Greenhouse Weighing Platform Single Load Cell Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing greenhouse irrigation systems lack an efficient and automated method to accurately measure plant weight and water requirements, considering factors like sunlight orientation, weather, and time of day, leading to inconsistent water administration and potential over/under-irrigation.
Innovation Solution
A weighing platform with a single off-center load cell, a rigid mesh structure, and a modular system that automatically records plant weights, transmitting data to a central computer or cloud server for precise irrigation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing of plants is performed, then measurement precision is achieved, but productivity is low and labor requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing platform automatically weighs plants without human intervention. The system self-services the weighing operation by using an automated mechanism where plants are placed on the platform and weights are recorded automatically, eliminating the need for manual weighing operations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing operations with an automated weighing system. The mechanical system of manual lifting and placing plants on scales is substituted with an automated platform that can weigh plants automatically, improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple load cells are used in the weighing platform, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing platform is segmented into distinct functional components: a top frame, bottom frame, and exactly one load cell positioned between them. This segmentation allows for a simplified structure with one load cell that maintains sufficient measurement precision while reducing the complexity associated with multiple load cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and uses only one load cell instead of multiple load cells in the weighing platform. By taking out the unnecessary additional load cells, the system achieves the required measurement precision with a simpler, less complex structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain.
3Productivity
If automated weighing systems are implemented, then productivity and water management efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing platform serves multiple functions: it weighs plants, monitors weight changes over time, provides data for irrigation decisions, and tracks plant growth. This multi-functionality justifies the automated system by consolidating several operations into one device, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated weighing system implements feedback by continuously monitoring plant weight and using this information to guide irrigation decisions. The system provides real-time data that feeds back into irrigation management, improving productivity and water efficiency while the feedback loop simplifies decision-making complexity.
4Measurement precision
If manual weighing operations are performed multiple times a day, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated weighing platform enables continuous or frequent weighing operations without interrupting plant growth activities. The system can perform weighings multiple times a day automatically, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual operations through continuous automated monitoring.
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, automated, and efficient water management, reducing water consumption by 20-40% and improving plant growth through real-time weight monitoring and data-driven irrigation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (8) placed between said top half-frame (4) and said bottom half-frame (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
Weighing platform (100) for pots/plants comprising: - a top covering (3) for supporting at least one pot/plant, preferably comprising two edges (31) perpendicular to the plane on its long sides and four perpendicularly bent wings (32), two for each short side; - a top half-frame (4) on which said top covering (3) leans; - a bottom half-frame (5); - preferably four adjusting feet (2) fixed to said bottom half-frame (5); - optionally a bubble level (10); wherein - said top half-frame (4) comprises a rigid mesh or grid structure, wherein meshes have different dimensions and shapes; - said top half-frame (4) and said top covering (3) together form an integral assembly; comprising just one load cell (8) fixed between said top half-frame (4) and said bottom half-frame (5), said load cell (8) being the only mechanical connection between said top half-frame (4) and bottom half-frame (5); characterized in that said top half-frame (4) preferably comprises bent metallic profiles soldered to each other perpendicular to the top covering (3), which profiles form: - two perimeter longitudinal edges (42), - two perimeter side edges (41), - two profiles (43) arranged to form a cross between said two side edges (41) and connected with their ends to said lateral edges (41) and to a median transversal I-beam (45), - preferably two profiles (44) parallel to each other and to the side edges (41) and connected to said longitudinal edges (42) with their head ends, - said median transversal I-beam (45) being a profile bent in the shape of an upside-down U, placed in correspondence of the central longitudinal axis, provided with a central slit (46); an upside-down U-shaped profile (47) placed under said slit (46), provided with a pair of holes (13) for fixing through screws to a pair of holes (9) of the load cell (8). Weighing system comprising a plurality of weighing platforms (100).