Modular cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular cartridge for storing and releasing a payload, for a system for activating cartridges coupled to an aerial device, wherein the cartridge comprises a body having at least two compartments and a cover; a lower barrier to which the cover is coupled to the body so as to allow the lower barrier to be positioned between the cover and the body, sealing the compartments; and wherein the activation system moves the lower barrier so that the payload is released.

Description

[0001] MODULAR CARTRIDGE

[0002]

[0001] This patent application claims internal priority over process BR 102024016350-8, filed on 09 / 08 / 2024, under the terms of Law No. 9,279, of May 14, 1996 - Industrial Property Law (LPI).

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0004]

[0002] This disclosure falls within the technical field of biological pest control, more specifically within the technical field of packaging, cartridges or cassettes for the release of biological agents and other similar substances. Cartridges are used primarily, but not exclusively, by drones.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0006]

[0003] With the evolution and popularization of remotely operated equipment, such as drones, various applications for this type of equipment have been developed. In agriculture, one of the applications of drones is in pest control.

[0007]

[0004] The advantage of using drones in agriculture lies in the possibility of implementing precision agriculture, in which the inputs used are distributed homogeneously in a region and in very precise quantities, making these inputs more efficient and achieving greater efficiency by meeting specific and planned needs.

[0008]

[0005] An example of input applied with the aid of drones is materials for biological pest control. The handling, storage, and release of these materials is quite critical, since biological agents are sensitive and can easily lose their effectiveness.

[0009]

[0006] In the process of using drones for the release of supplies, one of the indispensable elements for correct distribution, in addition to facilitating handling and storage, is the controlled release system, which allows the biological agent or any other supply to be used correctly.

[0010]

[0007] Examples of devices used for handling, storing and distributing biological agents can be found in document WO2022232891, entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING, PACKAGING, STORAGE, TRANSPORT, APPLICATION AND RELEASE OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL AGENTS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES” and in document WO2016088129 entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION AND RELEASE OF FRAGILE INSECTS AND OTHER FRAGILE ITEMS”.

[0011]

[0008] Despite the advances provided by state-of-the-art devices, such as the two documents cited, these face significant limitations that impact efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact, as they frequently require manual intervention for the release of biological agents, causing some aspects to be subject to human error that affects the effectiveness of the biological agents, either by directly affecting the quality of the biological agent or by imprecision in the quantity and position of release of said agents.

[0012]

[0009] Another problem to be solved by state-of-the-art documents is the environmental impact caused by disposable containers, which contradicts the sustainability principles of sustainable agricultural practices, generating significant waste. There is an urgent need for systems that reduce waste and expand the ecological benefits of biological pest control.

[0013]

[0010] Given these challenges, the demand for an advanced solution that integrates efficiently with cartridge activation and delivery system technologies is evident. The state of the art would benefit from a new cartridge that improves the accuracy and efficiency of storage and application of biological agents while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact related to pest control activities.

[0014] OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0015]

[0011] In order to solve the problems of the state of the art, it is an objective of the present invention to offer a solution that reduces human intervention while improving the efficiency of the biological agent.

[0016]

[0012] It is also an objective of the present invention to offer a solution that is easy to use and adapt to existing systems.

[0017]

[0013] Another object of the present invention is the reduction of waste, significantly decreasing the environmental impact of disposal.

[0018]

[0014] Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to offer a solution that preserves the quality of the biological agent.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020]

[0015] In order to achieve the objectives, the present invention presents a modular cartridge for storage, handling and release of biological agents, for a cartridge activation system coupled to a release device, wherein the cartridge comprises a body, with at least two compartments and a lid; a lower barrier wherein the lid couples to the body in such a way that it allows the lower barrier to be positioned between the lid and the body, sealing the compartments; wherein the activation system moves the lower barrier so that the load is released.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]

[0016] The subject matter of the present invention will become fully clear in its technical aspects from the detailed description that will be made based on the figures below, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a modular cartridge embodiment of the present invention with a sliding lid; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cartridge body embodiment of the present invention with a removable cap;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a removable cartridge cover embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a cartridge embodiment of the present invention with a flip-top type lid;

[0027] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention with a flip-top type lid;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the flip-top type cartridge version of Figure 6;

[0029] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge embodiment of the present invention with a sliding-type lid;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a cartridge embodiment of the present invention with the adhesive cap, in which the lower barrier is partially raised;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a cartridge embodiment of the present invention made of paper or cardboard;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the version shown in Figure 10 with the lid open;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a perspective view, with section, of an embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention with the cap fitted under pressure;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a perspective view, with section, of an embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention with the cap fitted under pressure; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention, with the lower portion of the cartridge hollowed out;

[0035] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the cartridge in Figure 14, which includes a cover screen;

[0036] Figure 16 shows an alternative method for securing the cartridge lid with adhesive; and,

[0037] Figure 17 shows an alternative method for securing the cartridge lid using heat welding.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039]

[0017] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives and the figures presented, the present invention relates to a MODULAR CARTRIDGE (1), wherein said cartridge (1) is constructed with the objective of packaging, allowing correct handling and storage, as well as controlled release of the load. Wherein the load of the cartridge (1) is preferably biological agents that are preferably applied in pest control.

[0040]

[0018] As observed in figure 1, the cartridge (1) consists of a body (10), a removable cap (20) and a removable lower barrier (30), with specific closing mechanisms that ensure secure sealing and easy opening during release.

[0041]

[0019] The cartridge (1) acts as a container for holding the charge, the lower barrier (30) is activated in order to open and release the contents of the cartridge (1), and the removable cover (20) acts to keep the lower barrier (30) in place, additionally, the system functions as a structure to be inserted into a cartridge activation mechanism.

[0042]

[0020] Furthermore, the cartridge body (10) consists of a fixed bottom (11), side walls (12) that run along the long axis and end walls (13) that run along the short axis. The inner part of the body (10) contains multiple compartments (14), or cells, segregated by inner walls (15) that prevent mixing of contents and inadvertent transfer of agents between cells until the moment of release. The number of compartments (14) may vary according to the type of application and the type of load used. The inner walls (15) are designed with specific indentations to accommodate the bottom barrier, maintaining structural integrity under various environmental and handling conditions.

[0043]

[0021] The cartridges (1) incorporate release mechanisms, removable covers called bottom barriers (30), which may be retractable, adhesive or tear-off, depending on the nature of the biological agent or substance stored. These mechanisms include specific elements for connection to the activation system, such as hooks, Velcro, tabs or adhesive tapes, and are mechanically activated via an external cartridge activation system, allowing controlled and precise release at the desired location.

[0044]

[0022] In the retractable release system, the lower barrier is retracted by the rotor mechanism and slides between the lid and the cartridge body. This model stands out for its simplicity, reliability, and fewer steps in preparing the cartridge for use; however, it is less effective at keeping substances inside the cells, and the friction during sliding can cause physical damage to insects. An example of the use of the retractable mechanism can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. In this modality, the lower barrier (30) is displaced longitudinally by the release system. Due to its simplicity of application, this release system can be considered the preferred one.

[0045]

[0023] In the variant with an adhesive release system, it has the characteristic of better containing the load in the cells and reduces damage to insects by not pulling them during activation, however it requires more preparation steps, such as adhesive application or heat welding, which increases the complexity and costs of cartridge preparation. This variant also requires an extension cable between the actuator shaft and the end of the lower barrier.

[0046]

[0024] The variant with the tear-off release system has the advantage of being able to be manufactured from cardboard and not causing damage to the cargo, but it has less sealing capacity, limiting its applicability to insects and larger substances.

[0047]

[0025] Designed to integrate effortlessly into existing release systems, the cartridge design (1) includes specific locking mechanisms that ensure secure sealing and easy opening during release. The removable lid (20) allows for easy insertion and coupling to guide rails or other structural components of activation devices, ensuring alignment and stability during operation. This is essential for operational efficiency and to prevent damage to contents during transport and release.

[0048]

[0026] To allow cartridges to be integrated into existing release systems, the edges of the covers (20) are made with suitable dimensions, so as to allow the coupling of smaller cartridges (1) in larger actuation devices. Additionally, the edges are also used to fix the cartridge (1) to the actuation system rail for continuous and constant activation.

[0049]

[0027] To ensure sealing and easy release of the load, the cartridge (1) provides a closing mechanism that secures the cartridge (1) cap (20) to the body (10), wherein a space is provided between said cap (20) and the body (10) to accommodate the lower barrier (30).

[0050]

[0028] The coupling of the lid (20) to the body (10), as described by the present invention, can be effected using rails or latches as will be detailed further below.

[0051]

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, as observed in figures 1 and 2, the cartridge (1) with the retractable release system, wherein the cartridge incorporates a removable lid structure (20) that performs multiple functions. It provides structural support to the cartridge, where the outer edge of the lid (20) holds and aligns the cartridge (1) within the guide rails of the release device and provides pressure to the contact between the inner walls (15) of the compartments (14) and the lower barrier (30), helping to keep the contents within them until the moment of release.

[0052]

[0030] The retractable drive system refers to the system that uses a lower barrier (30) that retracts longitudinally, facilitated by an indentation in the inner walls (15) and along the short sides (13) of the body (10), allowing the lower barrier (30) to be accommodated and move continuously along the length of the cartridge (1). Alternatively, indentations can be made in the lower part of the removable cover (20) and on its end edge performing the same function.

[0053]

[0031] The removable cover (20) may also include specific locking mechanisms to ensure a secure seal. Some removable cover (20) structures may also be used as adapters to attach different cartridges (1) to release devices of different sizes, increasing the versatility of the system.

[0054]

[0032] In said removable cover (20), its edges are defined at least by an inner cover wall (21) and a cover flange (22), providing a support structure for contact with the edge of the cartridge. The edge of the cover (20) may also contain an outer cover wall (23) describing a groove (24) in the cover (20), ensuring a secure seal and easy removal. Furthermore, the edge of the cover (20) may contain a fillet that fits into the groove (24) of the cover (20) to ensure sealing.

[0055]

[0033] In the body (10) of the cartridge (1), its edges are defined at least by an inner body wall (16) and a body flange (17), providing a support structure for contact with the edge of the cap (20). The edge of the body (10) may also contain an outer wall describing a groove in the cartridge, ensuring a secure seal and easy removal.

[0056]

[0034] The body (10) and cover (20) fillets or groove conform to each other to ensure sealing. In order to guarantee sealing and closure, the fit between the fillet and the groove may occur with slight interference, thus, the pressure between the two parts ensures an ideal coupling with perfect sealing.

[0057]

[0035] Among the closing options for the retractable drive system are the flip-top type cover and the sliding cover.

[0058]

[0036] The flip-top type cover (20) is integrated into the body structure (10) by means of a hinge (40), which forms the flip-top cover, wherein said cover (10) can be closed by means of interference between the grooves and fillets, with pressure closure, or complemented by a locking mechanism. One embodiment of the flip-top cover can be seen in figure 5. In this embodiment, it is possible to observe an embodiment of the locking mechanism, which comprises a latch (50) that has a locking hinge (51) which, when the cover (20) is closed, allows the latch (50) to move towards the anchorage (52), where said latch (50) is coupled.

[0059]

[0037] The lower barrier (30) is fitted into a small indentation in the end walls and inner walls of the cartridge or cap. In this way the assembly can be made in one piece. An advantage of this method is that the consumable dispenser itself can refill the cartridges, as they can be reused; additionally, since they are a single piece, it avoids the possibility of losing the cap (20) and facilitates handling of the cartridge (1).

[0060]

[0038] Yet another possibility of the flip-top type cover (20) can be seen in figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment the cover (20) may contain integration with the body (10) by means of a hinge (41) that connects near the top of the body (10) and the lower end of the cover (20), said hinge (41) forms a fixing strip along the side wall (12), and may be closed by means of a locking mechanism with the latch (50) and the anchor (52), thus maintaining pressure between the groove and the fillet. The lower barrier (30) is fitted into a small indentation in the end walls and in the inner walls of the body or cover.

[0061]

[0039] In another version of the cover (20) of the retractable drive system, said cover (20) is completely removable, being fitted and fully detachable, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the structure of the cover (20) is separate from the structure of the body (10), therefore being a set composed of two components. The body (10) can be closed by means of pressure between the groove (24) of the cover (20) and the fillet of the body (18). Additionally, the closure can also be complemented by a locking mechanism. The lower barrier (30) is fitted into a small indentation in the end walls and in the inner walls of the body (10) or the cover (20). This embodiment allows for simpler manufacturing than the hinged embodiment, and additionally allows one of the parts, body (10) or cover (20), to be replaced.

[0062]

[0040] Two examples of fully removable pressure-closure lids are shown in Figures 12 and 13. In the embodiment of Figure 12, a “U”-shaped closing tab (101, 201) is used on the body (10) and on the lid (20), respectively. The tabs are made in such a way that they have a slight interference and undergo a slight deformation allowing for a better fit. In this embodiment, the ends of the closing tab (101, 201) are used to facilitate fitting within the release mechanism.

[0063]

[0041] In the embodiment of figure 13, the body (10) has a closing tab (102) that engages with a closing channel (202) of the cover (20). Also, in this embodiment, a fitting tab (203) can be incorporated into the cover (20) to facilitate fitting within the release mechanism.

[0042] Another variant for the cover (20) for a retractable drive system is the sliding type, where the structure of the cover (20) is a component separate from the structure of the body (10), as observed in figure 8. In this embodiment, the body fillet (18) has a protrusion (19) forming a track. The groove (24) of the cover (20) slides on the fillet (18) along the side wall (12). The contact between the groove (24) of the cover (20) and the fillet of the body (18) and the protrusion (19) of the body (10) ensures the fixation, secure closure and stability within the release device. The closing mechanism can also be reversed so that the groove (24) of the cover (20) is in the body (10).

[0064]

[0043] In the various ways of closing the lid (20), an adhesive tape (60) can be used, as observed in figure 16, where an adhesive tape (60) is fixed to the side walls (12) and lid (20). The use of adhesive tape (60) facilitates the reuse of cartridges (1), including in cases of breakage of the hinge (40, 41), the locking hinge (51), the lock (50) or the anchor (52).

[0065]

[0044] Also, as a substitute for adhesive tape (60), heat welding (61) can be used to close the lid (20), as shown in figure 17. Either adhesive tape (60) or heat welding (61) can be applied to the contact face between the lid (20) and the body (10).

[0066]

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bottom (11) of the body (10), as shown in Figure 14, may have ventilation openings (110). The purpose of the ventilation openings (110) is to provide air exchange between the cartridge (1) and the environment, increasing the shelf life of the biological material. The shape of the ventilation openings (110) may vary depending on the biological material stored.

[0067]

[0046] Furthermore, depending on the biological material stored, it may be possible to use a permeable cover (111), as shown in Figure 15, where the permeable cover (111) covers the ventilation gaps (110). Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, the permeable cover (111) can replace the entire fixed bottom (11). In another alternative embodiment, the permeable cover can be pieces that fit into each ventilation gap (110).

[0068]

[0047] Regarding the release system, in one embodiment of the present invention, the system can be constructed using adhesive closure, as shown in Figure 9, which maintains a uniform height on all cartridge walls, simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring product consistency. The flanged edges (121) of the cartridge extend minimally along the side walls (12) and possibly also the end walls (13), providing structural integrity and assisting in inserting the cartridge into the release device. The bottom barrier (30) in this variant is securely fixed to the edges (121) and all inner walls (15) using an appropriate adhesive substance or by thermal coupling, ensuring that it remains intact until intentionally removed. This method allows for a clean, residue-free opening when the barrier is peeled off at the time of release.In this mode, the lower barrier (30) does not slip, preventing shearing of the load and improving the sealing of the compartments (14), additionally, in this mode, the use of a cover (20) is not necessary.

[0069]

[0048] Another type of release system is the tear-resistant type. This variant has two options: one in paper or cardboard and the other in polymer.

[0070]

[0049] In the paper or cardboard construction variant, as observed in Figure 10, the outer structure of the cartridge is made of paper or cardboard. This one-piece design is achieved through pressure cutting and includes pre-perforated lines (31) that guide a clean tear. The inner walls (15) can be assembled in parts, constructed using origami or kirigami techniques, providing necessary separation without compromising the integrity of the tear-off design. In this embodiment, the lid (20) also functions as a bottom barrier, as observed in Figure 11. The inner walls (15) can also be made by 3D printing from a variety of materials, as well as by polymer extrusion or injection. In this embodiment, manufacturing is simplified and, as it does not require an injection mold, the production cost is considerably lower.

[0071]

[0050] With the aim of reducing the environmental impact, in a modular cartridge embodiment (1) of the present invention, it is manufactured on a large scale by methods such as polymer injection, incorporating specific design details such as inclinations relative to the bottom and side and inner walls, which facilitate the demolding of the cartridge after injection. The inclinations shown are indicative and can be altered. This promotes not only the reuse of the cartridge, meeting the needs of reverse logistics and circular economy, but also the recycling of components. This manufacturing method promotes the use of ecological strategies for biological pest management, reducing costs and facilitating access to technology, further decreasing the environmental impact of pest control.

[0072]

[0051] In the polymer construction embodiment, materials and design principles of the retractable variant are applied, but it incorporates a consistent wall height in the cartridge and a tearable bottom barrier. A gap in the outer lip on one or both short edges facilitates the tearing process, allowing the barrier to be torn cleanly and efficiently. Lips on the long edges of the cartridge hold the barrier in place, ensuring consistent tearing.

[0073]

[0052] The embodiments presented here, in which the release system can be retractable, adhesive or tear-off. As well as the flip-top lid closures in two embodiments, the removable lid and the sliding lid, present versatility, ease of construction and operation of the cartridges (1) presented here.

[0053] It should be understood that the present description does not limit the application to the details described herein and that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or performed in a variety of ways, within the scope of the claims. Although specific terms have been used, such terms should be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. MODULAR CARTRIDGE (1), for storing and releasing charges, for a cartridge activation system coupled to an overhead device, characterized in that it comprises: a body (10), with at least two compartments (14); a lid (20); a lower barrier (30) wherein the lid (20) attaches to the body (10) in such a way that it allows the lower barrier (30) to be positioned between the lid (20) and the body (10) sealing the compartments (14); where the activation system moves the lower barrier (30) so that the load is released.

2. CARTRIDGE (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap (20) has a groove (24) and the body has a body fillet (18) that mesh with interference.

3. CARTRIDGE (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a locking mechanism comprising at least one latch (50) and an anchor (52).

4. CARTRIDGE (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (20) is connected to the body (10) by means of at least one hinge (40, 41).

5. CARTRIDGE (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that the body fillet (18) has a protrusion (19), forming a track that fits into the groove (24) of the cap (20) to promote the closing of the cartridge (1).

6. CARTRIDGE (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (10) has a fixed bottom (11) and has at least one vent gap (110).

7. CARTRIDGE (1), according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one vent (110) has a permeable cover (111).

8. CARTRIDGE (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adhesive tape (60) or a heat seal (61) is applied between a side wall (12) and the lid (20).

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