Leaf Thickness Gauge YH-1 by Top Cloud-agri
| Brand | Top Cloud-agri |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | YH-1 |
| Measurement Range | ±6 mm |
| Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Accuracy | ±0.015 mm |
| Contact Probe Diameter | Φ10 mm |
| Display Type | Analog Pointer Dial |
Overview
The Leaf Thickness Gauge YH-1 is a precision mechanical instrument engineered for non-destructive, in-situ measurement of leaf thickness in plant physiological research and agricultural science applications. Designed and manufactured by Top Cloud-agri—a Chinese OEM specializing in agricultural sensing instrumentation—the YH-1 operates on the principle of calibrated mechanical displacement: a spring-loaded, cylindrical contact probe (Φ10 mm) applies consistent, low-force pressure to the leaf surface, translating vertical deflection into an analog pointer reading on a high-contrast dial scale. This method ensures minimal tissue deformation during measurement while delivering repeatable results under field or greenhouse conditions. Unlike optical or ultrasonic alternatives, the YH-1 requires no power source, calibration software, or environmental stabilization—making it suitable for rapid, operator-portable surveys across diverse species and growth stages. Its design aligns with established methodologies for morphometric phenotyping, supporting studies in drought response, stomatal regulation, mesophyll development, and canopy-level water-use efficiency modeling.
Key Features
- Mechanically robust analog gauge with zero-power operation—ideal for extended field deployment without battery dependency or signal drift.
- Φ10 mm flat-tipped stainless steel probe ensures uniform pressure distribution and minimizes localized epidermal damage during repeated sampling.
- High-resolution analog dial calibrated to ±0.01 mm resolution and certified accuracy of ±0.015 mm across the full ±6 mm range.
- Ergonomic handheld housing with anti-slip grip and integrated leveling bubble for consistent perpendicular probe orientation relative to leaf surface.
- No consumables, firmware, or connectivity requirements—reduces total cost of ownership and eliminates data synchronization overhead.
- Compliant with ISO 5725-2:2019 principles for trueness and precision in manual dimensional measurement instruments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YH-1 is validated for use on intact, mature leaves of herbaceous and woody dicot and monocot species—including but not limited to maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and Arabidopsis thaliana. It accommodates leaf lamina thicknesses from 0.1 mm (e.g., young lettuce) to 5.8 mm (e.g., mature rubber tree leaves), provided the leaf margin is sufficiently rigid to resist lateral buckling under probe load. The instrument does not require sample excision or mounting, preserving physiological integrity for longitudinal monitoring. While not certified to GLP or GMP standards per se, its mechanical traceability supports audit-ready manual recording protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.2 for non-automated test equipment used in accredited laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The YH-1 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded electronics, wireless interface, or digital output. All measurements are recorded manually by the operator into lab notebooks, field logs, or spreadsheet templates. To support regulatory-compliant data workflows, users may integrate YH-1 readings into LIMS or ELN platforms via structured manual entry—ensuring adherence to ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity principles. For institutions requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, supplementary procedural controls—including dual-operator verification, controlled logbook issuance, and versioned SOP documentation—are recommended and fully compatible with the instrument’s operational paradigm.
Applications
- Phenotypic screening for drought-tolerant genotypes through diurnal and seasonal leaf thickness dynamics.
- Validation of remote-sensing indices (e.g., NDVI, PRI) against ground-truth structural metrics.
- Calibration of plant water status models using real-time leaf turgor proxy data.
- Teaching laboratory exercises in plant anatomy, ecophysiology, and sensor-based agriculture curricula.
- Supporting closed-loop irrigation control systems where leaf thickness serves as a feedback variable for actuator modulation.
- Long-term ecological monitoring programs tracking morphological plasticity in response to climate variables.
FAQ
Is the YH-1 suitable for measuring very thin leaves, such as moss or fern gametophytes?
Yes—provided the leaf tissue maintains sufficient structural coherence to prevent probe penetration or folding. Users should verify probe contact stability visually before recording.
Does the instrument require periodic recalibration?
No formal recalibration is specified by the manufacturer; however, annual verification against NIST-traceable gauge blocks (e.g., Class AA plug gages) is recommended for laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Can the YH-1 be used on wet or dew-covered leaves?
Surface moisture does not affect mechanical displacement measurement, but excessive water film may cause minor probe slippage—wiping the measurement site with lint-free tissue prior to use is advised.
What maintenance procedures are required?
Routine cleaning of the probe tip and dial face with isopropyl alcohol; inspection of spring tension and pointer zero alignment before each field session.
Is there a digital version of this instrument available?
Top Cloud-agri offers complementary digital leaf thickness sensors (e.g., YH-D series) with USB/Bluetooth output and time-stamped logging—contact technical sales for cross-platform integration guidance.
