Hollow-Strut Odor Sensing for Continuous Tall-Plant Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant measurement devices are limited to specific parts and cannot continuously measure the state of plants with heights of several meters, such as tomatoes, without complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A measurement module comprising a hollow strut with introduction ports and odor sensors, supported by a pump to draw outside air for odor detection, allowing continuous monitoring of plant states without requiring detailed site preparation or light application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-based measurement devices are used to measure plant metabolic products, then measurement of specific parts (leaf bodies and fruits) is achieved, but continuous measurement of high-height plants (several meters) is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the light-based measurement system with an odor detection system using sensors that detect volatile organic compounds emitted by plants. This substitution enables continuous measurement of high-height plants through air sampling, as odor molecules can be transported via air currents to sensors positioned at various heights, overcoming the limitation of light-based devices that require direct line-of-sight measurement of specific plant parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium to transport plant metabolic information (odor molecules) from any height to the measurement sensor. Instead of measuring the plant directly with light, the system uses air currents to carry volatile organic compounds to odor sensors, enabling continuous monitoring of high-height plants without requiring physical contact or direct optical access to specific plant parts
2Duration of action of stationary object
If complex measurement systems are deployed to continuously measure high-height plants, then continuous detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive air sampling where natural air currents transport odor molecules to the sensors without requiring active pumping or complex sample collection mechanisms. The system utilizes the plant's own emission of volatile organic compounds and ambient air movement to achieve continuous measurement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical systems while maintaining continuous detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simplified odor detection system using electronic sensors. Instead of using complicated optical equipment, moving parts, or mechanical sampling systems, the invention uses odor sensors that passively or actively sample air and detect volatile organic compounds, significantly reducing device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring of high-height plants
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 continuous detection of plant states with a simple configuration, even at high heights, by using a smaller number of components and detecting odors directly, thus overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is connected to the strut and draws outside air from the introduction port into the interior of the strut
Implementation Method 2
The at least one odor sensor is disposed at a position corresponding to the at least one introduction port in the interior of the strut to detect the odor of the plant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The measurement module includes a hollow strut erected to support the plant, at least one introduction port communicating between an interior and an external of the strut, at least one odor sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the at least one introduction port in the interior of the strut to detect an odor of the plant, and a pump connected to the strut to suck outside air from the introduction port into the interior of the strut.