Fixed-Wing UAV Spray Control for Drift and Flight Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotor-based UAVs for aerial spraying have limited payload and flight duration, requiring frequent refills and battery changes, while fixed-wing UAVs with larger payloads and longer flight times are desirable but not yet effectively implemented for autonomous chemical dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-wing UAV system with processors for autonomous flight planning and chemical dispersion, featuring multiple nozzles, tanks, and altitude adjustments to optimize droplet size and spraying based on geo-spatial commands, obstacles, and environmental conditions, allowing for efficient and controlled chemical application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotor-based UAVs are used for aerial spraying, then maneuverability and control are improved, but payload capacity and flight duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of both rotor-based and fixed-wing UAV designs by integrating a fixed-wing configuration with rotor-capable features, creating a hybrid aircraft that can perform vertical takeoff and landing like rotors while maintaining the extended flight duration and payload capacity of fixed-wing designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic wing configuration that can change between horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing the aircraft to switch between efficient forward flight mode for extended duration and vertical maneuvering mode for improved control and precision spraying
2Ease of operation
If rotor-based UAVs are used for aerial spraying, then control precision is improved, but payload capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control precision of rotor-based UAVs with the payload capacity of fixed-wing UAVs by creating a hybrid design that incorporates both rotational and fixed-wing propulsion systems, enabling large chemical tank capacity while maintaining precise maneuvering and spraying control
3Duration of action of moving object
If fixed-wing UAVs are used for aerial spraying, then payload capacity and flight time are improved, but autonomous control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary programming and pre-planned flight paths with automated geo-spatial command execution, allowing the fixed-wing UAV to autonomously perform complex spraying operations without real-time human intervention, thereby managing control complexity through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time environmental sensing and feedback mechanisms that monitor droplet size, spray distribution, and flight conditions, automatically adjusting operational parameters to maintain optimal performance while reducing the complexity of autonomous control through adaptive response
4Manufacturing precision
If droplet size is reduced for accurate chemical application, then spraying precision is improved, but chemical drift increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts droplet size parameters based on real-time flight conditions, wind speed, and altitude, optimizing the balance between spraying precision and drift reduction by varying droplet characteristics to match environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic droplet size adjustment capabilities that allow the spray system to change droplet characteristics in real-time during flight, transitioning between smaller droplets for precision and larger droplets for drift reduction based on immediate operational requirements
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
Enables efficient and autonomous aerial spraying with extended flight times and optimized chemical distribution, minimizing drift and ensuring accurate application by adjusting droplet size and spraying based on real-time environmental data.
Implementation Method 1
The chemical spray system includes one or more tanks attached to the body of the UAV, a pump fluidly connected to the tanks
Implementation Method 2
The multiple nozzles may include a rotary atomizer for controlling the droplet size of the sprayed chemical
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling spraying of chemicals by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An unmanned aerial vehicle system includes one or more processors configured to perform operations of autonomously performing a flight path by the UAV and dispersing a chemical by the UAV along portions of the flight path. The UAV may include a chemical spray system having one or more spray booms with multiple nozzles for dispersing a chemical. The chemical spray system may include one or more tanks attached to the body of the UAV and a pump fluidly connected to the tanks to disperse chemical via the spray booms.