Root Crop Crumbling Device for NIRS Sample Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing root crops are inefficient due to non-representative sampling and the need for extensive preparatory steps, leading to high costs and time consumption, particularly when using near-infrared spectroscopy for field analysis of root crops like sugar beets and potatoes, which require precise sizing and homogeneity of samples for accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a main frame with rotating crumbling shafts equipped with curved hooks and a non-rotating cutting rake, along with a de-clogging mechanism, is used to uniformly crumble root crops into substantially equal-sized pieces, ensuring they are dry and evenly sized for effective near-infrared analysis, while a transport device and equalizing roller homogenize the sample stream for accurate component determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional series techniques are used for analyzing root crops, then high accuracy is achieved, but high investment in labor and expense occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical series analysis techniques with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), an optical measurement system. The NIRS device uses light absorption and reflection properties to determine root crop composition (sugar content, moisture, etc.) without physical extraction or chemical reagents, enabling rapid field analysis while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a representative particulate sample that copies the statistical properties of the entire root crop population. By crumbling root crops into standardized small pieces and collecting a sufficient number (e.g., 30-50 pieces per plot), the sample replicates the population's compositional variability, allowing accurate NIRS measurements that reflect whole-plot characteristics.
2Device complexity
If mash samples are used for analysis, then sampling requirements are reduced, but representativeness of the total population is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and size parameters of the root crop sample by crumbling it into standardized small pieces (approximately 5-20mm in size). This particle size transformation increases the surface area and homogenizes the sample while maintaining statistical representativeness, allowing fewer pieces to adequately represent the population compared to whole root crops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments whole root crops into multiple smaller particulate pieces through mechanical crumbling. By dividing each root crop into numerous small fragments and collecting a sufficient number of these pieces, the sample better captures the population's compositional variability, improving representativeness while reducing the number of whole crops needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If root crops are not uniformly sized, then sample preparation is simpler, but analysis accuracy using NIRS is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific particle size parameter range (5-20mm) for crumbled root crop pieces. This standardized size range optimizes the sample's interaction with near-infrared light, ensuring consistent measurement geometry and light penetration depth across all particles, which is critical for accurate and reproducible NIRS analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a homogeneous sample by crumbling root crops into uniformly sized small pieces. This homogenization ensures that all particles have similar physical and optical properties, eliminating variability introduced by size differences and allowing the NIRS instrument to accurately measure compositional parameters without correction factors.
4Productivity
If field analysis is performed, then analysis time and cost are reduced, but sample preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the root crop sample to serve itself by using the crop's own structure and composition as the measurement target. The NIRS device measures the optical properties of the crumbled root crop pieces directly in the field without requiring extraction, filtration, or chemical preparation. The sample's natural particulate form after crumbling is sufficient for analysis, eliminating complex laboratory preparation steps.
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
The device ensures accurate and efficient analysis by producing a homogeneous, dry, and evenly sized particulate stream, reducing analysis time and costs by minimizing sample preparation and enhancing the reliability of near-infrared spectroscopy results.
Implementation Method 1
a near-infrared (NIR) probe composed of a directed light source and sensor is oriented towards the flow of harvested materials
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the stream of fine pieces of root crop with light of the near infrared range, recording the reflected radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for crumbling root crops into substantially equal sized pieces, comprising: a main frame having an inlet side and an outlet side; a root crop supply at the inlet side; at least one crumbling shaft rotatable supported in the main frame, the crumbling shaft being provided with a plurality of curved hooks, which are curved into a direction of rotation of the crumbling shaft; and a non-rotating cutting rake having a plurality of protrusions und recesses and forming a counter blade for the hooks, wherein the hooks are arranged for interlaced movement with said recesses of the non-rotating rake. The invention moreover concerns a system and a corresponding method.