3D Soil Moisture Control via Resistivity Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sprinkler systems fail to accurately measure soil moisture at different depths and account for varying watering needs of different vegetation types, leading to overwatering or underwatering, and do not generate a three-dimensional moisture model.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computer, probe controller, probes, sprinkler controller, and sprinklers that creates a three-dimensional resistivity model by measuring voltage across probes to determine specific watering needs for each zone, ensuring efficient water distribution based on plant requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed at different depths depending on plant root depth, then measurement accuracy for specific plants is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal three-dimensional electrode grid system that can measure moisture for multiple plant types and depths simultaneously. A single installed grid serves all vegetation in the area, eliminating the need for separate installations for each plant type while providing plant-specific moisture information through software analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary installation of a comprehensive three-dimensional electrode grid that anticipates future measurement needs for different plant types. The grid is installed once to capture the full spatial moisture profile, allowing flexible analysis for various root depths without requiring additional installation work.
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 enables precise moisture control, reducing water waste and ensuring healthy plant growth by accurately measuring soil moisture at different depths and activating sprinklers only where needed, thus optimizing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
A three-dimensional resistivity model is generated from the set of probe data
Implementation Method 2
A three-dimensional resistivity model is generated from the set of probe data and compared to a set of moisture requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for moisture control includes a computer, a probe controller connected to the computer, a set of probes connected to the probe controller, a sprinkler controller connected to the computer, and a set of sprinklers connected to the sprinkler controller. The set of probes are driven into the ground according to a predetermined set of positions. A set of high voltage currents is injected into the ground through the set of probes and measurements are taken. A three-dimensional resistivity model is generated from the measurements and is compared to a set of moisture requirements. A set of sprinkler commands is generated based on the three-dimensional resistivity model and the set of moisture requirements. If the three-dimensional resistivity model meets the set of moisture requirements, the set of sprinklers are activated in each of a set of sprinkler zones according the three-dimensional resistivity model where watering is needed.