Microneedle Probe for Plant Sap Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring sap flow in plants are invasive, limited to larger tree species, and lack precision, making it difficult to apply to smaller plants like fruit vegetables and flowers, and resulting in unreliable measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle probe with a microscale substrate, integrated sensor units for temperature measurement, and a protective wall, manufactured using MEMS technology, allowing for minimally invasive sap flow measurement in plants with small diameters, including fruit vegetables and flowers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an invasive needle probe with diameter of 1 to 5 mm is used for sap flow measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but the device cannot be applied to small plants such as fruit vegetables and flowers
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into multiple functional components (heater probe, temperature measuring probe, shielding probe) that can be integrated at micro-scale, enabling the overall device to be miniaturized while maintaining measurement functionality across different plant types
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical needle insertion with a micro-scale probe system that uses thermal field principles rather than mechanical force, allowing minimally invasive insertion into small plant stems without causing significant damage
2Reliability
If a large-sized measurement device is used, then measurement functionality is ensured, but the device is expensive and complicated, making it difficult to apply to various sites and crops
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement functions (heat application, temperature measurement, shielding) are merged into a single integrated microneedle probe assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle probe is designed as a universal measurement device that can be applied to various plant types and multiple measurement sites simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices through its multi-functional capability
3Productivity
If a small number of specimens are measured with a large device, then measurement is feasible, but statistical meaningfulness and reliability of results are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compact microneedle probe system enables rapid deployment across multiple plants and measurement sites, increasing the number of specimens that can be measured simultaneously and improving statistical meaningfulness through higher productivity
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 reliable, precise measurement of sap flow in various plant species, including those with small stems, by reducing the size of the measurement device and improving the reliability of measurement results across multiple sites and crops.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow
Implementation Method 2
measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedle probe for measuring a sap flow in a plant is disclosed, the microneedle probe including: a substrate; and a sensor unit which is installed on the substrate, generates heat, and measures a temperature that changes in accordance with a sap flow.