Rotary Angle Sensor for Dial Read-Out Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil moisture measurement instruments, such as rotary-reading tensiometers, lack the ability to provide a visual or electronic read-out that can be used for automatic control or notification, limiting their integration into advanced irrigation systems for precise water supply management.
Innovation Solution
A rotary angle sensor is developed that responds to the position of a magnetized needle in a dial-based instrument, allowing for electronic signal recording and system actuation, enabling remote monitoring and control of irrigation systems by detecting the angular relationship between the needle's magnetic field and a non-contact angle sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rotary-reading instrument with dial and needle is used for soil moisture measurement, then the instrument structure is simple and reliable, but it lacks electronic read-out capability for automatic control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reading system (dial and needle) with an electronic sensing system. A non-contact angle sensor detects the angular position of a magnet attached to the needle, converting mechanical displacement into electronic signals that can be processed by control systems, thereby enabling automatic read-out without complicating the mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element attached to the needle. This magnet serves as a mediator that bridges the mechanical needle position and the electronic non-contact angle sensor, allowing the sensor to detect needle position through magnetic field interaction without physical contact, thus enabling electronic read-out while maintaining mechanical simplicity
2Measurement precision
If farmers manually read dial gauges for irrigation decisions, then no additional electronic components are needed, but precise water supply control and timing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the manual reading process with an electronic non-contact angle sensor that automatically detects the needle position. This sensor provides precise electronic signals that can be fed into control systems for accurate water supply timing and amount control, eliminating the imprecision of manual reading while adding minimal electronic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the non-contact angle sensor continuously monitors the needle position and provides electronic signals to control systems. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of water supply based on real-time soil moisture conditions, achieving precise control through a simple sensor-control loop
3Loss of information
If a non-contact angle sensor with magnet is added to the dial, then electronic signal output is enabled, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnet as a simple intermediary that attaches to the existing needle without modifying its mechanical function. This magnet enables the non-contact angle sensor to detect needle position through magnetic field interaction, providing electronic signal output while adding minimal complexity since the magnet is a passive component requiring no power or complex integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical contact between the sensor and needle with a non-contact magnetic field interaction. This substitution eliminates wear and contamination issues associated with contact sensors while requiring only a simple non-contact angle sensor and small magnet, adding minimal complexity compared to the mechanical reading system
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
This solution allows for precise and automated control of water supply, ensuring optimal soil moisture levels, reducing water waste and enhancing agricultural efficiency by integrating with existing instruments like tensiometers, and can be adapted for various measurements beyond soil moisture.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is responsive to the field established by the directional magnetization of the needle
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for an instrument having a rotary shaft whose position is indicative of a value being measured. A needle is attached to the shaft with an inherent magnetic field, or which carries a magnet. A sensor responsive to the direction of the field is supported above the needle, and reads out the angle of the needle relative to the sensor. These readings can be used for monitoring and control purposes.