Mobile Turf Instrument with Droppable Hammer Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turf maintenance technologies, such as TDR soil moisture sensors and penetrometers, require manual or vehicle-based insertion of probes into the ground for measurements, making it time-consuming and laborious to assess soil moisture and compaction over large areas.
Innovation Solution
A mobile turf measurement apparatus with a revolving arm and impact hammer mechanism that allows for automatic data collection of soil moisture and compaction without the need for manual or frequent vehicle stops, using a self-leveling probe assembly and impact hammer equipped with an accelerometer for compaction measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or vehicle-based insertion of probes is used for soil moisture and compaction measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probe insertion with an automated impact hammer system that uses controlled mechanical impact to measure soil compaction. The hammer, equipped with an accelerometer, automatically impacts the ground surface and collects data without requiring manual probe insertion, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing time and labor requirements for large-area assessments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter approach by using impact force and acceleration data from the hammer to infer soil compaction properties, rather than using traditional probe insertion resistance. This parameter change enables automated measurement while preserving the ability to accurately assess soil conditions across large areas
2Measurement precision
If vehicle stops are made at each measurement location for probe insertion, then accurate spot measurements are obtained, but productivity and data collection efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data collection by eliminating the need for vehicle stops at each measurement location. The automated impact hammer system can rapidly take measurements while the vehicle moves continuously over the turf area, maintaining spot measurement accuracy through automated triggering and data collection without interrupting the vehicle's motion, thereby significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically triggering measurements based on vehicle position or timing, eliminating the need for operator intervention at each measurement point. The system autonomously collects data continuously as the vehicle moves, maintaining measurement precision while maximizing data collection efficiency
3Loss of information
If operators manually push probes into soil at multiple locations, then comprehensive soil moisture data is collected, but operator effort and task difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of pushing probes into the soil with an automated impact hammer system that delivers controlled impacts to measure soil compaction. This substitution eliminates the physically demanding task of manual probe insertion while maintaining comprehensive data coverage across the turf area, as the automated system can rapidly take measurements at multiple locations without operator fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically positioning and executing measurements at multiple locations without requiring operator physical intervention. The automated hammer system independently carries out the measurement task, reducing operator effort to minimal levels while ensuring comprehensive data collection across the entire assessment area
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 efficient and automated data collection of turf parameters, reducing operator effort and time required for large-area assessments, while providing accurate maps of soil moisture and compaction data.
Implementation Method 1
The impact hammer is equipped with an accelerometer that measures the deceleration of the hammer upon contact with the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The Clegg impact tester uses a standardized impact hammer that is dropped onto the ground surface from a predetermined height. The rebound height of the impact hammer is used to measure the compaction of the ground surface
Implementation Method 3
The hammer is equipped with an instrument for measuring the deceleration of the hammer upon contact with the ground surface during free fall
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile turf instrument apparatus has a wheeled frame that may be propelled over the ground by a motive device, such as by a separate vehicle or by its own engine and drive train. A driven arm is carried on the frame and revolves in circles to periodically insert the probe(s) of a probe assembly into the ground during motion of the frame. The drive to the arm is momentarily disengaged when the probe(s) of the probe assembly are inserted into the ground. The probe assembly comprises two parts that rock relative to one another. Two soil measurement devices are connected to the probe assembly. A soil moisture sensor is coupled to the probe assembly for measuring soil moisture when the probe(s) are inserted into the ground. A load cell is responsive to the amount of rocking of the two parts of the probe assembly to measure soil compaction.