DropSaver

Abstract

A device constituting a system called "DropSaver." The invention relates to a device for the intelligent irrigation of sports fields and other green spaces, optimizing water consumption and distributing water evenly. It consists of a drone (1) that analyzes soil moisture levels and one or more sprinkler robots (2) connected to their designated base (3). An initial configuration to define the perimeter is necessary before the system is put into operation. This configuration only takes place once, during the installation of the device. Once a usage routine is predefined, the drone (1) is automatically activated to scan, study, and analyze the terrain's topography and soil moisture levels. A signal is then transmitted to the various sprinkler robots (2) indicating the map and the distinct zones that will be irrigated according to the moisture data provided by the drone (1).The sprinkler robots (2) then move to the areas identified as "watering targets" and water the ground until the appropriate moisture level is reached. Once the areas have been sufficiently watered, the sprinkler robots (2) automatically return to their designated base (3) to go back into standby mode and refill their water tank (21) while awaiting the next watering cycle and instructions provided by the drone (1). The device according to the invention targets the field of "smart watering," and more specifically sports fields, golf courses, luxury resorts and hotels, private and public estates, municipal green spaces, parks, but also agriculture and many other sectors. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1].

Description

Title of the invention: DropSaver

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intelligent watering of sports fields and other green spaces. Technical problem

[0002] The technical problem posed is that of optimizing the irrigation of sports fields and other green spaces of large to very large areas (e.g., golf courses, parks, gardens, etc.). These are generally irrigated with sprinklers controlled by solenoid valves operated by timers. The only regulation is the presence of humidity sensors, generally in small numbers, and sensors that shut off the irrigation in case of rain.

[0003] The irrigation optimization enabled by the DropSaver system results in a significant reduction in water consumption (between 30% and 50%) as well as a balanced distribution across the area covered by this new intelligent system, based on water needs. Dry areas are thus targeted while overwatering and flooding are avoided. The proposed invention therefore addresses the problem of optimal water use for irrigation, a problem that has become complex and controversial with the emergence of disruptions linked to global warming. Summary of the invention

[0004] The proposed solution is based on the use of self-propelled, battery-powered machines that analyze the water requirements of the area to be irrigated beforehand and then cover those needs based on this detailed analysis. The system consists of a drone and one or more irrigation robots. For large areas, several irrigation robots are required: each is connected to a base station that allows it to enter standby mode and refill its water tank. An initial mapping configuration is necessary to establish the perimeter of the area of ​​use. This configuration only takes place once at the beginning of the system deployment, and a routine is then established at regular intervals for activating the drone, followed by the irrigation robot. Irrigation can therefore be carried out several times a day, if necessary, and is optimized since it is targeted only at identified areas. Brief description of the drawings

[0005] The attached drawings illustrate the invention:

[0006] [Fig-1] represents an overview of the system of the invention

[0007] [Fig.2] represents an exploded view of the drone

[0008] [Fig.3] represents the constituent elements of a sprinkler robot

[0009] [Fig.4] represents a base of a sprinkler robot Description of the invention

[0010] With reference to these drawings, the device comprises three main elements: a drone (1), one or more sprinkler robots (2) and a base (3) for each sprinkler robot (2).

[0011] Description of the different steps for the deployment and use of the system: • A configuration is first launched to define the area of ​​use of the sprinkler robot (2) (perimeter defined). Once the configuration is complete, the drone (1) and the sprinkler robot (2) can be activated using a predefined regular routine. • The drone (1) begins by flying over the area to scan, study and analyze the terrain's topography and soil moisture levels. This study makes it possible to identify and map dry areas requiring more watering, or conversely, to reduce or even eliminate it in overly wet areas. • A signal is then sent to the different sprinkler robots (2) indicating the mapping and the areas which must be watered according to the hygrometric data provided by the drone (1). • The sprinkler robots (2) then move to the identified areas and water the ground until the appropriate moisture level is reached. • Once the areas have been sufficiently watered, the sprinkler robots (2) automatically return to their assigned base (3).

[0012] Characteristics and composition of the drone (1): • The drone (1) is also linked to a local technical base (4): to monitor the health of the drone (1) (fragility of the machine), to recharge its batteries (8), to synchronize and store field information via a relay to the central station (mapping, hygrometric statistics, etc.). • For safety and legal reasons, drone flight (1) will be strictly limited to times when no individual is present in the area to be treated. • The drone (1) is composed of: • From a chassis (5) • A minimum of four engines and their propellers (6) • Controllers: variation of motor rotation speed (7) • From a battery (8) • A radio control (9): in case of manual use • From a flight controller (10): electronic board • One or more cameras (11) • Sensors (12): temperature, humidity, etc. • From an on-board computer (13): study and analysis of the terrain, data storage and mapping of dry areas • A minimum of one antenna (14): communication with the sprinkler robots (2) and with a data storage, analysis and reporting unit (dedicated application)

[0013] Characteristics and composition of the sprinkler robot (2): • The watering robot (2) is an autonomous machine connected to a base (3), communicating with the drone (1) and whose mission is to move towards dry areas to water them. • The robotic sprinkler (2) consists of: • A structure (15) (“frame”) made from “clean” and recyclable materials (ideally) • One or more batteries (16) arranged in banks to facilitate charging • At least four large wheels (17"), or even more, allowing for good weight distribution to ensure the terrain's flexibility is maintained • From an on-board computer, motherboard and / or processor (18) • A motorization system (19) (inspired by robots and vehicles) (electrical) • A water reservoir (20) that can be directly incorporated into the structure • Pipes (21) allowing the movement of water • A water diffusion system (22) • From a water connector (23) to the terminal: type "in-flight refueling pole" (female connector) • Cameras and / or sensors (24) • Antennas (25): communication with the drone (1) • From a chassis (26)

[0014] Characteristics of the bases (3) of the sprinkler robots (2): • The bases (3) of the sprinkler robots (2) allow them to go into standby (standby) and recharge their reservoir (20) with water, as well as their batteries (16) until the watering cycle is activated. • The bases are positioned on the ground based on a site plan and are reserved exclusively for robotic sprinklers (2). • Water refills are carried out using the piping systems (27) already installed on the existing grounds. • These existing pipes are connected to an opening (28) (filling system) consisting of a terminal of the "in-flight refueling pole" type (male plug). • On new projects, new piping (27) will need to be installed for the deployment of the “DropSaver” system. However, on golf courses, sports fields and all other existing green spaces, it will be possible to use the piping already installed. • An alternative solution allowing for water replenishment would be the installation of above-ground or underground storage tanks / reservoirs, if the terrain configuration does not allow for the installation of a piping system or for economic reasons. • The bases (3) of the sprinkler robots (2) also include one or more solar generators (29) to transform solar energy into electricity. • These solar generators (29) are fixed at a height and are connected to a current conversion system (30) (inverter and transformer) which is itself connected to a terminal (31) on the ground serving as an induction charger for the sprinkler robots (2). • By naturally placing itself on the induction terminal (31), the robotic sprinkler (2) recharges its batteries (16) with electricity and its reservoir (20) with water thanks to the mouthpiece (28) and the connection between the two plugs (male and female). Scope of application

[0015] • Golf Courses • Luxury Resorts / Hotels • Private properties and private gardens • Public domains: castles, gardens, etc. • Communal green spaces • Sports fields • Parks • Agriculture • Other sectors

Claims

Claims

1. Device constituting a system called “DropSaver” allowing intelligent watering of sports fields and other green spaces by optimizing water consumption and distributing the water in a balanced manner in that it comprises a drone (1) analyzing the soil moisture level and one or more watering robots (2) connected to their assigned bases (3).

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the drone (1) constitutes an integral element of the total system forming the invention, the drone itself being composed of the following elements allowing its proper functioning autonomously: a technical room type base (4), a chassis (5), four motors and their propellers (6), controllers (7) linked to the rotation speed of the motors, a battery (8), a radio control (9), a flight controller (10), one or more cameras (11), sensors (12), an on-board computer (13) and one or more antennas (14).

3. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the drone (1) is an element of the system acting autonomously and communicating hygrometric information with all the watering robots (2) present on the land to be watered.

4. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the drone (1) depends entirely on its technical room type base (4) to ensure the health of the drone (1) and monitor its condition, to recharge its batteries (8), as well as to synchronize and memorize the information from the terrain via a relay to the central unit (mapping, hygrometric statistics, etc.).

5. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the watering robot (2) constitutes an integral element of the total system forming the invention, the watering robot (2) itself being composed of the following elements allowing its proper functioning autonomously: a structure (15) composed of environmentally friendly materials, batteries (16), minimum four large wheels (17), an on-board computer / motherboard / processor (18), a motorization system (19), a water tank (20), pipes (21) allowing the movement of the water, a water diffusion system (22), a water connector (23) to the terminal, cameras and / or sensors (24), an antenna (25) and a chassis (26).

6. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the watering robots (2) are elements of the system acting autonomously and receiving the hygrometric information transmitted by the drone (1) following a first in-flight analysis of the terrain carried out by this same drone (1).

7. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the watering robot (2) depends entirely on its base (3) to go into standby mode in order to wait for instructions from the drone (1), recharge its water tank (21) and recharge its batteries (16) with electricity.

8. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the bases (3) of the watering robots (2) constitute integral elements of the total system forming the invention, the bases (3) of the watering robots (2) themselves being composed of the following elements allowing its proper autonomous operation: a piping system (27), a mouth (28) in the form of a refueling pole type terminal, one or more solar generators (29), a current conversion system (30) (inverter and transformer) and a terminal (31) on the ground serving as an induction charger for the watering robots (2).

9. Device according to claim 8 characterized in that the bases of the watering robots (3) are elements of the system acting autonomously and having no link with the drone (1) but being assigned and connected to a single watering robot (2).

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