Drone Spray Drift Correction for Uniform Pesticide Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of crop protection products using drones can result in uneven distribution due to wind, leading to inadequate pesticide effect, development of resistance, or violation of regulations, and poses a risk of reaching protected zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and unmanned aircraft system that creates a digital application map for precise application, adjusts parameters in real-time based on spatial distribution, and minimizes drift by adjusting flight parameters and route to ensure accurate and targeted application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If crop protection product is applied by drone, then application speed and coverage area are improved, but spatial distribution uniformity deteriorates due to wind drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously determines the spatial distribution of applied crop protection product during application and uses this feedback information to adapt application parameters in real-time, ensuring uniform distribution despite wind drift
Solution Approach 2:
The application parameters (such as application rate, flight speed, altitude) are dynamically adapted during the application process based on real-time determination of spatial distribution, allowing the system to respond to changing wind conditions and maintain precision
2Reliability
If application quantity is increased to ensure effectiveness, then pesticide efficacy is improved, but risk of reaching protected zones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quantities of crop protection product to different parts of the field based on a digital application map, ensuring each area receives the precise amount needed for efficacy while minimizing drift to protected zones
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time determination of spatial distribution provides feedback that allows the system to detect and correct drift before it reaches protected zones, maintaining efficacy while preventing harmful exposure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If application quantity is reduced to minimize drift, then environmental safety is improved, but pesticide efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The digital application map specifies precise application quantities for different field areas, allowing the system to apply minimum necessary amounts in drift-prone areas while maintaining adequate application in areas requiring higher doses for efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The digital application map is prepared in advance with site-specific application rates that account for potential drift risks, allowing the system to apply the correct quantity from the start without needing to reduce application for safety concerns
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
Ensures even and effective application of crop protection products, reducing the risk of pesticide reaching unintended areas and adhering to legal limits, while maintaining efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
there is a risk that the pesticide will be distributed unevenly by wind
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to the autonomous application of crop protection agents by a drone. Disclosed are a method and an unmanned aerial vehicle for applying crop protection agents, taking into consideration drift phenomena. Also disclosed is a computer program product that can be used to control the method according to the invention.