Autonomous UVC Treatment of C4 Turfgrass to Cut Mowing Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warm season C4 turfgrass grows rapidly after exiting dormancy, requiring frequent mowing and posing challenges in maintenance, and existing methods lack effective solutions for controlling growth and reducing seed head presence and clipping weight.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous robotic system that applies UVC light treatment to C4 turfgrass, specifically using a UVC light subsystem with a wavelength between 200 nm and 300 nm, intensity between 0.5 and 300 Watts per square meter, and a height of 0.5 to 18 inches above the grass, moved at night at speeds between 0.1 and 7 MPH, to regulate growth without fertilizers or fungicides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical-based treatment methods are used to control turfgrass growth and eliminate microorganisms, then pathogen elimination and growth control are improved, but residual chemical and radiation contamination in air and water worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based treatment systems with a UVC light-based autonomous robotic system. The robot applies UVC light (wavelength 200-300 nm) to eliminate microorganisms and control turfgrass growth without leaving residual chemicals or radiation contamination in the environment, thus substituting mechanical/optical means for chemical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UVC light as an intermediary substance between the autonomous robot and the target turfgrass area. The UVC light serves as a mediator that eliminates pathogens and controls growth without direct chemical contact, avoiding residual contamination while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If frequent mowing is performed to control rapidly growing turfgrass, then growth control is improved, but maintenance time and operational complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UVC light treatment in advance to slow down turfgrass growth rate before excessive growth occurs. By treating the turfgrass with UVC light regularly, the growth rate is controlled proactively, reducing the need for frequent corrective mowing operations and associated time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the growth parameter of turfgrass by applying UVC light treatment. The UVC light (wavelength 200-300 nm) alters the biological parameters of the turfgrass, slowing its growth rate from rapid to controlled, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance operations required.
3Productivity
If UVC light treatment is applied to control turfgrass growth, then growth rate control and seed head reduction are improved, but device complexity and treatment parameter optimization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot is designed with multi-functionality, combining UVC light emission, autonomous navigation, and growth control capabilities in a single device. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one system, making the complexity manageable while achieving effective growth control and seed head reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot is equipped with self-navigation and self-management capabilities, allowing it to operate independently without constant human intervention. The system uses sensors, processors, and actuators to autonomously navigate the turf area, adjust UVC light parameters, and maintain effective growth control, thereby managing complexity through automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces seed head presence by at least 60%, increases shoot density by at least 60%, and decreases clipping weight by at least 50%, effectively controlling the growth rate of C4 turfgrass.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet ('UV') light may be used to remove or eliminate microorganisms, pathogens, algae, and fungi in various environmental applications
Implementation Method 2
UVC light is generated by the UVC light subsystem with a wavelength between about 200.0 nm and 300.0 nm; and preferably between 245.0 nm to about 275.0 nm; and most preferably between about 250.0 nm to about 270.0 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for fostering controlled growth of a turfgrass in a target area, includes: providing an autobot capable of automatically applying a UVC light treatment to the target grass area, wherein the target grass area comprises C4 turfgrass. The method and system includes coupling a UVC light subsystem to the autobot such that the UVC light subsystem is suspended above the C4 turfgrass within the target grass within a first predetermined range. Next, UVC light is generated by the UVC light subsystem with a wavelength within a second predetermined range. Subsequently, the UVC light is emitted from the UVC light subsystem to the C4 turfgrass at an intensity within a third predetermined range. And the UVC light is moved across the C4 turfgrass within the target grass area using the autobot at night at a speed within a fourth predetermined range.