Ventilated Animal Ring Assembly for Continuous Methane Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for methane detection and capture in livestock are not suitable for large-scale, long-term, continuous, and real-time data collection, especially in in-field grazing conditions, and existing solutions like respiratory chambers, methane sensors at feed bunks, or sniffers on head harnesses do not provide accurate and continuous methane measurement.
Innovation Solution
A ring assembly with a methane sensor positioned near the animal's nose, coupled with a control circuit and microcontroller to collect and transmit methane data continuously, allowing for real-time monitoring and data transmission via a data service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If respiratory chambers, methane sensors at feed bunks, or sniffers on head harnesses are used for methane detection, then methane measurement capability is provided, but continuous real-time data collection in in-field grazing conditions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the methane detection function into multiple independent components: a nose ring for positioning, a breathable membrane for gas transfer, and a methane sensor for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving continuous measurement capability in field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A breathable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the animal's respiratory system and the methane sensor. This membrane allows methane gas to pass through while protecting the sensor from direct contact with the animal's mucous and debris, enabling continuous operation in field conditions.
2Measurement precision
If existing methane detection solutions are used, then methane measurement is possible, but large-scale implementation is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The nose ring assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the methane sensor near the animal's nostrils, provides a breathable membrane for continuous gas sampling, contains a rechargeable battery for portable operation, and includes a GPS tracker for location data. This multi-functionality enables large-scale deployment across diverse livestock management scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a rechargeable battery that can be recharged via USB connection, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements. The device automatically logs and transmits data without manual intervention, and the breathable membrane self-adjusts to the animal's respiratory patterns, enabling autonomous large-scale operation.
3Ease of operation
If ear tags are used for animal monitoring, then location and status tracking is achieved, but accurate methane measurement is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The methane sensor is positioned locally at the animal's nostrils through the nose ring, where methane concentration is highest. This local positioning dramatically improves measurement accuracy compared to distant ear tags, while the device maintains the simplicity and ease of operation of wearable animal monitors.
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
Enables continuous and accurate methane measurement from individual animals, providing data for methane benchmarking and management improvements, facilitating methane credit issuance and enhancing livestock management through continuous data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a methane sensor positioned at the internal cavity for sensing a methane level in gas entering the internal sensing cavity via the vent area
Data Source
AI summary
A ring assembly has a ring torus shaped body forming an internal sensing cavity with a vent area between the internal cavity and an exterior of the ring torus shaped body. A sensor is positioned at the internal cavity for sensing a level of enteric fermentation methane (or any other substance) emitted by the animal in breath entering the internal sensing cavity via the vent area. An internal circuitry cavity formed by the ring torus shaped body includes a control circuit that is electrically coupled with the methane sensor and further includes a transceiver and a microcontroller programmed to read, at intervals, a methane measurement from the sensor to form methane data and send the methane data via the transceiver to a data service. A ring assembly includes a power source positioned within the internal circuitry cavity for providing power to the control circuit.