Capacitive Soil Sensor for Real-Time Depth Gradient Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems for soil properties in farming applications are either costly or offer low resolution, failing to provide real-time gradient profiles of soil properties like moisture, compaction, and temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising a support structure coupled to an agricultural implement with a capacitive sensor that measures changes in soil dielectric properties, generating real-time gradient profiles of soil properties as a function of depth, using a measuring unit to process and display the data on a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art sensing systems are used to measure soil properties, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and resolution are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system divides the measurement function into multiple sensors arranged at different radial positions on the support structure, with each sensor measuring soil properties at specific depths. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple soil layers, improving both resolution and reliability through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point soil measurements to multi-depth gradient profiles by arranging sensors radially across the support structure. This dimensional expansion from 1D to 2D/3D spatial measurement enables detailed vertical soil property gradients while maintaining measurement accuracy through multiple observation points.
2Measurement precision
If prior art sensing systems are used, then soil property measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the agricultural implement, enables ground engagement for soil interaction, and acts as a mounting platform for multiple sensors at different radial positions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving high-resolution gradient measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensors measuring different soil properties (moisture, temperature, compaction) into a single integrated sensing system mounted on one support structure. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate measurement systems, reducing complexity while providing comprehensive real-time soil profiling.
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 provides increased resolution of soil properties in real-time, enabling farmers to optimize yields by accurately measuring moisture, temperature, and other properties, reducing costs associated with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to sense a change in capacitance corresponding to a change in dielectric property of a measured soil sample
Implementation Method 2
sense a change in capacitance corresponding to a change in dielectric property of a measured soil sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for obtaining a gradient of soil properties in real-time as a function of soil depth is disclosed herein. The sensing system includes a support structure coupled to an agricultural implement and which is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to a frame of the agricultural implement. A sensor is arranged on a surface of the support structure and configured to generate an output signal indicative of the measured soil property based on a sensed a capacitance change corresponding to a change in a dielectric property of a measured soil sample with which the sensor interacts. A measuring unit is coupled to the at least one sensor and processes the output signal generated by the at least one sensor to generate a gradient profile of the soil properties in real-time as a function of one or more depths for display on a user interface.