System for automating the preparation of solution and automated method for preparing solution for spraying by drone

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for automating the functions of preparing solution for spraying and to an automated method for the precise, automated preparation of solutions, particularly agricultural inputs such as biofertilisers, pesticides, nutrients and the like, to be sprayed onto agricultural land using drones. The steps of preparing and activating the components are remotely performed and controlled with precision according to the programmed demand.

Description

“Automated spray preparation system and automated spray preparation method for drone spraying”

[0001] The present invention refers to a system for automating spray mixture preparation functions and an automated method for the precise and automated preparation of mixtures, particularly inputs such as biofertilizers, pesticides, nutrients, among others, to be sprayed in an agricultural area by means of a drone. Description of the state of the art

[0002] The application of pesticides, fertilizers and nutrients to crops through spraying is widely used.

[0003] Initially, this spraying was done on the ground, using spraying machines—usually tractors or large vehicles equipped with spray arms. Later, spraying also began to be done aerially, using small aircraft capable of flying over crop fields at relatively low altitudes, spraying the desired inputs.

[0004] Although these spraying techniques are still used today, they have several disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the lack of precision in the delivery of the sprayed material, which leads to material waste and contamination of adjacent areas, especially rivers and urban areas.

[0005] To overcome this problem, drones have been used to apply these inputs by spraying due to the greater precision in the mobility and maneuverability of this equipment, which can fly at low altitudes, releasing the inputs precisely in the determined crop and in delimited locations.

[0006] However, for drone spraying to be viable, it is necessary to provide at least one spray station on or near the crop. replenishment of supplies in drones, so that they have reasonable and productive autonomy.

[0007] In this sense, mobile refueling stations are known from the state of the art, equipped, among other components, with containers for storing inputs or, in some cases, provided with tanks and other components that allow the preparation of these inputs at the site to be applied.

[0008] Document BR112022010440-5, for example, describes a mobile station for spraying using drones or unmanned aerial vehicles. This mobile station consists of a vehicle equipped with several components, such as an electricity generator, a drone transport compartment, and mixing and water storage tanks, among others. The mobile station is configured to travel overland to the area where the spraying will be carried out. The mixture of the input to be applied is prepared and loaded into the drone, which, in flight controlled by an operator present at the station, sprays the area of ​​interest.

[0009] Although this mobile station is equipped with a water storage tank and a mixing tank with a chemical mixer that can be remotely activated to prevent chemical settling. It also aims to prepare the chemicals on-site and recharge the drone multiple times. However, the chemical preparation system described in this document is not automated, and the various steps involved in producing this chemical cannot be remotely activated and controlled. As a result, the operator must operate the chemical dosing equipment, the water, and the chemicals themselves to prepare them in the mixing tank. Therefore, this station's system requires the operator's intervention several times throughout the spraying period of the target area, requiring the presence of safety equipment and emergency equipment in case of any improper contact between the operator and the chemicals.Furthermore, the lack of precision in the preparation of inputs. can lead to material waste and high drone downtime between recharges.

[0010] Document WO2022109757 refers to an auxiliary trailer for spraying inputs in agricultural areas using drones. This trailer is transported to the crop area connected to a mobile station and, upon arrival, allows movement through more difficult sections of the crop, where the mobile station cannot reach due to its size. The document describes that the trailer includes means for storing the input and reloading it into the drone. However, due to its reduced size to reach areas difficult for the station to access, this trailer does not have an input preparation system, only a container for storing the already prepared input. Therefore, the operator is required to prepare the inputs at a station and, subsequently, fill them into the container of this trailer.

[0011] Document BR112014009908-1 describes a chemical compound distribution system for agricultural fields, whose distribution rates are controlled by a smart label attached to the container containing the chemical compound to be applied by a machine. Based on the information contained in this label, the machine automatically adjusts its controls to prevent incorrect application of chemicals to vegetation. More specifically, the machine reads the label data and, using a mixer, prepares the chemical composition specific to that user and according to the data of their agricultural area. The entire weighing of the chemical components and their delivery to the mixer is computer-controlled; however, it is not done remotely, and the mixer is not located in the field to be sprayed and cannot be moved to the field.Therefore, after mixing is complete, the composition is dispensed into containers that are transported to the location of the ground-based spraying machines. While this ensures precision in the manufacture of chemical components, this system does not include the use of drones. for spraying or the possibility of preparing the compositions at the site where they will be applied, if recharging the spraying machine is necessary. Objectives of the invention

[0012] Thus, the present invention aims to provide an automated method for preparing spray mixture for drone spraying, the preparation and activation steps of which are carried out and controlled remotely in a precise manner according to the programmed demand.

[0013] It is also an objective of this invention to provide a system for automating the parameters and equipment for preparing spray mixture by drone. Brief description of the invention

[0014] Therefore, the present invention has as its object an automated method for preparing a spray solution for drone spraying, characterized by comprising the steps of: (i) Determine parameters of liquid inputs and solid inputs for preparing a syrup and a supply routine for at least one drone; (ii) Activate at least one liquid input tank, comprising releasing the liquid input to a mixing line and conveying the liquid input to a mixing tank; (iii) Activating a dilution fluid reservoir, the step comprising transferring dilution fluid to the mixing tank; (iv) Add solid input to the mixing tank from a solid input tank; (v) Form the syrup in the mixing tank; (vi) Release the syrup into a syrup line ready for transfer to a syrup reservoir and subsequent supply of the syrup to at least one drone.

[0015] Another object of this invention consists of a spray mixture preparation automation system, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a database that receives geolocation and planting data of an area to be sprayed and data of the selected inputs; a processor that receives information from the database and determines parameters of liquid inputs, solid inputs and dilution fluid for preparing a spray mixture and determines a supply routine for at least one drone; and a reception unit that receives the supply parameters and routines from the processor and remotely activates a spray mixture preparation set to execute the automated method of preparing spray mixture for drone spraying. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Figure 1 - is a schematic diagram of the equipment involved in the automated method of preparing spray mixture for drone spraying; and

[0017] Figure 2 - is a schematic view of the syrup preparation automation system. Detailed description of the invention

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, and as can be seen in Figure 1, the present invention relates to an automated method for preparing spray mixture for drone spraying, particularly for spraying in agricultural areas. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, the present invention also relates to an automated spray mixture preparation system that, in conjunction with the automated method for preparing spray mixture for drone spraying, allows for precise and optimized spraying in crop areas. with the aim of reducing contact between operators and the general population with agricultural inputs, given that they are chemicals that are harmful to health.

[0019] The automated spraying solution preparation method for drone spraying, as illustrated in Figure 1, uses a solution preparation assembly 400 comprising a dilution fluid reservoir 10 with a capacity of at least 1,000 liters, and at least one, and preferably a plurality, of liquid input tanks 8, whose function is to store the liquid inputs, releasing them in predetermined quantities when activated. Specifically, twenty liquid input tanks 8 are arranged with varying volumes (four 100-liter tanks, four 50-liter tanks, four 30-liter tanks, four 10-liter tanks, and four 4-liter tanks) totaling 776 liters of inputs.

[0020] The mixture preparation set 400 also comprises at least one and preferably six solid input tanks 11 with a capacity of 75 liters or up to 110 kg each, totaling 450 liters or up to 660 kg of solid inputs, and a mixing tank 12 with a capacity of at least 250 liters.

[0021] Mixing tank 12 is where the solid and liquid inputs are mixed and diluted in the desired, predetermined proportions. Mixing tank 12 precisely and homogeneously mixes the liquid inputs, solid inputs, and dilution fluid in predetermined quantities, ensuring their effectiveness and avoiding waste. Mixing tank 12 also stores the finished mixture 102, keeping it agitated to maintain homogeneity and prevent settling.

[0022] The dilution fluid reservoir 10 is connected to the mixing tank via a dilution fluid line 5, while the liquid input tanks 8 are connected to the mixing tank 12 via a line mixing tank 15. The solid inputs fall directly into the mixing tank 12 from the solid input tank 11.

[0023] A pump 16 carries out the flow of liquids through the lines by combining the opening and closing of valves 17, of the two-way valve type, which direct the flows in the desired directions through usual and known pipes and connections establishing the main lines of the set 400, which are: - Supply line 19 - is responsible for collecting the dilution fluid, preferably water, from lakes, rivers, wells, etc., using a suction valve 113 and sending it to the dilution fluid reservoir 10. Optionally, the reservoir 10 can be supplied by an external route, such as a water truck, without the need to use this supply line 19. In this case, the reservoir 10 is supplied by a first inlet 112 arranged in an upper portion of this reservoir 10. - Dilution fluid line 5 - is responsible for conducting the dilution fluid, preferably water, from the dilution fluid reservoir 10 to the mixing tank 12. - Mixing line 15 - responsible for conveying liquid inputs to mixing tank 12. After the mixture 102 is formed, its function is to recirculate the mixture 102 to keep it agitated, maintaining homogenization and preventing settling. This line connects the liquid input tanks 8 to mixing tank 12. - Ready spray line 22 - responsible for transferring the spray mixture 102 to an injector nozzle 130 from which at least one drone is supplied with the spray mixture 102 for spraying. The presence of flow sensors allows control of the flow of the spray mixture 102 while the drone is being supplied. - Cleaning line 25 - is responsible for cleaning all liquid input tanks 8, mixing tank 12, lines and connections. It is a continuation of the dilution fluid line 5 that divides to an independent outlet for external washing of the system, to an auxiliary device 7 of the mixing tank and to the other input tanks.

[0024] Thus, using this spray preparation set 400, the automated method of preparing spray for drone spraying, which is the object of this invention, comprises the steps described below. (i) Determine parameters of liquid inputs and solid inputs

[0025] Data on the area to be sprayed, such as geolocation characteristics, the type of crop and the type of spray to be sprayed (biofertilizer, pesticides, nutrients, etc.) are collected and from these data the parameters of liquid inputs and solid inputs for the preparation of this spray are determined 102, that is, the quantity of each input and in what concentrations they will be used, for example.

[0026] The amount of 102 spray mixture to be produced and the drone's refueling schedule are also determined. This schedule will vary depending on the size of the area to be sprayed, the drone's refueling capacity, and the number of drones used.

[0027] More specifically, this data is collected, stored and processed remotely, through a database 200 (figure 2) that receives the data in advance and sends it to a processor 100 to determine the parameters of quantity of liquid inputs, solid inputs and dilution fluid for the type of mixture 102 desired and the frequency of preparation of this mixture 102, established according to the area to be sprayed.

[0028] Once the parameters and routine have been defined, the dilution fluid reservoir 10 and the liquid input tanks 8 and the solid input tanks 11 of the spray preparation set 400 are filled so that it can be taken to the field, that is, to the area to be sprayed. (ii) Activate at least one liquid input tank

[0029] Once the mixture preparation set 400 is supplied and in the field, at least one liquid input tank 8 is activated and preferably as many liquid input tanks 8 as necessary, to release the liquid input to the mixing line 15 and convey this liquid input to the mixing tank 12.

[0030] The activation of the liquid input tanks 8 is done remotely, that is, by the processor 100, following the parameters established in step (i). Optionally, the activation of the liquid input tanks 8 can be done by a receiving unit 300 that receives the supply parameters and routines from the processor 100 (figure 2). (iii) Operate a dilution fluid reservoir

[0031] Like step (ii), this step comprises actuating the dilution fluid reservoir 10 by remote means and transferring dilution fluid to the mixing tank 12 via the dilution fluid line 5.

[0032] The parameter of quantity of dilution fluid to be transferred to the mixing tank 12 was established and predetermined in step (i) based on the data received and processed. (iv) Add solid input to the mixing tank

[0033] Likewise, depending on the solid input quantity parameters established and predetermined in step (i), the solid input tank 11 is remotely and automatically activated so that the solid input leaves the solid input tank 11 and reaches the mixing tank 12. (v) Form the syrup in the mixing tank

[0034] Following the transfer of liquid inputs, solid inputs and dilution fluid to mixing tank 12, in the precise and necessary quantities, the inputs are mixed and diluted, forming the mixture 102. Mixing tank 12 is also operated in a manner remote and automated, resulting in increased efficiency since the preparation of syrup 102 is done in a programmed manner, maintaining constant operation throughout the day, in addition to reducing the contact of people when handling the inputs, which is only done when filling the tanks. (vi) Release the syrup to a ready syrup line

[0035] Once the mixture 102 is finished, it is initially stored in the mixing tank 12. Subsequently, according to the drone supply parameters and routines determined in step (i), the mixture 102 is released to the finished mixture line 22 for transfer to the injector nozzle 130 and subsequent supply of the mixture 102 to at least one drone. The determination of the release of the mixture 102 in the required volume is made by remote means, more specifically by the routine determined by the processor 100. Optionally, if necessary, this release of the mixture 102 can be made by the receiving unit 300, which receives the supply parameters and routines from the processor 100. The use of the receiving unit 300 generally occurs when there is a lack of communication between the assembly 400 and the remote means. (vii) Recirculate the syrup

[0036] When available in the injector nozzle 130, the mixture 102 is inserted into the drone which, once fueled, takes off to carry out the programmed spraying.

[0037] However, only a portion of the prepared syrup 102 is supplied to the drone at a time, with the remaining volume being kept recirculating in the syrup preparation assembly 400 until the drone is refueled.

[0038] More specifically, the prepared syrup 102, not yet supplied to the drone, is maintained in the mixing line 15 at a determined flow and directed by the pump 16 and valves 17, so that it enters and leaves the mixing tank 12. This flow of syrup 102 in constant circulation keeps the syrup 102 homogeneous and prevents the settling of the inputs. Furthermore, it becomes It is unnecessary to equip the mixing tank 12 with stirring elements such as stirring blades, making this tank simpler, more sized and easy to transport. (viii) Cleaning of lines and tanks

[0039] The cleaning step is necessary at the end of the spraying work, when the liquid input tanks 8 and the mixing tank 12 are empty or have been emptied.

[0040] In this situation, the method comprises a step of cleaning the liquid input tanks 8, the mixing tank 12, the pump 16, and the pipes and connections that form the lines. In this step, the fluid from the dilution fluid reservoir 10, preferably water, is transferred from the reservoir 10 initially through the dilution fluid line 5, which subsequently divides into outlets to the mixing tank 12, and forms the cleaning line 25 directed to an external washing outlet of the system, to an auxiliary device 7 of the mixing tank 12, and to the other liquid input tanks 8.

[0041] The water, supplied under pressure, cleans both the tanks and the lines and connections, removing residue and leaving the 400 set ready for new input mixtures.

[0042] In addition to the cleaning stage, the auxiliary device 7 of the mixing tank 12 stands out. This auxiliary device 7 comprises a cutting element, of the knife or blade type, used to open packaging of liquid inputs and solid inputs, and at least one washing nozzle that uses water from the cleaning line 25 to, under pressure, wash the empty packaging of liquid and solid inputs so that they can be disposed of correctly, without environmental risks.

[0043] The auxiliary device 7 can be operated manually when filling the liquid input tanks 8 and the solid input tanks 11 or, alternatively, operated remotely using mechanical arms and computer programs, avoiding human contact with the chemical product.

[0044] The spray mixture preparation automation system, as illustrated in figure 2, comprises the database 200, the processor 100 that receives information from the database 200 and the reception unit that receives the information processed by the processor 100 for executing the automated spray mixture preparation method for drone spraying.

[0045] In more detail, database 200 receives geolocation data from the area to be sprayed, such as the buildings in and around the area, the presence or absence of rivers, river sources, proximity to urban life in that area, and also the type of crop or planting in the area and the type of input to be selected and applied.

[0046] The processor 100, in turn, receives all this information entered and stored in the database 200, processes all the data and determines quantity and concentration parameters of the liquid and solid inputs, thus determining the quantity parameters of the dilution fluid for the preparation of the mixture 102. In addition, the processor 100, based on this data, determines at least one supply routine for at least one drone for spraying.

[0047] All of this processed data on parameters and supply routines is transmitted from the processor 100 to the receiving unit 300, which remotely activates the spray mixture preparation assembly 400 so that it can execute the automated method of preparing the spray mixture for drone spraying.

[0048] The spray preparation assembly 400 can also be activated directly by the processor 100, with the reception unit 300 being used only in cases of loss of communication signal from the assembly 400 to the processor 100, due to the assembly 400 being positioned in the crop to be sprayed or very close to it.

[0049] Also in the event of loss of communication between the receiving unit 300 and the processor 100, the receiving unit 300 may optionally receive the supply parameters and routines through an external element E which can be, for example, a pen drive, a CD or manual input made by an operator.

[0050] Since the remote means are in constant communication with the spray preparation assembly 400, the processor 100 updates the routines, parameters and the database 200 from operating information received from the receiving unit 300 which, in turn, received this information from the spray preparation assembly 400 or, optionally, the processor 100 updates the routines, parameters and the database 200 from operating information received directly from the spray preparation assembly 400.

[0051] As mentioned above, the spray preparation assembly 400 is arranged adjacent to the spraying location and is remotely actuated by the receiving unit 300 or by the processor 100 which, in a first possibility, are all positioned remotely from the spray preparation assembly 400. The actuations in this case are made via an internet network whose signals are transmitted and received by sensors (not illustrated) arranged in the dilution fluid reservoir 10, the pump 16, the solid input tanks 11, the liquid input tanks 8, the mixing tank 12, the injector nozzle 130 and the multiple valves.

[0052] Optionally, the spray preparation assembly 400, arranged adjacent to the spraying location, comprises the receiving unit 300 and is driven by it.

[0053] Both the automated spraying spray method and the spray automation system offer the advantages of optimizing all spray preparation steps and reducing contact with chemicals that are harmful to health. The spray preparation system 400 is compact, and routine parameter determinations by the remote processor 100 allow the operator to Prepare all inputs for the entire day's operation of up to 150 hectares in a single step, eliminating the need for the operator to use protective equipment and handle different inputs throughout the day, making the process safer, more repeatable, and highly reliable. There was also an increase in the average productivity of spraying operations in agricultural areas.

[0054] Having described a preferred embodiment example, it should be understood that the scope of this object encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Automated method for preparing spray mixture for drone spraying, characterized by comprising the following steps: (i) Determine parameters of liquid inputs and solid inputs for preparing a syrup (102) and a supply routine for at least one drone; (ii) Activating at least one liquid input tank (8), comprising releasing the liquid input to a mixing line (15) and conducting the liquid input to a mixing tank (12); (iii) Activating a dilution fluid reservoir (10), the step comprising transferring dilution fluid to the mixing tank (12); (iv) Add solid input to the mixing tank (12) from a solid input tank (11); (v) Form the syrup (102) in the mixing tank (12); (vi) Release the syrup (102) to a ready syrup line (22) for transfer to an injection nozzle (130) and subsequent supply of the syrup (102) to at least one drone.

2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the step of recirculating the syrup (102) contained in the mixing tank (12) through the mixing line (15) to agitate and mix the contents of the mixing tank (12) until the step of supplying the syrup (102) to at least one drone.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that in step (i) the determination of the parameters is done remotely, by means of a database and a processor, the database previously receiving information on geolocation and planting characteristics of an area to be sprayed that are sent to the processor to determine the parameters quantity of liquid inputs, solid inputs and dilution fluid for the type of mixture desired and to determine the frequency of preparation of the mixture.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in steps (ii) to (vi) the activation, addition, formation, release and supply commands are transmitted by remote means.

5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a pump (16) acting in conjunction with a plurality of valves (17) for conducting the liquid inputs and transferring the dilution fluid through the dilution fluid line (5) and for releasing and transferring the syrup (102) through the ready syrup line (22).

6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the dilution fluid reservoir (10) is supplied by means of a first inlet (112) arranged in an upper portion of the reservoir or by means of a suction valve (113) arranged at collection points and associated with the reservoir by a supply line (19).

7. Method, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a cleaning step of at least one liquid input tank (8) and the mixing tank (12) from the circulation of the fluid from the dilution fluid reservoir (10) through the mixing lines (15) and the ready mix line (22).

8. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a step of opening and preparing the disposal of packaging carried out by an auxiliary device (7) arranged in the mixing tank (12), the auxiliary device (7) comprising a cutting element, at least one washing nozzle and a disposal area.

9. Spray preparation automation system, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a database (200) that receives geolocation and planting data from an area to be sprayed and data from the selected inputs; a processor (100) that receives information from the database (200) and determines parameters of liquid inputs, solid inputs and dilution fluid for preparing a spray solution (102) and determines a supply routine for at least one drone; and a receiving unit (300) that receives the supply parameters and routines from the processor (100) and remotely activates a spray solution preparation assembly (400) to execute the automated method of preparing spray solution for drone spraying, as defined in claim 1.

10. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that optionally the syrup preparation assembly (400) can be activated directly by the processor (100).

11. System, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that optionally the reception unit (300) receives the supply parameters and routines from an external element (E).

12. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the processor (100) updates routines, parameters and the database (200) from operation information received from the reception unit (300).

13. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the processor (100) updates routines, parameters and the database (200) from operating information received from the syrup preparation assembly (400).

14. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the spray preparation assembly (400) is arranged adjacent to the spraying location, the spray preparation assembly (400) being remotely activated by the processor (100).

15. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the spray preparation assembly (400) is arranged adjacent to the spraying location, and optionally the spray preparation assembly (400) comprises the reception unit (300).

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