Ultrasonic Soil Moisture Sensor With Solar-Powered Wireless Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil moisture sensors are not accurate, consume high power, and lack the ability to wirelessly transmit data over large distances, making them inefficient for modern irrigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A soil moisture sensor system utilizing a tapered housing with ultrasonic and temperature sensors, a wireless communications module, and a rechargeable power source, including a solar panel for energy, to accurately measure and transmit soil moisture data over long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional soil moisture sensors are used, then they can measure soil moisture levels, but they consume high power and cannot transmit data wirelessly over large distances
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuously, with the processor activating ultrasonic sensors and temperature sensors at intervals to collect soil moisture data, then entering low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system uses environmental solar energy to recharge its lithium-ion battery, making the system self-sustaining. The solar panel automatically charges the battery during daytime, eliminating the need for external power sources or frequent battery replacements, thus reducing operational power concerns.
2Measurement precision
If traditional soil moisture sensors are used, then they can measure soil moisture levels, but they cannot transmit data wirelessly over large distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sensor unit: ultrasonic sensors for moisture measurement, temperature sensors for environmental monitoring, a lithium-ion battery for power storage, a solar panel for energy harvesting, and a wireless transceiver for data communication. This merging creates a self-contained system that achieves long-distance wireless transmission without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If capacitance-type sensors are used for soil moisture measurement, then they are popular and relatively simple, but they lack accuracy and cannot provide comprehensive soil analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system employs a composite sensing approach, combining ultrasonic sensors that measure soil moisture through acoustic wave propagation with temperature sensors that monitor environmental conditions. This composite sensing methodology provides accurate soil moisture measurements while accounting for temperature variations, achieving high precision without excessive complexity.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If wired power sources are used for soil moisture sensors, then they can provide continuous power, but they require installation infrastructure and reduce system mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests energy from the environment using a solar panel that automatically recharges the lithium-ion battery during daytime operation. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for wired power infrastructure, making installation simple and the system mobile while providing continuous operational power.
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 provides accurate soil moisture measurements with minimal power consumption, enabling efficient irrigation management by wirelessly transmitting data to a central controller, enhancing water conservation and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The removable cover may comprise a solar panel for converting sunlight to power
Implementation Method 2
a processor located in the sensor housing, the processor in communication with an upper ultrasonic sensor, a lower ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An in-ground wireless moisture sensor may include one or more ultrasonic sensors in communication with a processor and a wireless communications module. The sensor may be powered by a power source, such as one or more rechargeable batteries as well as a solar panel in the cover of the sensor. Ultrasonic sensors may allow for wireless sensing of in-ground soil moisture levels at a distance farther than traditional sensors and therefore may give more accurate measurements. Methods for use and installation of the in-ground sensor, including a selectively removable cover, are described.