Cosmic Ray Neutron Water Content Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water content measurement technologies are expensive, limited in spatial and temporal resolution, and unsuitable for large-scale, real-time monitoring, particularly in agriculture and environmental monitoring, due to high costs, cloud interference, and reliance on external data sources.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising modules for measuring cosmic ray and ambient neutron flows, using scintillators and silicon photomultipliers, provides real-time water content measurements across large areas, normalized by cosmic ray data, with modular design and solar power, enabling precise and cost-effective monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas detection technologies (Helium-3, Boron-10) are used for ambient neutron measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive gas detection technologies (Helium-3, Boron-10) with cheaper solid-state scintillator materials that can be mass-produced. The scintillator crystals combined with silicon photomultipliers provide a cost-effective alternative that maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing device cost and enabling broader deployment in agricultural and environmental monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection medium from gas-based detectors to solid-state scintillator materials. This parameter change in the detection technology allows for lower manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to measure ambient neutron flow for water content determination.
2Measurement precision
If punctual electromagnetic probes are used for water content measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of probes required increases exponentially for large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of deploying multiple physical probes with a remote sensing system using ambient neutron detectors. This substitution allows for large-scale monitoring without requiring numerous individual probes, as the neutron flow measurement can be performed remotely and integrates information over a broader area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from contact-based electromagnetic probing to non-contact neutron flow measurement. This phase transition in the measurement approach enables monitoring of large areas without the need for extensive probe deployment, as neutron detectors can measure water content remotely through the ground surface.
3Area of stationary object
If satellite remote sensing is used for water content measurement, then coverage area is improved, but temporal resolution and cloud interference reduce measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ambient neutron flow as an intermediary measurement that indirectly indicates water content. This intermediary approach provides continuous, real-time data不受 cloud interference affecting, as neutron detectors measure the actual physical state of the ground surface rather than relying on optical satellite imagery that can be blocked by clouds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement of ambient neutron flow, providing uninterrupted data on water content. This continuous action contrasts with satellite imaging which has periodic coverage gaps, allowing for real-time monitoring of soil moisture conditions without waiting for satellite passes or dealing with cloud obstruction.
4Device complexity
If external research center data is used for cosmic ray flow, then device complexity is reduced, but data precision deteriorates due to distance and availability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system self-sufficient by incorporating both cosmic ray and ambient neutron detectors in a single integrated unit. This self-service approach eliminates the need to rely on external research centers for data, as the system independently measures both parameters locally, ensuring data precision is not compromised by distance or data availability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cosmic ray detector and ambient neutron detector into a single integrated measurement system. This combination allows both measurements to be taken simultaneously and locally, ensuring that the cosmic ray data used for normalization is from the same location and time as the neutron flow measurement, thereby maintaining high precision without requiring external data sources.
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 device offers reliable, real-time water content measurements over hectares with depth averaging, overcoming spatial and temporal limitations, suitable for precision irrigation and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first module (20, 202, 204) adapted to measure a flow of cosmic rays incident to the ground
Implementation Method 2
at least one second module (40, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410) adapted to measure a flow of ambient neutrons
Implementation Method 3
a first module light meter (204) adapted to measure the light emitted by the first module scintillator (202)
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (12) for measuring the water content of the ground, vegetation and snow, comprises: at least one first module (20) adapted to measure a flow of cosmic rays incident to the ground; at least one second module (40) adapted to measure an ambient neutron flow; and a control unit (60) connected to said at least one first module (20) and said at least one second module (40). The control unit (60) is adapted to process the measurements of said at least one first module (20) and said at least one second module (40) to determine the measurement of the water content.