Plant Stem Strength Assessment via Hinged Flexural Rigidity Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the bending strength of plant stems are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often induce premature failure, making it difficult to distinguish between genetic and environmental effects on stem strength, and they do not accurately replicate natural breakage patterns.

Innovation Solution

A testing apparatus and method that uses a hinged arm with a force gauge and rotary encoder to measure the flexural rigidity of plant stems by applying controlled force and displacement, allowing for non-destructive assessment of stem strength and correlating it with bending stiffness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current mechanical tests (crush tests, rind penetrometers, three-point bending) are used to measure stalk strength, then some measure of strength can be obtained, but the methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestalk strength measurementVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical testing systems (crush tests, rind penetrometers, three-point bending apparatus) with a simple handheld device that uses a spring-loaded mechanism to apply force to the stalk. This substitution of complex mechanical systems with a simpler spring-based system dramatically reduces the time and labor required for testing while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simple, inexpensive spring-loaded mechanism that can be easily manufactured and deployed in the field. The device requires no complex infrastructure, making it accessible for widespread use in agricultural settings, thereby improving productivity through ease of deployment and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If current mechanical tests are used to measure stalk strength, then strength data can be collected, but the tests induce premature failure and do not replicate natural breakage patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestalk strength measurementVSAvoidaccuracy of strength assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the testing parameter from static strength measurements (crush strength, penetration force) to dynamic bending strength measurement. By applying a controlled bending force and measuring the stalk's response, the test replicates natural breakage patterns more accurately while avoiding premature failure. The spring-loaded mechanism allows for controlled, gradual application of force that mirrors natural environmental stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying force directly to break the stalk (as in crush tests or penetration tests), the invention applies force to bend the stalk and measures the resistance to bending. This inverted approach—measuring strength through bending resistance rather than direct breakage—preserves the stalk's structural integrity while providing accurate strength data that reflects natural failure modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If environmental factors (water availability, temperature, soil composition) are considered, then a more complete picture of plant strength can be obtained, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between genetic and environmental effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of strength assessmentVSAvoidgenetic effect differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld device is designed to be operated independently by field personnel without requiring complex laboratory infrastructure or specialized equipment. The simplicity of the spring-loaded mechanism allows for rapid deployment in various environmental conditions, enabling consistent measurements across different locations and times while maintaining the ability to distinguish genetic effects through controlled testing protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method provides a reliable, quantitative measurement of stem strength, enabling selective breeding for increased strength and reduced lodging propensity, and is more efficient than existing techniques, with results showing a strong correlation between flexural rigidity and stem strength.

Implementation Method 1

a force gauge associated with the contact element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Implementation Method 2

a rotary encoder associated with the hinge and configured to detect angular displacement of the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular displacement detection:

Implementation Method 3

angularly displacing the support and engaging the stem with the contact element to apply force to the stem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10337951B2Apparatus and method for assessing plant stem strength

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 NEW YORK UNIV

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for determining flexural rigidity of a plant. The apparatus includes a base and support hingedly coupled thereto. A contact element on the support engages the stem of plant. Force and angular displacement data are collected. Flexural rigidity of the plant stem is determined.