Conveyor Pulling Finger Stalk Strength Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting against green snap and stalk lodging in corn crops are not effective or economical, leading to significant yield losses and damage, as they either limit overall yield or require extensive management systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring stalk and root strength using a conveyor-based apparatus with pulling fingers and a force sensor, allowing for the evaluation of plant hybrids' resistance to green snap and stalk lodging, enabling the identification of resistant traits for breeding purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protection strategies (late planting, growth regulator herbicides, suboptimal nitrogen rates, monoculture) are used to protect against green snap, then resistance to green snap is improved, but overall yield is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional agronomic management strategies with a mechanical measurement system. Instead of using chemical or cultural practices to protect against green snap, the invention uses a mechanical apparatus with pulling fingers and force sensors to directly measure stalk strength, enabling selection of inherently strong-stalked hybrids without yield penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system enables breeders to self-select resistant hybrids through direct mechanical testing of stalk strength. The apparatus provides objective data that allows breeding programs to identify and propagate hybrids with superior stalk strength without relying on indirect proxies or management interventions
2Reliability
If extensive management systems are implemented to protect against green snap and stalk lodging, then resistance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential protective trait (stalk strength) from complex management systems. By directly measuring stalk strength with the mechanical apparatus, the invention isolates the key resistance factor, allowing breeders to select for this single trait without implementing multiple interconnected management practices
3Measurement precision
If manual stalk strength testing is performed, then measurement capability is achieved, but productivity and data accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated measurement using a conveyor system that continuously moves plant samples through the testing apparatus. The pulling fingers and force sensors operate continuously as samples pass through, eliminating idle time between measurements and enabling high-throughput data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual testing operations with an automated mechanical system. The conveyor-driven apparatus automatically positions, tests, and records stalk strength measurements without human intervention, significantly increasing both speed and consistency of data collection
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 measurement and prediction of resistance to green snap and stalk lodging, facilitating the development of stronger, more resilient plant hybrids that can withstand adverse weather conditions and reduce yield losses.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.