Handheld NIR Moisture Sensor for Animal Feed Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring moisture content in animal feed are either time-consuming, expensive, or inaccurate, making it difficult for livestock managers to quickly and reliably determine dry matter intake.
Innovation Solution
A handheld near infrared (NIR) spectrometer device with a sensor assembly, including a near infrared LED and sensor, a glass heater, and a controller, that allows for rapid and accurate measurement of moisture content by reflecting NIR light off the feed and calculating dry matter intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Koster Tester is used to measure moisture content by weighing wet forage, drying it, and weighing again, then moisture content can be determined, but the process takes 30-45 minutes and requires operator sampling skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing and drying process with a near-infrared optical measurement system. The NIR sensor detects moisture content by measuring light absorption characteristics of the forage, eliminating the need for physical drying and weighing operations, thus reducing measurement time from 30-45 minutes to seconds while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mass-based (weight before and after drying) to optical-based (near-infrared light absorption). This parameter transformation enables rapid non-destructive measurement without requiring the time-consuming thermal drying process, directly addressing the time loss contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spectrum analyzer is used to measure moisture and other constituents, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the device costs $10,000-$20,000 or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the moisture measurement function from the comprehensive spectrum analyzer, removing the need for expensive multi-constituent analysis capabilities. The simplified NIR sensor system focuses solely on moisture detection, reducing device cost to an affordable range while maintaining the specific adaptability needed for livestock management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective NIR sensor system that can be produced at low cost compared to expensive spectrum analyzers. The handheld device uses inexpensive optical components and electronics, making it economically viable for widespread adoption in livestock management without requiring significant investment
3Ease of manufacture
If laboratory analysis is used to determine moisture content, then cost is reduced, but results take days to arrive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables on-site self-service moisture measurement directly in the field or at the feed storage location. The handheld NIR device allows the user to obtain immediate results without sending samples to a laboratory, eliminating the days-long delay while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of affordable optical sensing technology
4Measurement precision
If operator sampling is used to determine moisture content, then measurement can be performed, but reliability depends on operator ability to take representative samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces operator-dependent mechanical sampling with an automated optical measurement system. The NIR sensor directly measures moisture content through the forage material without requiring physical sample collection, eliminating variability in operator sampling skill and ensuring consistent, reliable measurements regardless of operator experience
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 quick, easy, and cost-effective determination of moisture content in animal feed, providing real-time data and reducing reliance on operator sampling errors and laboratory delays.
Implementation Method 1
A near infrared light sensor is also mounted in the housing, and is positioned to receive near infrared light from the near infrared LED, reflected off of the material
Implementation Method 2
A glass is mounted in the housing in front of the light source so that light from the light source passes through the glass
Implementation Method 3
A lens is mounted in the housing adjacent the near infrared sensor so that the near infrared light reflected off the biological material passes through the glass and is focused by the lens onto the near infrared sensor
Implementation Method 4
A glass heater is positioned near the glass for providing heat, the glass heater including a temperature sensor so that the heater is activated in response to the glass temperature being lower than a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld moisture sensing device for use in determining the moisture content of biological material, such as animal feed. Adapted to be pressed against biological material to be analyzed, the device includes a sensor assembly, including a housing with an end structure including a grate adapted to engage the material to be examined, a near infrared (NIR) LED, an NIR light sensor, a glass mounted in the housing adjacent the light source so that light from the light source passes through the glass, a glass heater positioned adjacent the glass for heating the glass, a lens mounted in the housing adjacent the NIR sensor so that the NIR light reflected off the biological material passes through the glass and is focused by the lens onto the NIR sensor, and a controller connected to the NIR sensor and receiving a signal related to the reflected NIR light received by the NIR sensor.