform of the vehicle and including an extraction arm having a probe and auger to probe into the soil for extracting a quantity of soil. The extraction arm received on a housing and including a pair of rails to enable movement of the probe and auger and a collection bucket for depositing the quantity of extracted soil into a packaging assembly for collection, labeling, and storage of the individual samples.