Produce Sensor Network for Post-Harvest Storage Condition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-harvest handling of agricultural produce lacks effective monitoring and control systems to maintain optimal conditions during handling, storage, and transportation, leading to potential spoilage and quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensor assemblies that monitor parameters like temperature, oxygen concentration, CO2 concentration, and relative humidity, coupled with a communications network for real-time data transmission and a computer for providing output and control functionalities, allowing for the governance of cooling and storage conditions based on sensed data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional post-harvest handling without monitoring systems is used, then device complexity is reduced, but produce quality and reliability deteriorate due to spoilage and lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides monitoring into multiple independent sensor assemblies, each measuring specific parameters (temperature, humidity, gas concentrations) at different locations within packaging. This segmentation allows comprehensive quality monitoring while keeping individual sensor units simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is transmitted to control systems that adjust handling conditions in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures produce quality is maintained by automatically responding to measured parameter changes, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and system complexity.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive parameter monitoring is implemented, then information about produce condition is improved, but loss of time for data processing and transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor assemblies continuously measure and pre-process produce condition parameters during handling, storing data locally before transmission. This preliminary action ensures complete information is captured without delaying subsequent processing or decision-making steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits monitoring data at optimized intervals rather than continuously, balancing the need for up-to-date produce condition information with minimization of data transmission time. Periodic sampling provides sufficient information for quality control while reducing processing overhead.
3Reliability
If real-time control of handling parameters is implemented, then produce quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts handling parameters based on real-time sensor feedback rather than maintaining fixed conditions. This dynamic approach optimizes energy consumption by applying control actions only when and where needed to maintain produce quality, rather than continuous energy-intensive monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes targeted parameter changes in response to measured conditions, adjusting temperature, humidity, or gas concentrations only when deviations from optimal ranges are detected. This selective parameter control maintains produce quality while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption associated with constant adjustment.
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 real-time monitoring and control of produce conditions, ensuring optimal handling and storage, reducing spoilage and improving produce quality throughout the supply chain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor assembly for sensing at least one parameter of packaged produce
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor assembly includes functionality for sensing at least one of: temperature, oxygen concentration, CO2 concentration, ethylene concentration and relative humidity
Implementation Method 3
a communications network operative to receive information from the at least one sensor assembly at the plurality of times and locations and to transmit the information to at least one information receiving location
Implementation Method 4
at least one computer at the at least one information receiving location for receiving the information transmitted via the communications network and for providing an information output representing the at least one parameter at the plurality of times
Implementation Method 5
the at least one parameter controller includes a vacuum cooling controller and the system and method is operative to govern vacuum cooling operation based at least on sensed weight loss of the produce
Implementation Method 6
the at least one parameter controller includes a humidity controller, a temperature controller and a gas concentration controller and the system and the method are operative to govern at least one of humidity, temperature and gas concentration
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring parameters of produce including at least one sensor assembly for sensing at least one parameter of packaged produce at a plurality of times and locations of the packaged produce; a communications network operative to receive information from the at least one sensor assembly at the plurality of times and locations and to transmit the information to at least one information receiving location; and at least one computer at the at least one information receiving location for receiving the information transmitted via the communications network and for providing an information output representing the at least one parameter at the plurality of times.