Soil Sample Tube Filling With RFID GPS Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling processes lack efficient methods for packaging and tracking agricultural samples, which are crucial for chemical analysis, as they often fail to maintain sample integrity and associate collection locations with analysis results.
Innovation Solution
An automated programmable processor-controlled agricultural sample packaging system that grinds bulk samples, compacts them into cylindrical containers, and associates each sample with GPS coordinates using an RFID system for tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulk soil samples are collected and transported for chemical analysis, then sample collection is achieved, but sample integrity may be compromised and location tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system divides the bulk soil sample into individual portions, each placed in separate containers. This segmentation maintains sample integrity by preventing contamination between samples while allowing individual tracking of each container's location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where GPS tracking devices are embedded within the packaging containers, which in turn hold the soil samples. This nested arrangement ensures location tracking remains integrated with the sample throughout the supply chain without adding external complexity.
2Productivity
If automated packaging systems are implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs sample portioning, container sealing, GPS tracking integration, and data association. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single automated system, improving processing efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-packaging samples with integrated tracking devices at the collection site before transport. This preliminary packaging and tracking integration automates the process early in the supply chain, reducing later handling complexity and improving overall efficiency.
3Reliability
If samples are packaged for transport, then sample protection is achieved, but location tracking association with analysis results is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system incorporates feedback mechanisms where GPS tracking data is continuously monitored and associated with the sample container identity. This feedback loop ensures location information remains accurately linked to the specific sample throughout transport and storage, preventing data loss and enabling precise correlation with analysis results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of location data and sample metadata that are stored and transmitted alongside the physical sample. This digital copying ensures location tracking information is preserved and can be associated with analysis results even when the physical sample moves through different locations in the supply chain.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated programmable processor-controlled system and related methods for packaging an agricultural sample such as soil for testing for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The packaging system includes a sample packaging apparatus processes raw bulk sample material collected in the agricultural field to be expediently and conveniently containerized for processing and analysis. The apparatus may include a grinder, compactor, container magazine, and rotatable carousel which carries a sample container between various processing stations. Bulk sample material is reduced in particle size by the grinder which is then transferred to the compactor. An actuated plunger fills and compacts the sample material into the sample container. A decapper automatically both removes and replaces the container cap before and after filling respectfully. An RFID device reads the container ID tag and writes the GPS sample collection location to the tag. The system is controlled by one or more programmable processors.