Water-Sensitive Plant Probe for Non-Destructive Content Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring plant water content are destructive and cannot be performed non-destructively, making it difficult to accurately assess water content in plants without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A plant water content sensor comprising a water content probe with a readout electrode pair and a water sensitive film, an electrical conductivity probe, and optionally a temperature probe, which measure impedance and electrical conductivity to determine water content non-destructively, using polyimide films and hydrophilic treatments for accurate and long-term measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a destructive method is used to measure plant water content, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the plant is damaged and cannot be used for continued measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical destructive method (grinding and heat-drying) with an electrical measurement system. The sensor uses electrical conductivity electrodes and impedance measurement to detect water content non-destructively, substituting physical destruction with electrical field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water-sensitive film as an intermediary between the measurement system and the plant. This film absorbs water from the plant tissue and allows electrical conductivity measurement, enabling indirect non-destructive measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electrical conductivity measurement is used to determine water content, then measurement capability is improved, but electrical conductivity variations can cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures electrical conductivity as a feedback parameter to compensate for variations in water composition. By monitoring conductivity changes and using this information to adjust or correct water content calculations, the system maintains measurement accuracy despite variations in ionic content or water quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct water content measurement to electrical conductivity measurement, which can be indirectly related to water content. This parameter transformation enables non-destructive measurement while using conductivity variations as compensating information rather than sources of error.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a water sensitive film is used for non-destructive measurement, then plant integrity is maintained, but long-term stability and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a water-sensitive film with controlled porosity that allows water molecules to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. The porous structure enables continuous water exchange between the plant and film, ensuring long-term measurement stability without damaging the plant tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the water-sensitive film with supporting electrodes and protective layers. This composite design enhances the mechanical strength and chemical stability of the sensor, ensuring reliable long-term operation while maintaining non-destructive 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
Enables non-destructive measurement of plant water content, allowing for precise assessment of water dynamics and vascular sap flow, facilitating optimal irrigation and improving crop productivity and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a water sensitive film (23) bridged across the pair of electrodes (22, 22)
Implementation Method 2
measuring impedance between the pair of electrodes (22, 22) constituting the readout electrode pair (21)
Implementation Method 3
the electrical conductivity probe (30) includes an electrical conductivity electrode pair (31) made of a pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a plant water content sensor and a plant water content measuring method configured to measure a water content of a plant in a non-destructive manner. A plant water content sensor includes a water content probe, which includes a readout electrode pair made of a pair of electrodes disposed at a predetermined interval thereof, a water sensitive film, which is bridged across the pair of electrodes, and a supporting portion, which supports the water content probe. A water content of the plant is measurable by sticking the water content probe into the plant and reading out impedance or an electrostatic capacity from the readout electrode pair.