Sub-surface Soil Sensor Frequency Sweep Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sub-surface sensor systems are limited in determining sub-surface material type and moisture levels without additional steps or equipment, and they cannot use varied frequencies for measurement, leading to inaccurate results due to soil type influences.
Innovation Solution
A sub-surface sensor system with sensor probes that include oscillators capable of generating a sweeping range of frequencies, allowing for the determination of soil types by comparing measured signals to a lookup table or using machine learning classifiers, and utilizing wireless data transmission to improve data collection and transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed frequency capacitance method is used to measure sub-surface material characteristics, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to soil type influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed frequency measurement system to a variable frequency sweep system. The oscillator is configured to sweep through a range of frequencies (e.g., 100 kHz to 10 MHz) rather than operating at a single fixed frequency, allowing the system to adapt to different soil types and moisture levels dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement simplicity while improving accuracy through frequency variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the measurement frequency across a sweep range instead of using a fixed frequency. By changing the frequency parameter and measuring the resonant peak position and magnitude, the system can identify soil type characteristics and moisture content more accurately. This approach maintains relatively simple measurement procedures while significantly improving measurement precision through parameter variation.
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment and steps are used to determine sub-surface material type, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single sensor system that performs multiple functions: determining both soil type and moisture content simultaneously. The oscillator and detector combination can identify soil characteristics through frequency sweep analysis and measure moisture levels through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the soil material itself as part of the measurement mechanism. The resonant frequency sweep causes the soil to exhibit characteristic responses that automatically reveal its type and moisture content without requiring external reference materials or complex additional equipment. The soil's own electrical properties are exploited for identification.
3Device complexity
If a fixed frequency oscillator is used, then the circuit design is simple, but the adaptability to different soil types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a frequency sweep capability in the oscillator circuit. Instead of a fixed frequency, the oscillator dynamically varies its frequency across a specified range, allowing the system to adapt to different soil types by identifying resonant peaks. This maintains relatively simple circuit design while significantly improving adaptability through dynamic frequency adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action through the frequency sweep process, where the oscillator systematically cycles through different frequencies in a periodic manner. This periodic frequency variation allows the system to probe different soil characteristics and identify the optimal frequency for measurement, enhancing adaptability to various soil types while maintaining straightforward circuit implementation.
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 system effectively measures sub-surface moisture levels and identifies soil types without calibration, reducing equipment damage and labor costs, while improving data transmission range and reducing recurring data transmission costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more oscillators configured to generate a sweeping range of frequencies
Implementation Method 2
measuring one or more signals transmitted through the sub-surface material
Implementation Method 3
the measurements may be influenced by one or more characteristics of a sub-surface material
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor probe for underground soil measurement is provided. The sensor probe includes one or more first sensor circuits, one or more second sensor circuits, a power supply, and a processor. The processor is configured to control at least one of the one or more first sensor circuits or the one or more second sensor circuits. One or more of the first sensor circuits include an oscillator configured to generate a periodic wave, and a transmitter configured to transmit one or more signals. One or more of the second sensor circuits includes an oscillator configured to generate a periodic wave, and a probe element configured to receive the one or more signals via at least one of the transmitter of the one or more first sensor circuits or a transmitter of one or more additional first sensor circuits of an additional sensor probe.