Idaho Patent of the Month – October 2025
Farmers, agronomists, and environmental researchers are constantly seeking more accurate ways to measure soil moisture at various depths without disturbing the ground. A new invention by ACCLIMA INC. offers a novel solution: an inflatable sensor array that achieves superior contact with the surrounding medium. This innovation, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12442810, titled ‘Moisture sensor systems and methods of installation’, promises highly precise, multi-depth soil data.
Accurate Depth Sensing Achieved
The system, called a Waveguide on Access Tube (WOAT), simplifies the complex process of installing in-situ sensors. Installation starts with a rigid tube inserted into the soil. An uninflated tube with a vertical array of Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) sensors is housed inside. Once the rigid tube is fully positioned, it is carefully removed.
Inflated for Optimal Contact
The heart of the WOAT system is its inflatable design. The internal tube is then inflated. This expansion forces the attached TDR sensors outward. They press tightly against the interior wall of the borehole. This force-fit contact is crucial for accurate measurements of soil moisture and other ambient conditions. Poor sensor-to-soil contact often yields unreliable data, but the WOAT system minimizes this risk.
Technical Configuration
The system utilizes a vertical stack of TDR elements, possibly up to 20, bonded to the inflatable tube. These sensors are wired to interface electronics in a top cap. They can operate independently or be wired in a daisy-chain configuration. The TDR elements may be semi-circular or arranged in opposing arrays for comprehensive, multi-directional sensing. This patented technology enhances data reliability for crucial applications like smart irrigation and water management.
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