Continuous Soil Fluid Concentration Mapping During Implement Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining soil composition, such as core sampling, are limited in their application and do not provide comprehensive data on soil attributes like fluid concentration, which is crucial for crop yield prediction and environmental remediation.
Innovation Solution
A system with a fluid intake mounted on a moving implement for continuous soil fluid exposure, a fluid sensor for concentration measurement, a GPS unit for positioning, and a controller for mapping concentration levels, along with a cleaning/recharging subsystem and pump for continuous fluid draw, to produce geographically located data points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core sampling methods are used to determine soil composition, then measurement precision can be achieved at specific points, but the application is extremely limited and does not provide comprehensive data on soil attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical core sampling methods with an optical sensing system. The fluid sensor detects soil fluid concentration optically as the implement moves through the soil, eliminating the need for physical core extraction and laboratory analysis. This substitution enables continuous, comprehensive monitoring across large areas while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection of fluid concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous measurement by moving the sensing implement through the soil continuously. The fluid sensor continuously detects concentration levels as the implement progresses, providing ongoing data rather than discrete point measurements. This continuous action enables comprehensive coverage of soil attributes across the entire working area, greatly enhancing application versatility.
2Loss of information
If traditional soil sampling methods are used, then specific point data can be obtained, but comprehensive mapping of soil attributes across areas is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single monitoring system. The same sensing implement that moves through the soil also houses the fluid sensor for concentration measurement and the GPS receiver for positioning. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive soil attribute mapping across areas without requiring separate systems for sampling, measurement, and positioning, thus managing complexity while achieving complete data coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing mechanism, fluid sensor, GPS receiver, and control system into an integrated monitoring unit. By merging these components into a single coordinated system, the patent achieves comprehensive soil attribute mapping while avoiding the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple separate systems. The integrated design ensures all functions work together seamlessly to produce complete spatial data.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring of soil fluids is implemented, then comprehensive soil attribute data can be mapped, but the system requires complex cleaning and recharging subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the cleaning subsystem that automatically maintains the sensing implement during operation. The system includes mechanisms to clean the sensor and related components as they move through the soil, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external cleaning systems. This self-maintaining approach enables continuous monitoring while keeping the cleaning subsystem relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning subsystem operates periodically rather than continuously, intervening only when the sensing implement requires maintenance during its operation. This periodic cleaning action reduces the complexity of the cleaning system compared to continuous operation, while still maintaining the sensor's effectiveness for comprehensive soil monitoring throughout the work cycle.
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 accurate and efficient mapping of soil fluid concentrations, facilitating improved crop yield prediction and environmental remediation by providing detailed soil attribute data.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid sensor in fluid communication with the fluid intake and operable for continuously receiving soil fluids from the fluid intake and measuring fluid concentration levels in the soil fluids
Implementation Method 2
a pump mounted on the moving implement and in fluid communication with the fluid intake, the pump being configured to continuously draw soil fluids from soil through the fluid intake during movement of the moving implement
Implementation Method 3
a GPS unit operable to identify a position of the fluid intake corresponding to the measured concentration level during movement of the moving implement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining soil attributes includes a fluid intake mounted on a moving implement and configured for continuous exposure to soil fluids in soil during movement of the moving implement; a fluid sensor in fluid communication with the fluid intake and operable for measuring fluid concentration levels in the soil fluids during movement of the fluid intake with the moving implement; a GPS unit operable to identify a position of the fluid intake corresponding to the measured fluid concentration during movement of the moving implement and while the fluid sensor receives soil fluids from the fluid intake and measures fluid concentration levels; and a controller in communication with the fluid sensor and the GPS unit and configured to map each measured fluid concentration level relative to the corresponding fluid intake position. Associated methods are also described.