Maize Runner Arm for Rapid Plant Stiffness Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the structural stiffness of corn stalks are inefficient, requiring manual operation and taking 20 seconds to measure the stiffness of one stalk, which is not suitable for rapid assessment.

Innovation Solution

A method, system, and automated device that measures the flexural stiffness of plants quickly, utilizing a maize runner arm with load cells, limit switches, and a processor to calculate stiffness from force and displacement measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation is used to measure stiffness of corn stalks, then measurement can be performed, but it takes 20 seconds to measure one stalk which is too slow for rapid assessment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidtime per measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated system using load cells, limit switches, and a processor to measure stiffness. The maize runner arm with integrated sensors automatically detects force and displacement, eliminating manual operation and reducing measurement time from 20 seconds to a fraction of a second per stalk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is designed to operate autonomously without continuous human intervention. The maize runner arm automatically moves through the cornfield, the load cells self-record force data, limit switches automatically detect position, and the processor continuously calculates stiffness values, enabling rapid large-scale assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated measurement system is implemented, then measurement speed increases, but device complexity increases with multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The maize runner arm serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses load cells for force measurement, incorporates limit switches for position detection, and acts as a mounting platform for all components. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250044182A1Maize runners

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed is a rigidity measuring device comprising an arm. The arm includes a rail and a base connected to the rail. The rail includes a limit switch, and the base includes a load cell. Also, disclosed is a rigidity measuring device comprising an arm and a processor. The arm includes a rail and a base connected to the rail. The rail includes a limit switch, and the base includes a load cell. The processor electronically connects to the limit switch and the load cell.