Soil Penetrometer with Vis-NIR Reflectance Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Vis-NIR-based instruments for in situ soil characterization face challenges in obtaining high resolution spatial and temporal soil data for precision agriculture, soil survey, and land resource management, as they lack the capability to collect data at higher vertical resolutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a soil penetrometer equipped with a sensor array, including Vis-NIR reflectance sensors, load cells, and moisture sensors, which measures soil reflectance in the direction of insertion, allowing for higher vertical resolution data collection and interpretation of soil constituents and contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional penetrometers are used for in situ soil characterization, then the device structure is simple, but the vertical resolution of soil data is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple sensing capabilities (Vis-NIR reflectance sensors, load cells, displacement sensors, moisture sensors) within the penetrometer housing, creating a nested multi-functional instrument that achieves high vertical resolution without proportionally increasing external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrometer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - mechanical penetration resistance measurement, reflectance spectroscopy, displacement tracking, and moisture sensing - all within a single integrated device that pushes into the soil profile
2Measurement precision
If Vis-NIR sensors are added to the penetrometer to improve soil constituent interpretation, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Vis-NIR reflectance sensing capability with the mechanical penetrometer structure, merging optical measurement functions with mechanical penetration functions into a single integrated instrument that collects both types of data simultaneously during soil insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffusing element positioned between the light source and the soil sample to create uniform illumination, and uses a transparent window (sapphire or quartz) as an intermediary that allows light transmission while protecting the internal optical components
3Manufacturing precision
If the penetrometer measures reflectance in the direction of insertion, then the vertical resolution is improved, but the optical path design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the detectable end of the optical fiber at an angle (40-55 degrees) relative to the plane parallel to the transparent window, using angular orientation in a different dimension to optimize the collection of reflected light while maintaining a compact optical path within the penetrometer housing
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 soil penetrometer enhances the ability to collect high-resolution reflectance data, improving soil constituent interpretation and quantification, and is applicable in fields like natural resource management, hydrologic modeling, and precision agriculture.
Implementation Method 1
Visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIR) is widely used as a rapid and cost-effective technique for quantitative analysis of many soil properties
Implementation Method 2
The optical module can include a mirror, a light-emitting device, and/or a fiber optic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Soil penetrometers capable of measuring soil reflectance along the direction of insertion of the penetrometer are provided. The penetrometer can house an array of sensors, such as, for example, a Vis-NIR reflectance sensor, a load cell, a displacement sensor, and a moisture sensor. The reflectance data collected using the penetrometer can allow the interpretation and quantification of soil constituents and contaminants at high vertical resolution, such as 3 cm or more.