Soil Probe with Integrated Sensors for Consistent Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling methods lack consistency and effective record-keeping, failing to enhance sample quality and associated data management in agricultural fields.
Innovation Solution
A soil testing system comprising a soil probe with a hollow tip for collecting samples, combined with a computer system for determining soil sample quality criteria and associating them with the samples, thereby improving sample consistency and record-keeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual soil core collection is used, then sample collection is simple, but sample consistency and record-keeping are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the soil sampling device with integrated sensors (depth sensors, load cells, moisture sensors) and a control system into a single unified apparatus. This merging of sampling and measurement functions ensures that each soil core is collected with precisely recorded metadata, thereby improving sample consistency without requiring separate manual recording processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor sampling depth, applied force, and soil moisture during core collection. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and maintain consistent sampling parameters across multiple samples, ensuring uniformity in sample quality while the control system automatically logs all parameters for record-keeping.
2Loss of information
If existing soil core collection methods are used, then equipment is simple, but record-keeping and data association are ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system automatically performs data collection, logging, and association functions without requiring manual intervention. Sensors self-record depth, force, and moisture parameters, while the control system automatically timestamps and links all data to the corresponding soil core sample. This self-service capability eliminates information loss by ensuring complete automatic documentation of each sampling event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures sensors and data structures before sampling begins, establishing the framework for automatic data association. Sampling parameters and data logging protocols are predetermined and built into the system, ensuring that all relevant information is captured and properly associated with each sample from the moment collection begins, preventing any loss of critical data.
3Measurement precision
If manual sampling without measurement is used, then operation is fast, but sample quality determination is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment of soil quality with automated electronic sensors that precisely measure depth, applied load, and soil moisture. These electronic measurement systems provide objective, quantifiable data about sample quality criteria, eliminating the subjectivity and imprecision of manual evaluation while maintaining rapid sampling throughput through automated data capture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for soil testing. In some embodiments, a soil sample quality criterion is determined and associated with the soil sample. In some embodiments a soil characteristic measurement is additionally taken and associated with the soil sample. In some embodiments, the soil sample and its associated data are associated with a container in which the soil sample is placed.