Integrated station for spraying by drone and automated system for spraying by drone

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrated station (100) for spraying, particularly agricultural spraying by drone (20). This mobile integrated station (100) compactly combines systems for preparing spraying solution (30), means for operating drones (20) for refuelling and flight, and a living area for the operator (50). The invention further relates to an automated system for the spraying of agricultural inputs by drone, utilising the integrated station (100) in order to achieve increased operating range and increased sprayed area.

Description

"Integrated drone spraying station and automated drone spraying system"

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated spraying station, particularly for agricultural spraying using drones. This integrated station compactly and conveniently combines spray mixture preparation systems, drone operating means for refueling and flight, and a living area for the operator. The invention also relates to an automated system for spraying agricultural inputs using drones that utilizes the integrated station to achieve increased autonomy and a larger sprayed area. 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 nozzles. Later, spraying also began to be done aerially, using small aircraft capable of flying at relatively low altitudes over the crop fields, spraying the desired inputs.

[0004] Although these spraying techniques are still used today, they have many disadvantages. The main disadvantage lies in the lack of precision in delivering the sprayed input, which leads to consequences such as 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 through spraying due to the greater precision in mobility and maneuverability of this equipment, which can fly at low altitudes, releasing the inputs precisely in the designated crop and in delimited locations.

[0006] However, for drone spraying to be viable, it is necessary to provide, in or near the field, at least one station that allows for the refueling of inputs in the drones, so that they have reasonable and productive autonomy. It is also necessary that at least one station allows for the safe operation of one or more drones.

[0007] In this regard, mobile refueling stations are known in the state of the art, equipped 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, in addition to a compartment for transporting the drone to the site to be sprayed.

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

[0009] Although this mobile station includes a range of equipment, it lacks an area for operating and piloting the drone. On the contrary, the document specifically describes the intention to prevent the operator from having to climb up and down stairs to reach a high platform for piloting the drone. Thus, the station is equipped with a compartment to transport the drone, which, to be used, needs to be removed from the station, refueled, and taken off from the ground, implying the need to position the station in a large, empty area. Furthermore, refueling the drone is hampered and cannot be done automatically, since it cannot land on the station to receive a new load of supplies.

[0010] Therefore, this station's system requires the operator to act or intervene several times throughout the spraying period of the area of ​​interest, demanding the presence of safety equipment for the operator and emergency equipment in case of any improper contact between the operator and the inputs. Furthermore, a lack of precision in the preparation of inputs can lead to wasted material and significant drone downtime between refills.

[0011] Document US2017225802 refers to systems and methods that provide remote deployment and operation of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, in, for example, reconnaissance operations. In a configuration described in this document, the drone can be stored in a container, such as a "hangar" box that can be electromechanically positioned inside a trailer or truck body transporting the drone, so that the roof above the hangar opens electromechanically to form a platform, allowing the drone to take off and land back in this hangar, observed and controlled by the operator who is also positioned in the hangar.

[0012] However, since this prior art document does not describe or foresee the operating system of drones for spraying in agricultural areas, the container that transforms into a hangar does not include a living area or fuel tanks for supplying the drone; on the contrary, it only offers space for transporting more than one drone. Objectives of the invention

[0013] Thus, the present invention aims to provide an integrated drone spraying station that brings together, in a compact and mobile way, automated systems for preparing spray mixtures, a means of sensing, acquisition and processing of flight data, connection and operation of drones for refueling and flight, as well as a living area for the operator.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide an automated drone spraying system that uses an integrated drone spraying station to automatically prepare the spray mixture, supply the drone, sense the spraying area, and process the data obtained for the safe and efficient operation of the drone in spraying agricultural areas. Brief description of the invention

[0015] Therefore, the present invention relates to an integrated drone spraying station, equipped with a chassis structure comprising means of locomotion and a body structure mounted on the chassis structure, the integrated drone spraying station comprising, compactly positioned on the body structure, (i) an automated spray mixture preparation system adjacent to and associated with a drone storage and lifting compartment that receives at least one drone to be lifted to a landing and takeoff platform; and (ii) a living module disposed on the opposite side of the automated spray mixture preparation system and next to a means of access to an operating and piloting area on the landing and takeoff platform.

[0016] This invention also includes an automated drone spraying system, comprising a processor that receives data from an integrated drone spraying station and determines at least one spraying routine for at least one drone; and an automated spray mixture preparation system embedded in the integrated drone spraying station that receives information from the processor to determine a refueling routine for at least one drone according to the spraying routine of at least one drone. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Figure 1 - is a first schematic perspective view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention;

[0018] Figure 2 - is a second schematic perspective view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 - is a schematic left side view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention;

[0020] Figure 4 - is a detailed schematic view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention;

[0021] Figure 5 - is a schematic right side view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 - is a schematic rear view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 - is a detailed schematic view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention, illustrating the living area;

[0024] Figure 8 - is a schematic top view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention;

[0025] Figure 9 - is a schematic perspective view of the integrated drone spraying station, the subject of this invention, in the closed position for station movement; and

[0026] Figure 10 - is a schematic view of the automated drone spraying system, the subject of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment and as can be seen in Figures 1 to 9, the present invention relates to an integrated drone spraying station 100, equipped with a chassis structure 70 comprising means of locomotion 75, for example, a pair of axles with wheels and tires, and a body structure 80 mounted on the chassis structure 70. The chassis structure 70 comprises a hitch extension 72 for attaching the integrated station 100 to a motorized vehicle for transport. This integrated station extends 100 meters to the spraying location, as can be seen in Figure 9.

[0028] In this sense, as illustrated in Figure 9, the integrated drone spraying station 100 is moved to the spraying site in the compact or closed position. In this position, the body 80 comprises the side, front and rear cladding portions pivoted downwards or not extended, so as to allow its movement on roads to the spraying site.

[0029] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the integrated drone spraying station 100 also includes, compactly positioned in the body structure 80, an automated spray mixture preparation system 30 arranged adjacent to and associated with a drone storage and lifting compartment 40 that receives at least one drone 20 to be lifted to a landing and take-off platform 60.

[0030] This automated spray mixture preparation system 30 consists of a mixture preparation unit comprising a dilution fluid reservoir 33, a plurality of liquid input tanks 38, solid input tanks 31, a mixing tank 32 and at least one drone supply line (not shown), as illustrated in figure 3.

[0031] Thus, the automated spray mixture preparation system 30 has the function of automatically preparing, based on remotely transmitted commands, the mixture that will be used for spraying. Once this mixture is prepared, it is transferred to at least one drone supply line that supplies the drone 20. To this end, the automated spray mixture preparation system 30 is arranged in a compact and modular way on the chassis 80, being associated with the drone storage and lifting compartment 40 by means of at least one drone supply line.

[0032] The drone storage and lifting compartment 40, illustrated in detail in Figure 4, consists of a space in the vehicle body 80 adjacent to the automated spray mixture preparation system 30. This drone storage and lifting compartment 40 is formed by a flat, vertically movable lifting base 41 that can be moved upwards and downwards, accommodating at least one drone 20 that is within reach of the drone supply line. At least one battery charger 21 is also located on the lifting base 41 to charge at least three batteries used in the drone 20 for spraying operations. Other tools for regular or emergency use in preparing the drones 20 can also be placed next to the battery charger 21, such as maintenance tools, communication modules, and data connection devices (Figures 3 and 4).

[0033] Regarding the drone storage and lifting compartment 40, this comprises mechanisms, which may be hydraulic, pneumatic, or other, to perform the vertical movement of the lifting base 41, between a lowered storage and / or refueling position for the drone 20, where the lifting base 41 is positioned in the lower portion of the drone storage and lifting compartment 40 (Figure 4), and an elevated position, where the lifting base 41 is positioned in the upper portion of the drone storage and lifting compartment 40, positioning the drone 20 on the same plane as the landing and takeoff platform 60, as can be seen in Figure 2. During operation, the lifting base 41 remains in the elevated position, and the drone 20 can land and take off from any point on the platform 60. The lifting base 41 is used to lift the drone onto the platform and store the drone for transport when it is down.

[0034] For this purpose, the drone storage and lifting compartment 40 comprises, in its upper portion, an opening for the passage of the drone 20 to the platform 60. When the lifting base 41 is in the position retracted and drone 20 is inside the drone storage and elevation compartment 40, this opening is closed with a protective door 22, as can be seen in figure 1. This protective door 22 is pivoted and opened when the elevation base 41 starts moving upwards to position drone 20 on platform 60, as illustrated in figure 2.

[0035] Once the drone 20 is positioned on the platform 60, the lifting base 41 can be kept in the lifting position or it can be retracted and positioned in the lower position of the drone storage and lifting compartment 40. When the lifting base 41 is retracted, it brings with it the battery charger 21, the batteries and other tools, and the protective door 22 is pivoted back to the closed position, as can be seen in figures 1, 3 and 5.

[0036] As can be seen in figures 5, 6 and 7, the integrated drone spraying station 100 also includes a living module 50 located on the opposite side of the automated spray mixture preparation system 30, adjacent to the drone storage and lifting compartment 40 and a generator 43, but also next to an access means 51 to an operating and piloting area 10 on the landing and take-off platform 60.

[0037] This living module 50 comprises, compactly, at least one small refrigerator 52, at least one microwave oven 54, at least one toilet 55, at least one sink 56, at least one shower (not illustrated), at least one foldable and articulated support table 57, chairs and at least one storage compartment 58 consisting of a drawer-type compartment in which PPEs are placed for use, in case of emergency or when necessary, for handling agricultural inputs.

[0038] The presence of this living module 50 in the integrated station 100 allows the drone operator to remain comfortably and safely for extended periods monitoring the spraying.

[0039] The living module 50 provides access to the landing and takeoff platform 60 by means of an access consisting of a ladder 51 located in the rear portion of the body 80 and can be pivoted by means of hinges when the rear lining is expanded or raised.

[0040] In this sense, the landing and takeoff platform 60 is formed from the expansion by pivoting of the side, front and rear cladding portions of the body 80. This pivoting can be done, for example, using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and electromechanical or mechanical locks, so that the cladding portions remain safely expanded to support at least one drone 20 and any incursions by the operator onto the platform.

[0041] More specifically, the side and front cladding portions expand to form the landing and takeoff platform 60 itself, as illustrated in Figure 8. The rear or back cladding portion expands to form the operating and piloting area 10 which, as can be seen in Figure 1 or 5, comprises structures that support a canopy forming a safe elevated operating environment, under which the operator can preferably stand to obtain a wide view of the operation, monitor and operate the maneuvers and, mainly, the flight of the drones during the spraying work.

[0042] The remaining body cladding portions 80 form the landing and takeoff platform 60, which is a suitable and spacious area for landing and takeoff maneuvers of at least one drone 20, and can accommodate more than one drone 20 if necessary.

[0043] With this, the integrated station 100 provides up to a three-fold increase in the drone's field of view and range 20 due to the large operating area, and reduces the time between flights by at least one time because the integrated station 100 includes the automated spray mixture preparation system 30.

[0044] Additionally, the present invention also relates to an automated drone spraying system. As illustrated in the schematic view of Figure 10, the automated drone spraying system comprises a processor 500 that receives data from the integrated drone spraying station 100 and determines at least one spraying routine by at least one drone 20.

[0045] Furthermore, the automated spray mixture preparation system 30, embedded in the integrated drone spraying station 100, receives information from the processor 500 to determine a supply routine for at least one drone 20 according to the spraying routine of at least one drone 20 determined.

[0046] To determine at least one spraying routine, the automated spraying system receives sensor data provided by the integrated station 100, which executes a sensor routine responsible for acquiring the necessary data and information for both spraying and operation using the drones 20, such as wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, weather forecast, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, the integrated station 100 comprises components that enable sensing and connectivity of the station 100 with remote controls, thus allowing the automation of its systems. These components consist of a weather station, internet antenna, and IP cameras (not shown), for example, and may include other components for specific actions.

[0048] Using a weather station, a report on application and flight conditions is generated, for example, and subsequently sent to the automated drone spraying system via the internet antenna. Additionally, IP cameras allow monitoring of the entire spraying operation, and images are also sent to the remote system via the internet antenna.

[0049] Optionally, through software and an internet antenna, it is possible to send data to the Drone 20 and obtain data collected by the Drone 20, such as flight authorization requests, aerial surveys, and flight tracking of the aircraft, among others.

[0050] This sensing information and connection data provided by the integrated station 100 is stored in a database 600 that communicates with the processor 500. The processor 500, in turn, updates routines, parameters, and the database 600 based on the information received from the integrated drone spraying station 100.

[0051] The automated spraying system provides a 50% increase in the daily sprayed area, meaning 50% more daily revenue or a 33% reduction in operating time. Additionally, the automated spraying system operates automatically and with remote controls, removing the operator's responsibility for establishing spraying routines, preparing inputs, or defining the drone refueling schedule. The operator only needs to monitor the operation of the integrated station and operate the drones during spraying. Thus, with so much automation of procedures, there is a decrease in the waste of inputs and in the downtime of the drones.

[0052] Having described a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the scope of the present object encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Integrated drone spraying station (100), provided with a chassis structure (70) comprising means of locomotion (75) and a body structure (80) mounted on the chassis structure (70), the integrated drone spraying station (100) being characterized in that it comprises, compactly positioned on the body structure (80), (i) an automated spray mixture preparation system (30) adjacent and associated with a drone storage and elevation compartment (40) that receives at least one drone (20) to be elevated to a landing and take-off platform (60); and (ii) a living module (50) arranged in the opposite portion of the automated spray mixture preparation system (30) and next to a means of access (51) to an operation and piloting area (10) on the landing and take-off platform (60).

2. Integrated station, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the automated spray mixture preparation system (30) is formed by a mixture preparation assembly that comprises a dilution fluid reservoir, a plurality of liquid input tanks (38), solid input tanks (31), mixing tank (32) and at least one drone supply line.

3. Integrated station, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the automated spray mixture preparation system (30) is arranged in a compact and modular manner in the body (80), being associated with the drone storage and lifting compartment (40) by means of at least one drone supply line.

4. Integrated station, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the automated spray mixture preparation system (30) is automated and operated remotely.

5. Integrated station, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the drone storage and elevation compartment (40) is formed by a flat elevation base (41) with ascending and descending vertical mobility, the elevation base (41) receives at least one drone (20) and at least one battery charger (21).

6. Integrated station, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the living module (50) is arranged in the opposite portion of the automated spray mixture preparation system (30) and adjacent to the drone storage and elevation compartment (40) and a generator (43), the living module (50) comprising, compactly, at least one refrigerator (52), at least one microwave oven (54), at least one toilet (55), at least one shower (56), at least one folding support table (57) and at least one storage compartment (58).

7. Integrated station, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the landing and take-off platform (60) is formed from the expansion by pivoting of the side, front and rear covering portions of the body (80).

8. Automated drone spraying system, characterized by the fact that it comprises a processor (500) that receives data from an integrated drone spraying station (100) as defined in claim 1 and determines at least one spraying routine by at least one drone (20); and a spray preparation automation system (30) embedded in the integrated drone spraying station (100) and that receives information from the processor (500) to determine a supply routine for at least one drone (20) in accordance with the spraying routine of at least one drone (20).

9. Automated drone spraying system according to claim 8, characterized in that the data from the integrated spraying station drone spraying (100) consists of sensing information and connection data, which are stored in a database (600) that communicates with the processor (500).

10. Automated drone spraying system according to claim 9, characterized in that the processor (500) updates routines, parameters and the database (600) from the information received from the integrated drone spraying station (100).

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