Cartridge Sensor for Real-Time Soil Nitrate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring nutrient levels in soil or wastewater are inefficient due to the need for laboratory analysis, which results in delayed and often inaccurate measurements, as samples can change during transportation and may not reflect current conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge-based sensor system implemented in an integrated electronic circuit, combining a chemical sensor and computer processor, allows for real-time measurement of nutrient concentrations such as nitrate, chloride, phosphorus, chlorine, or pH in soil and water, providing immediate and accurate data through portable devices like handheld units, in-field probes, or on-the-go measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If soil samples are collected and sent to a laboratory for nitrate measurement, then measurement accuracy can be ensured through controlled analysis, but the time delay during transportation and analysis causes the measurement to become inaccurate as nitrate concentration changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical transportation process with an electronic sensing system. Instead of physically transporting soil samples to laboratories, the invention uses electronic sensors that can directly measure nitrate concentrations in the field, eliminating transportation time and sample degradation while maintaining measurement accuracy through electronic detection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic sensing system between the soil and the measurement process. The sensor acts as a mediator that converts chemical nitrate information into electrical signals for immediate analysis, allowing accurate measurement without direct physical transport of the original sample to a laboratory
2Measurement precision
If soil samples are transported to a laboratory for analysis, then comprehensive chemical analysis can be performed, but the nitrate concentration decreases during shipment resulting in inaccurate current soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transportation system with an in-situ electronic sensing system. By using sensors that measure nitrate concentrations directly in the field, the invention eliminates the reliability issues associated with sample transportation and storage while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities through integrated sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the measurement action preliminarily, before any transportation or sample degradation can occur. The sensor system measures nitrate concentrations in real-time at the source, capturing accurate current conditions before any changes can happen during sample handling or transport
3Loss of information
If manual soil sampling and laboratory analysis procedures are used, then detailed chemical composition can be determined, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate functions (sampling, preparation, analysis, and measurement) into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor cartridge combines sample interaction, chemical detection, and electronic measurement in one unified device, eliminating the need for separate laboratory procedures while maintaining complete chemical composition information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex laboratory analysis process. By isolating and implementing only the critical sensing and detection capabilities in a simplified sensor system, the invention maintains the ability to determine chemical composition while removing unnecessary procedural complexity
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
Enables convenient and accurate real-time monitoring of soil and water properties, allowing farmers to adjust fertilization practices promptly and optimize agricultural practices, improving crop yields and field management by providing current and reliable nutrient concentration data.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical sensor configured to receive a sample of a test material and determine a measure of a chemical property in the sample
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a sensor system and a method for monitoring properties of field soils and wastewater are described. In an embodiment, a sensor system comprises a cartridge system implemented in an integrated circuit. The cartridge system comprises a chemical sensor and a computer processor coupled to the chemical sensor. The chemical sensor is configured to receive a sample of a test material such as soil or wastewater. Based on the sample of the test material, the chemical sensor determines a measure of a property in the test material. The computer processor receives, from the chemical sensor, the measure of the property in the test material, and computes, based on, at least in part, the measure of the property in the test material, a concentration level of the property in the test material. Based on the concentration level of the property in the test material, the computer processor generates an output that includes the concentration level. In an embodiment, the concentration level of the property in the test material is provided to a computer-based controller that controls agricultural equipment executing an agricultural prescription in an agricultural field.