Telescopic Rod Measuring Structure for Multi-Directional Tree Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree radial growth and sap flow monitoring instruments face issues such as preload-induced inaccuracies, directional discrepancies, and insufficient consideration of radial depth and orientation variations, leading to errors in transpiration estimation.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising a first and second measuring rod group, capacitive grating sensors, and magnetic rotary encoders, which form a circumferential structure that extends and retracts to measure tree radial growth and sap flow rates at multiple directions and depths without preload, using capacitive grating sensors and magnetic rotary encoders to determine angles and lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact measurement with mechanical structures (springs) is used, then measurement function is achieved, but preload is generated affecting tree growth and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact measurement system (springs, probes) with an optical measurement system. Laser rangefinders and ultrasonic sensors measure tree diameter changes remotely without physical contact, eliminating preload while maintaining measurement accuracy. The optical field substitutes the mechanical field for the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam, ultrasonic wave) between the measurement device and the tree. This intermediary carries measurement information without requiring direct mechanical contact, thus eliminating the harmful preload effect while enabling accurate distance and diameter measurements.
2Device complexity
If point type monitors measuring single direction are used, then device complexity is reduced, but directional difference in radial growth cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent measurement units arranged around the tree trunk. Each unit measures radial growth in a specific direction using optical or ultrasonic sensors. This segmentation allows capture of directional growth differences while keeping each individual sensor unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction (1D) measurement to multi-directional (3D) measurement by arranging sensors around the tree circumference. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive capture of radial growth patterns in different orientations without significantly increasing the complexity of individual sensor components.
3Ease of operation
If belt type monitors providing overall average value are used, then measurement of average radial growth is achieved, but directional differences in DBH cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circumferential measurement into multiple discrete measurement points around the tree trunk. Each point provides directional data, and the system collectively provides both overall average growth (like belt monitors) and directional differences (unlike belt monitors). This segmentation enables dual functionality without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a measurement system that simultaneously provides both overall average radial growth measurement and directional DBH measurement. The same multi-point optical/ultrasonic sensor system serves dual purposes: calculating mean growth across all points and identifying directional variations, achieving universality in measurement capability.
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 device provides accurate, multi-scale, and preload-free monitoring of tree radial growth and sap flow rates, enhancing precision and reliability by capturing radial changes and sap flow variations across different orientations and depths.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive grating sensors are arranged on the first telescopic rod and the second telescopic rod
Implementation Method 2
magnetic rotary encoders are arranged at one end of the first measuring rod and one end of each second measuring rod
Implementation Method 3
a probe sampling module, configured to acquire instantaneous voltage differences at different radial depths
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a measuring device for a single grass tree. In the present disclosure, the first measuring rod, the second measuring rod group and the third measuring rod which are connected in sequence can be arranged in the circumferential direction of a trunk of a single grass tree in a surrounding mode to form a measuring structure that can automatically extend and retract as the increase of the circumference of the trunk; the main control modules acquire an included angle between the two connected measuring rods corresponding to the magnetic rotary encoders based on the output of magnetic rotary encoders on the corresponding measuring rod. According to the present disclosure, the measurement of the radial growth of trees in multiple directions and the measurement of the tree sap flow rates of different radial depths in multiple directions are completed.