Soil Sampler Assembly with Conveyor and Hydraulic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil sampling methods for agricultural fields are inefficient in collecting and processing soil samples across varying terrain and depths, lacking a comprehensive solution for directed fertilizer application based on nutrient status analysis.
Innovation Solution
A soil sampler assembly comprising a utility vehicle with a soil sampler module, including a conveyor system and sampler arm assembly, which enables efficient collection and transportation of soil samples from different depths and regions, utilizing a probe with taper bores for core collection and a telescoping deep drill for variable sampling depths, integrated with a hydraulic system for operation and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual soil sampling methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but sampling efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple soil sampling functions (collection, conveyance, and deposition) into a single integrated assembly that attaches to a utility vehicle. The sampler assembly includes a sampler arm with probe for collection, a conveyor system for transport, and a deposition mechanism for placement in a container, all operating as one coordinated unit to improve productivity while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampler assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the probe collects soil samples at various depths, the conveyor system transports samples laterally and vertically, and the deposition mechanism places samples in a container accessible from the vehicle cab. This multi-functional design enables a single device to replace multiple separate tools, improving sampling efficiency across different field conditions.
2Measurement precision
If sampling at multiple depths is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampler arm assembly incorporates a power cylinder that enables dynamic adjustment of the probe depth, allowing the system to sample at multiple predetermined depths within a single location. The arm can be positioned at different angles and depths, providing precise sampling at varying soil layers without requiring multiple fixed-depth devices, thus managing complexity through controlled mobility.
3Ease of operation
If conveyor system is added for sample transport, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the soil sample collection point and the deposition point in the vehicle cab. It includes a lateral conveyor for horizontal transport and a central conveyor for vertical elevation, automatically transferring samples without requiring manual handling. This intermediary system improves ease of operation by automating the transport process while containing complexity within a dedicated subsystem.
4Productivity
If automated sampler assembly is used, then productivity improves, but ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sampler assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: the sampler arm assembly with probe, the conveyor system with lateral and central conveyors, the deposition mechanism, and the power system with cylinders. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently accessed, inspected, and repaired, improving ease of maintenance while maintaining the productivity benefits of the automated integrated 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
Enables efficient, one-switch operation for complete sampling cycles, meeting national and regulatory standards, with the ability to collect samples at multiple depths and intervals, facilitating precise fertilizer application based on nutrient analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab
Data Source
AI summary
A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore.