In Situ Soil Sensor Device for Simultaneous Multi-Parameter Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil analysis methods are limited in their ability to perform in situ analysis of agricultural or horticultural soils, as they cannot measure essential parameters like potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, available phosphorus, humus, and total carbon content without taking samples to a laboratory, and existing in situ methods lack reliability and legal documentation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device capable of simultaneous in situ measurement of impedance spectrum, temperature, absorption spectrum, and pH value, with sensors concentrated in a small area to ensure homogeneity and accuracy, allowing for data fusion to enhance measurement quality and provide immediate results without sample extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based analysis methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laboratory-based analysis system with an in-situ sensor device that uses electromagnetic fields (capacitive, inductive, resistive, dielectric, magnetic, optical, and nuclear sensors) to measure soil properties directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need for physical sample transport and laboratory processing while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data processing unit as an intermediary that receives raw sensor signals, processes them through calibration algorithms and reference data, and generates accurate soil property measurements, enabling the sensor device to achieve laboratory-grade precision without the time delays of traditional methods
2Loss of time
If in situ analysis methods are used, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited analysis range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional sensor device that can simultaneously perform multiple types of soil analyses (capacitive, inductive, resistive, dielectric, magnetic, optical, and nuclear measurements) to determine diverse soil properties including water content, nutrient concentrations, organic matter, and physical characteristics, thereby achieving comprehensive analysis capability in-situ that matches or exceeds laboratory methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sensing system that combines multiple sensor types and measurement techniques (electromagnetic, optical, thermal, mechanical) within a single integrated device, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple soil properties with high precision without requiring separate laboratory analyses
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are placed close together, then measurement homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple sensors in a nested or integrated configuration where sensors are positioned in close proximity within a unified housing structure, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple soil properties at the same location to ensure homogeneity while maintaining a compact and manageable device form factor
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 comprehensive and accurate in situ soil analysis, reducing time delays and improving measurement reliability, allowing for immediate on-site results and legal documentation of soil properties.
Implementation Method 1
the impedance sensor (3) is configured to measure an impedance spectrum of a portion of the soil to be measured as a function of a frequency of an alternating measuring voltage which is applied to the portion of the soil
Implementation Method 2
the absorption spectrometer (5) is configured to measure an absorption spectrum of the soil in a spectral range which extends from the UV spectral range via the VIS spectral range to the NIR spectral range
Implementation Method 3
the potential sensor (4) is configured to measure a pH value of the soil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of soil analysis, in particular the technical analysis of agricultural or horticultural soils. In particular, the invention relates to a sensor device for in situ soil analysis, to a method for in situ soil analysis, and to a device set up for carrying out the soil analysis method, wherein said device, together and in interaction with one or more of said sensor devices, represents a system for in situ soil analysis. The sensor device has a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors which are configured individually or cumulatively for the simultaneous in situ measurement of at least two of the following soil properties of a soil to be analyzed and for providing corresponding respective measurement data: (a) impedance spectrum, (b) temperature, (c) absorption spectrum NIR-VIS-UV in a spectral range from NIR (near infrared spectral range) to UV (ultraviolet spectral range), and (d) acidic or basic character, in particular pH value. In this case, the distance between in each case two of the sensors of the sensor assembly, which is defined with respect to the respective measurement variable sensors, does not exceed a value of 10 cm.