Autonomous Fruit-Harvesting UAV With Netted Cage Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orchard harvesting devices are large, expensive, and inefficient, with limitations in mobility and the ability to reach fruit at tree tops, and existing drones lack the necessary arm structures and feedback systems for selective harvesting of ripe fruits without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) equipped with a computing system, fruit detection unit, anti-collision system, and a protruding netted cage for navigating and harvesting fruits, allowing for precise identification and retrieval of ripe fruits without damaging them, and a control unit for coordinating UAVs for efficient harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional large tracks with robotic arms are used for harvesting, then harvesting capability is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based robotic systems to aerial drone-based harvesting, moving the harvesting mechanism from the ground dimension to the aerial dimension. This allows the drone to access tree tops and overhead fruit that ground-based systems cannot reach, while avoiding obstacles on the ground and reducing the need for large, complex robotic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic arms with multiple degrees of freedom with a simpler aerial platform. The drone uses its mobility and positioning capabilities rather than complex articulated arms to reach fruit, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining harvesting effectiveness.
2Extent of automation
If ground-based robotic vehicles are used, then automation is achieved, but mobility and passability through terrain are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By moving to aerial operation, the drone gains freedom of movement in three-dimensional space, allowing it to navigate around obstacles, pass through dense foliage, and access areas that ground vehicles cannot reach. This dimensional change provides superior adaptability to varied terrain and orchard layouts.
3Device complexity
If existing drones without specialized arms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to reach and harvest fruit from tree tops is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a flying platform and a harvesting mechanism. The harvesting arm is integrated into the drone structure, allowing the same device to perform both navigation and fruit retrieval functions, eliminating the need for separate long-reach mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities, using real-time control of its flight path and orientation to reach fruit. Rather than relying on a static long arm, the drone dynamically adjusts its position in three-dimensional space to access fruit at various heights and locations.
4Measurement precision
If manual harvesting is used, then fruit selection capability is maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone incorporates vision systems and sensors that provide real-time feedback about fruit ripeness and location. This feedback loop enables automated identification and selection of ripe fruit, combining the precision of manual inspection with the speed of automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone performs self-navigation and self-positioning to reach selected fruit, using its own sensors and control systems to autonomously navigate to the coordinates of identified ripe fruit without requiring external guidance or manual intervention for each fruit selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved, autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) for harvesting or diluting fruit, and a control unit for coordinating flight and/or harvesting missions thereof, as well as a system and method for harvesting fruits.