Load Cell Integration in Grow Tower Plug Holder Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled environment agriculture systems face challenges in accurately measuring crop yields, limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A plug holder weight measurement apparatus is integrated into grow towers, utilizing compression-type, tension-type, torsion-type, or beam-type load cells to detect the weight of plug holders, enabling precise measurement of plant growth and growth media characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional agricultural practices are used, then environmental constraints limit crop production to one growing season, but transitioning to controlled environment agriculture increases crop production while creating challenges in accurately measuring crop yields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual weighing and measurement methods with load cell technology that uses electrical resistance changes to detect weight. The load cell converts mechanical force (weight of plug holder with plant) into an electrical signal that can be precisely measured and recorded, enabling accurate crop yield measurement in controlled environment agriculture systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a load cell as an intermediary device between the plug holder and the measurement system. The load cell acts as a mediator that translates the physical weight of the plant and growth media into quantifiable data, allowing the control system to monitor crop yield without direct mechanical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If load cells are integrated into grow towers for plug holder weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load cell integration directly into the grow tower structure, merging the measurement function with the existing support infrastructure. By integrating the load cell into the grow tower rather than adding separate measurement equipment, the system achieves precise plug holder weight measurement while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grow tower is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting plants, providing structural framework, and enabling weight measurement through integrated load cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 allows for improved data collection on plant growth rates, canopy density, maturity, and moisture content, enhancing plant growth management and crop yield monitoring within controlled environment agriculture systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam-type load cell coupled to the first wall adjacent to the opening
Implementation Method 2
a tension-type load cell coupled between the first wall and the plug holder within the volume
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus for measuring various characteristics of an indoor agriculture system. In one embodiment, a plug holder weight measurement system includes a plant plug holder disposed in a grow tower and one or more load cells positioned and configured to detect a weight of a plug holder. The load cells may be compression-type, tension-type, torsion-type, or beam-type load cells and each may be integrated into the grow tower.