Agricultural Crop Analysis Drone for Boom Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural boom sprayers face instability and inefficiency when operating on undulating or sloped terrain, leading to uneven liquid distribution due to the limitations of ultrasonic distance sensors and resilient mounting, which causes delays and potential impacts during rapid slope changes.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural drones are used to collect real-time topology and dispensing information, communicating this data to the sprayer to stabilize and level the boom in real-time, allowing for precise and accurate liquid application by adjusting the sprayer's operation based on the drone's collected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic distance sensors and resilient mounting are used for boom height adjustment, then the sprayer can adapt to undulating terrain, but the system stability and response speed deteriorate due to torque redistribution and delayed sensor response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resilient mounting system with an active stabilization system using actuators and sensors. Instead of relying on passive spring-based mounting that causes torque redistribution, the system uses electronic control with feedback from distance sensors and inertial measurement units to actively maintain boom levelness, eliminating the mechanical coupling that causes instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where distance sensors continuously measure the position of spray nozzles relative to the ground, and this information is fed back to the control system which adjusts actuator positions in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for terrain variations without causing the instability inherent in open-loop mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic distance sensors are used for wing height control, then the sprayer can compensate for ground profile changes, but the response speed is insufficient to prevent wing tip impact during rapid slope changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inertial measurement units (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to detect upcoming terrain changes before the spray vehicle physically encounters them. By measuring acceleration and angular rate changes, the system predicts future boom position and pre-adjusts actuator positions to prevent wing tip impact, acting in advance rather than reacting after the problem occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow mechanical ultrasonic sensors with faster electronic inertial measurement units that provide immediate detection of terrain changes. The IMU sensors have much higher sampling rates and response times compared to ultrasonic sensors, enabling the control system to react instantly to rapid slope changes and prevent wing tip impact.
3Strength
If resilient mounting with springs and shock absorbers is used for central support structure, then the boom can absorb twisting and movement shocks, but the stability of wing height control greatly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resilient mounting system with an active stabilization system using actuators and sensors. Instead of relying on passive spring-based mounting that causes torque redistribution, the system uses electronic control with feedback from distance sensors and inertial measurement units to actively maintain boom levelness, eliminating the mechanical coupling that causes instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the boom into independently controlled segments with individual actuators at each section. This segmentation allows each segment to be controlled independently, preventing the torque redistribution that occurs in rigid or resiliently mounted systems. Each segment can adjust its height without affecting adjacent segments, maintaining overall system stability.
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
This approach enhances the stability and precision of liquid delivery, reducing delays and ensuring consistent coverage, even on complex terrains, by leveraging the drone's real-time data for immediate adjustments during operation.
Implementation Method 1
Agricultural drones are used to collect real-time topology and dispensing information, communicating this data to the sprayer
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system utilizing one or more agricultural drones in combination with agricultural equipment, e.g., an agricultural boom sprayer, to evaluate the crops being farmed, and to improve the real-time delivery and dispensing of liquid from the sprayer including monitoring and verifying that the liquid is being dispensed correctly and/or in accordance with a desired distribution pattern or level.