Modular Pole Sensor for Vineyard Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor systems for vineyards lack modularity and configurability to effectively monitor both above and below-ground parameters at variable depths and heights, limiting their ability to accurately measure critical fruit and vine growth conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular ground and air pole sensor system comprising interchangeable sensor modules with tubular bodies, male and female couplings, and wireless communication, allowing for easy configuration of sensor placements and parameter measurements at different depths and heights, including humidity, temperature, rainfall, air pressure, wind speed, and solar radiation sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed non-modular sensor system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to monitor both above and below-ground parameters at variable depths and heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple interchangeable sensor modules, each capable of sensing different parameters (ground humidity, air humidity, temperature, rainfall, air pressure, wind speed, solar radiation). These modular segments can be configured in different arrangements to monitor both above and below-ground conditions at variable depths and heights, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor module is designed with universal functionality to sense multiple environmental parameters. The modules can be deployed in different configurations (above-ground or below-ground) depending on the monitoring requirements, providing versatile adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices for each parameter or location type.
2Ease of operation
If sensor modules are made interchangeable with couplings, then the ease of configuration is improved, but the reliability of connections and sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female coupling mechanisms are designed to merge seamlessly when connected, forming a unified interface that maintains structural integrity. The coupling design integrates mechanical connection with sealing elements, ensuring that the joined sensor modules remain reliable and weather-resistant while allowing easy assembly and disassembly for reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If the pole is divided into above-ground and below-ground parts, then the measurement precision of critical parameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure is segmented into above-ground and below-ground parts, with sensors positioned at specific locations optimized for measuring different parameters. This segmentation allows precise measurement of critical vineyard parameters (ground humidity at root level, air humidity for leaf conditions, temperature, rainfall, air pressure, wind speed, solar radiation) while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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 robust, waterproof, and autonomous monitoring of vineyard conditions by allowing customizable sensor configurations, improving the accuracy and reliability of fruit and vine parameter measurements, thereby benefiting fruit farmers and winemakers.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for sensing ground humidity; and a plurality of second sensor modules, of the above-ground part, each of the second sensor modules of the above-ground part comprising a sensor for sensing air humidity
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for sensing air temperature
Implementation Method 3
a sensor for sensing air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wireless sensors, in particular for sensor networks, for monitoring fruit production, in particular vineyards. It is disclosed a modular ground and air pole sensor for monitoring fruit production or a vineyard comprising: a plurality of sensor modules coupled to form a pole divided into a below-ground part and an above-ground part, each said sensor module comprising: a tubular body; a male coupling for coupling to another of said sensor modules; a female coupling for receiving a male coupling from another of said sensor modules. It may comprise a first sensor module, of the below-ground part, comprising a sensor; and a second sensor module, of the above-ground part, comprising another sensor, both for sensing air humidity. A sensor module may comprise a first electric connector at the male coupling and a second electric connector at the female coupling, both for connecting with another sensor module; a set of electric conductors connecting said connectors.