Grow Tower Hook Load Cells for Precise Yield Weight Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial-scale controlled environment agriculture systems face challenges in accurately measuring crop yields, which is essential for efficient and optimized farming practices.
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, utilizing various types of load cells such as tension, compression, and beam-type load cells to translate force into weight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional agricultural practices are used, then farming operations are simpler, but crop yield measurement and data collection capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into integrated metrology systems. Load cells are integrated into grow tower structures to simultaneously measure plant growth weight, substrate weight, and nutrient solution weight. The system merges mechanical sensing elements with electronic data processing and communication modules to provide comprehensive crop yield measurement and monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The metrology systems are designed with multi-functionality to address various measurement needs. Load cells and sensors serve multiple purposes: measuring plant biomass, monitoring substrate conditions, tracking nutrient solution consumption, and providing data for irrigation control. This universal approach enables one system to perform multiple measurement tasks that would otherwise require separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If load cells are integrated into hooks and grow lines, then weight measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into modular components distributed throughout the grow tower structure. Individual load cells are placed at specific locations (hooks, grow lines, nutrient reservoirs) to measure localized weights. Each sensor module is independently integrated into the structure, allowing for targeted measurement without requiring complete system redesign. This segmentation enables precise local measurements while maintaining overall system manageability.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring capabilities are implemented, then crop management efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where sensor measurements are continuously processed and used to automatically adjust growing conditions. Weight measurements from load cells provide feedback on plant growth rates and water consumption, which triggers automated irrigation responses. Nutrient solution weight measurements feed back to control nutrient dosing systems. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time crop management decisions without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
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 and efficient weight measurement of grow towers and lines, facilitating data collection and analysis for improved crop management, yield tracking, and real-time monitoring of plant growth characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
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.