Handheld Spectrometer Optical Seal for Non-Destructive Corn Moisture Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring moisture in corn are invasive, destructive, or inefficient, requiring sampling and benchtop instruments, which hinder timely and non-destructive moisture content assessment for optimal harvesting and pricing.
Innovation Solution
A handheld spectrometer with a corn interface forms an optical seal around an ear of corn to measure moisture using near-infrared spectroscopy, allowing for non-destructive, in-field moisture analysis without removing the corn from the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional benchtop instruments are used to measure moisture content, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the measurement process and time consumption increase due to sampling and laboratory analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/benchtop moisture measurement instruments with a handheld spectrometer that uses near-infrared spectroscopy. This optical method allows for rapid, non-destructive moisture content measurement directly in the field without sampling or laboratory processing, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating time losses associated with conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical seal (gasket) as an intermediary component that enables the handheld spectrometer to form a sealed interface with the corn ear. This seal acts as a mediator between the measurement device and the crop, allowing accurate spectral analysis while maintaining field conditions and preventing contamination or moisture loss during measurement
2Measurement precision
If conventional sampling methods are used, then moisture content can be determined, but the crop is damaged or removed from the plant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical sampling methods (shelling and removing kernels) with a non-destructive optical measurement system. The handheld spectrometer uses near-infrared light to measure moisture content through the corn kernel without physical contact or damage to the crop, allowing the ear to remain on the plant
Solution Approach 2:
The optical seal serves as an intermediary that enables the spectrometer to measure moisture content without direct contact or damage to the corn. The seal creates an optical interface that allows spectral analysis while protecting the integrity of the corn ear and kernels
3Ease of operation
If handheld spectrometer is used for field measurement, then measurement speed and ease of operation are improved, but measurement accuracy may be compromised due to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical seal (gasket) as an intermediary component that creates a controlled optical environment between the handheld spectrometer and the corn ear. This seal blocks ambient light from entering the measurement path while allowing the spectrometer to function in field conditions, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The optical seal is implemented as a flexible gasket that can conform to the irregular surface of the corn ear. This flexible seal creates an airtight and optically sealed interface that prevents ambient light contamination while maintaining ease of field operation
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 solution provides accurate and efficient moisture measurement, comparable to conventional methods, enabling farmers to determine optimal harvesting times and maximize corn prices by assessing moisture content directly on the plant without damaging the crop.
Implementation Method 1
measure moisture using near-infrared spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
form an optical seal around the at least one opening between the ear of corn and the corn interface to inhibit ambient light from passing between the corn interface and the ear of corn into the at least one opening
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method of measuring moisture in corn, an ear of corn is operatively coupled to a moisture meter and an amount of moisture is determined while the ear of corn is being grown on a corn plant. The moisture meter can use a spectrometry to determine the amount of moisture in the corn. A moisture meter includes a corn interface configured to conformingly engage the ear of corn when pressed against the ear of corn to form an optical seal about an opening through which the spectrometer determines the amount of moisture in the corn to inhibit ambient light from passing between the corn interface and the ear of corn into the at least one opening.