Breakaway Antenna Assembly for Underground Field Sensor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sensor systems require removal and reinstallation during crop growth cycles, often damaging soil and wires, and are susceptible to damage from agricultural implements, limiting their functionality during field operations like irrigation and planting.
Innovation Solution
An underground sensor mount with a breakaway antenna assembly and containment housing allows sensors to remain in the field, enabling access and interchange without disturbing the soil, and automatically tilts to avoid damage from farming implements, while transmitting data wirelessly to a remote unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned above ground for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage from agricultural implements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate components: an underground housing containing the sensors and a breakaway antenna assembly that extends above ground. This segmentation allows the sensitive sensor components to be protected underground while maintaining above-ground access capability through the replaceable antenna assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is extracted as a separate, removable component from the sensor housing. This allows the antenna to be removed or broken away when agricultural implements approach, protecting the main sensor housing while maintaining operational capability through later reattachment.
2Reliability
If sensors are removed during field operations to avoid damage, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is pre-installed underground in a protected position before field operations begin. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for repeated removal and reinstallation during irrigation, planting, and other field operations, as the housing remains in place while only the antenna assembly needs to be managed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna extends above ground for data transmission, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with agricultural implements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is designed with a breakaway mechanism that allows it to dynamically respond to approaching agricultural implements. When an implement approaches, the antenna assembly can be broken away or removed, eliminating interference. After the operation, a new antenna assembly can be attached to restore data transmission capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are installed after planting to avoid disturbing crops, then crop damage is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to delayed sensor placement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing can be installed underground in preparation areas before planting occurs, allowing sensors to be in place during the critical early growth stages. This preliminary installation ensures continuous monitoring from the beginning of the crop cycle without disturbing planted crops, as the housing is placed in the ground before seeds are sown or transplants are set.
Data Source
AI summary
A containment housing contains environment probes and a data transmit module below grade of a field. A breakaway antenna assembly couples to the data module and transmits data from the sensors real time. The breakaway antenna includes a 360-degree hinge and is self-righting, thereby allowing farm implements to move past the antenna without breaking antenna.