Unmanned Aircraft Downwash Control for Chemical Drift Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aircraft systems for pest/weed control face challenges in reducing the risk of chemical drift outside the field, leading to adverse effects on nearby areas.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus predicts the scattering range of chemicals sprayed by a first unmanned aircraft and controls the three-dimensional position or travel route of a second unmanned aircraft to generate downwash that prevents chemical scattering near the field using a second unmanned aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional unmanned aircraft spray chemicals directly onto fields, then pest/weed control effectiveness is improved, but chemical scattering outside the field increases causing adverse effects on nearby areas
Solution Approach 1:
A second unmanned aircraft is introduced as an intermediary device between the first unmanned aircraft and the surrounding environment. This second aircraft generates downwash airflow that acts as a mediator to redirect scattered chemicals back onto the field, preventing them from reaching nearby areas while maintaining effective pest/weed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The downwash generated by the second unmanned aircraft, which is typically a byproduct of rotor operation, is converted into a beneficial force. This downwash actively redirects scattered chemicals back onto the target field, transforming what would be harmful drift into a mechanism that enhances chemical deposition accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional unmanned aircraft are deployed to prevent chemical scattering, then chemical drift reduction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second unmanned aircraft is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a platform for generating protective downwash and potentially as a spray aircraft itself. This universality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for dedicated single-function devices and allowing resource sharing between aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated scattering range prediction and real-time position control. The information processing apparatus autonomously predicts chemical scattering patterns and adjusts the second aircraft's position and downwash generation accordingly, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operational complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the three-dimensional position or travel route of the second unmanned aircraft is controlled to prevent chemical scattering, then chemical drift prevention is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms where the information processing apparatus continuously monitors the first aircraft's position, predicts scattering ranges based on current flight data, and adjusts the second aircraft's position and downwash generation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system automates complex control decisions, making the system manageable despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scattering range prediction before the chemicals are actually scattered. By predicting the scattering trajectory in advance based on flight data and environmental conditions, the control system can proactively position the second aircraft and adjust downwash generation to prevent scattering, rather than reacting after scattering occurs.
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
Reduces the risk of chemical drift and enhances the efficiency of pest/weed control operations by minimizing interruptions from chemical scattering, allowing the first unmanned aircraft to focus on its primary tasks.
Implementation Method 1
control a three-dimensional position or a travel route of at least one second unmanned aircraft so that downwash of the second unmanned aircraft prevents scattering of the chemical near the field
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a controller configured to predict a scattering range of a chemical to be sprayed onto a field by a first unmanned aircraft and control, in a case in which it is determined that the chemical will scatter near the field based on the scattering range, a three-dimensional position or a travel route of a second unmanned aircraft so that downwash of the second unmanned aircraft prevents scattering of the chemical near the field.