Coulter Disc Soil Sensor Using Infrared Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil constituent measurement technologies cannot provide real-time analysis during seeding or fertilizing, and existing systems require soil disturbance for accurate measurement, limiting their effectiveness in agricultural, environmental, and mineral prospecting applications.
Innovation Solution
An emitter and sensor system mounted in a rotatable coulter disc that uses electromagnetic radiation, specifically near or middle infrared, to assess soil constituents in situ and in real-time, with a window transparent to radiation allowing minimal soil disturbance and continuous spectrum analysis for precise data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation measurement is performed by dragging a device below soil surface or passing over tilled soil, then soil constituent identification is enabled, but soil disturbance is required which limits real-time application during seeding or fertilizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical soil disturbance methods with electromagnetic radiation measurement. The sensor system uses electromagnetic radiation to penetrate and measure soil constituents without requiring physical disruption of the soil structure, enabling real-time measurement during seeding or fertilizing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the measurement device and soil constituents. The radiation penetrates the soil and interacts with constituents, allowing identification through the emitted and reflected radiation patterns without direct mechanical contact or disturbance
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used for soil analysis, then measurement capability is provided, but the systems require significant power consumption and complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LEDs as light sources instead of complex and power-intensive conventional illumination systems. The LEDs provide sufficient electromagnetic radiation for measurement while consuming minimal power, making the system suitable for mobile agricultural equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex conventional sensor systems with a simplified electromagnetic radiation-based measurement system using LEDs and basic photodetectors, reducing both equipment complexity and power requirements while maintaining measurement capability
3Productivity
If conventional sensor mounting is used, then measurement is possible, but real-time analysis during seeding or fertilizing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent mounts the sensor system on a rotatable coulter disc that dynamically penetrates the soil surface during agricultural operations. This dynamic mounting allows the sensors to access subsurface soil in real-time while the disc rotates, enabling continuous measurement during seeding or fertilizing without interrupting the primary agricultural task
Solution Approach 2:
The coulter disc serves multiple functions: it performs the primary agricultural function of cutting or seeding while simultaneously mounting and positioning the sensor system for soil analysis. This multi-functionality enables real-time measurement during normal operations without requiring separate measurement equipment or disrupting weather-dependent operations
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 real-time soil analysis with reduced disturbance and power requirements, providing detailed depth profiles and allowing for precise variable rate seeding, environmental remediation, and mineral prospecting, while being operational under various weather and soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The emitted light is reflected by the soil and the absorbances at various wavelengths measured
Implementation Method 2
The emitted light is reflected by the soil and the absorbances at various wavelengths measured, these absorbances enable identification of substances present in the soil
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for measuring soil constituents having coulter comprising an electromagnetic radiation detector, a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a window transparent to electromagnetic radiation, the source emits radiation through said window to the soil, and the detector receives radiation through said window, reflected from the soil. Typically the source is broad band so the detector provides continuous spectra over the range. The source may be quasimonochromatic to provide Raman scattering, which will also provide continuous spectra over the range. These spectra can be subjected to multivariate analysis and compared to spectra of known constituents to identify the presence and concentration of these constituents.