Integrated Load Cell Hooks for Grow Tower Weight Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled environment agriculture systems face challenges in accurately measuring crop yields and weight, which is essential for efficient crop production and management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a metrology system that includes load cells integrated into hooks and grow lines within the grow tower apparatus, allowing for precise weight measurement of grow towers and lines through tension, compression, and beam-type load cells, enabling accurate force and weight detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional agricultural practices are used, then simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of crop yields is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A load cell is introduced as an intermediary measurement device between the grow tower and support structure. The load cell serves as a mediator that converts mechanical weight into electrical signals, enabling precise crop yield measurement without requiring complex direct measurement systems. The load cell includes a first arm coupled to the grow tower and a second arm coupled to the support structure, creating an intermediate measurement interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical weighing methods with electronic load cell technology. Instead of using traditional mechanical scales or manual weighing, the system uses load cells that convert mechanical force into electrical signals through strain gauge technology, providing more precise and automated measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If load cells are integrated into hooks and grow lines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is merged with the hook structure that suspends the grow tower. The hook is designed with integrated load cell components, combining the mechanical suspension function with the measurement function in a single integrated assembly. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook structure is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical suspension of the grow tower, structural support, and weight measurement. The load cell integrated into the hook provides both structural integrity and measurement capability, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple load cell types are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different types of load cells (tension, compression, and beam-type) are deployed at different locations within the metrology system based on local mechanical conditions. Tension load cells are used where pulling forces dominate, compression load cells where pushing forces are present, and beam-type load cells where bending moments are significant. This localized optimization ensures reliable measurement while allowing standard manufacturing processes for each load cell type.
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
This solution provides accurate and efficient weight measurement of grow towers and lines, facilitating data collection and analysis for improved crop management, yield monitoring, and real-time anomaly detection, thereby optimizing crop growth and harvesting processes.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell coupled between the first hook portion and the second hook portion. The load cell includes a first arm coupled to the first hook portion by a first bracket and a second arm coupled to the second hook portion by a second bracket
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells may be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement.