Drone Pest Destruction Using Cryogenic Fluid Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pest control methods using chemical products are toxic, lead to environmental contamination, and result in pest resistance, while manual drone operations are inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A drone-based pest destruction system utilizing a low-temperature fluid reservoir, thermal sensor, and control unit to automatically cool pests to a lethal temperature, combined with optical sensors for autonomous pest detection and targeted application, reducing the need for toxic chemicals and optimizing resource use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical products are used for pest control, then pest destruction effectiveness is improved, but environmental contamination and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest destruction effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameter of temperature (using extremely low temperatures below -50°C) instead of chemical parameters, transforming the pest control mechanism from chemical toxicity to thermal destruction while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces chemical action with a physical/thermal mechanism, using cryogenic temperatures to destroy pests through thermal stress and cellular damage rather than chemical poisoning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If chemical products are repeatedly applied, then pest destruction effectiveness is maintained, but pest resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest destruction effectivenessVSAvoidpest resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention fundamentally changes the control parameter from chemical concentration to temperature, using extreme cold as a new mechanism that pests cannot develop resistance against through repeated exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If chemical spreading is used, then pest coverage is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest coverage areaVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the treatment into discrete thermal zones using multiple independent heating elements that can be selectively activated, allowing precise coverage control and energy optimization for different area requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses temperature as the control parameter instead of chemical quantity, allowing precise dosing through thermal gradients and reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If manual drone operation is used, then pest targeting is improved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest targeting precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drone system performs autonomous operation with self-navigation, self-targeting, and self-control of heating elements, eliminating the need for manual piloting while maintaining precise pest identification and treatment delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical control with automated sensor-based systems including optical sensors for pest detection, GPS for navigation, and microcontrollers for coordinated control of flight and heating elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively destroys pests without toxic chemicals, minimizing environmental impact and resource consumption, while enhancing efficiency through autonomous operation and precise targeting.

Implementation Method 1

the use of a fluid at low temperature (less than or equal to a predetermined lethal threshold) makes it possible to destroy the pests by cooling them down to a lethal temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4226766A1Pest killing device and corresponing system

Publication Date: 2023.08.16 CRYODRONES

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Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a pest destruction device (100) comprising a control unit (120) and a drone (110) carrying: a low-temperature fluid reservoir (112), a low-temperature fluid distribution head (114), a valve (115) arranged between the reservoir (112) and the distribution head (114), and a thermal sensor (116) configured to deliver a thermal signal, the control unit (120) being configured to determine a current temperature of a target area from the thermal signal, and to implement, as long as the current temperature of the target area is greater than or equal to a predetermined lethal threshold, at least one cooling phase in which the control unit (120) actuates the valve (115) so that it is in its open position.