Hydroponic Plant Weight Measurement via Integrated Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the weight of hydroponic plants are destructive, time-consuming, and lack the ability to monitor weight changes at each growth stage, leading to inaccurate and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic hydroponic plant growth weight measurement instrument comprising a support frame, plant holder, and load cell that allows for continuous and non-destructive weight measurement, enabling the plant to grow while its weight is monitored and recorded automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plant is taken directly and placed on an electronic scale to measure its weight, then the weight measurement is obtained, but the plant is easily destroyed and the measurement process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary device between the plant and the electronic scale. The holder supports the plant during measurement, preventing direct handling that causes destruction. The holder is designed to minimize interference with the plant while providing stable support for accurate weight measurement through the load cell.
2Measurement precision
If a plant is taken directly for weight measurement, then the weight data is obtained, but much time is consumed in the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing the load cell within the holder structure before the plant is placed. The measurement system is prepared in advance, allowing the plant to be measured immediately upon placement without requiring manual setup or configuration during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder with integrated load cell performs self-service measurement functionality. Once the plant is placed in the holder, the system automatically measures and records the weight through the load cell, eliminating the need for manual reading and recording operations, thus reducing measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If manual plant handling is used for weight measurement, then weight data is collected, but the ability to measure weight at each growth stage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement capability by integrating the load cell into the holder structure. The plant can remain in the holder throughout its growth process, allowing repeated weight measurements at different growth stages without removing or relocating the plant. This continuous setup maintains measurement capability across the entire growth cycle.
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 continuous measurement of hydroponic plant weight at each growth stage without physically handling the plant, saving time and effort while ensuring the plant's integrity, allowing for better understanding of growth environment factors.
Implementation Method 1
the load cell is fixed with the support frame and is used for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically
Data Source
AI summary
The weight measurement instrument includes a support frame, a plant holder, and a load cell. The plant holder is assembled with the support frame and has an upper opening and a lower opening, a hydroponic plant can be planted in the plant holder and grow towards the upper opening and the lower opening; the load cell is fixed with the support frame and is used for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically. A method for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically is also provided.