Ball Ejection Device for Precision Aerial Capsule Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying parasitic wasps like Trichogramma for pest control are inefficient and costly, as they require manual application of biodegradable capsules over large areas, and aerial pesticide distribution lacks precision and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A ball ejection device integrated with a multicopter, such as a quadrocopter or hexacopter, that uses a dosing unit with bevel gears and a control unit to precisely drop Trichogramma-containing capsules or balls over a predetermined pattern, allowing for remote-controlled, targeted, and efficient application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual application of biodegradable capsules is used, then deployment is simple, but personnel costs are high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application with an automated aerial delivery system using a drone equipped with a dosing unit. The drone flies over target areas and releases capsules automatically, eliminating the need for manual ground-based application while significantly improving deployment efficiency and reducing personnel requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit is designed to automatically dose and release capsules without continuous human intervention. The system includes automated dosing mechanisms controlled by a control unit that manages the release rate and positioning, allowing the system to service itself during operation and reducing ongoing personnel costs.
2Measurement precision
If aerial pesticide distribution is used, then coverage area is large, but precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that receives feedback from positioning systems (such as GPS) to continuously monitor and adjust the drone's position and the dosing rate. This closed-loop control system ensures precise capsule placement at predetermined locations while maintaining efficient distribution speed across large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the release rate and positioning to be modified in real-time based on flight conditions and target area requirements. The system can adapt its dosing pattern dynamically to maintain precision while optimizing coverage efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If heavy dosing equipment is used, then dosing capability is strong, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dosing capacity into multiple smaller capsule units rather than using a single large dosing mechanism. The drone can carry multiple biodegradable capsules and release them sequentially, maintaining effective dosing capacity while keeping the overall system lightweight and energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable biodegradable capsules that are lightweight and can be easily replaced. Rather than using heavy reusable dosing equipment, the patent employs inexpensive, lightweight single-use capsules that reduce the weight burden on the drone, thereby minimizing fuel consumption while maintaining adequate dosing capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a ball-dispensing device arranged in an aircraft or vehicle, comprising a metering unit with a metering cone (15), a metering wheel (17), and a metering lock (11), as well as a base plate (7) with a metering cone holder (31) and a metering opening (35), further comprising a drive unit with a voltage regulator (37), a servo motor (27), and two meshing bevel gears (23, 25), a control unit, and a ball container (3). Preferably, the aircraft or vehicle is remotely controlled and is particularly preferably designed as a quadcopter or hexacopter with a plurality of rotors or propellers arranged in one or two planes and acting vertically downwards.The ball-drop device can be used for dosing and dropping pesticides from the air, preferably of Trichogramma carriers in the form of capsules, in particular spherical capsules, wherein the dosing of the respective pesticide for dropping preferably takes place according to a predetermined, preferably equidistant pattern.