GPS-Controlled Plant Protection Atomizer with Dynamic Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phytosanitary treatment systems for tree crops lack precision and efficiency due to static distribution systems, reliance on operator skill, and potential for errors in pesticide dosage, leading to suboptimal distribution and environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
An atomizer equipped with a management system that uses GPS georeferencing, prescription maps, and automatic controls to optimize pesticide distribution based on plot-specific data, including volume and airflow adjustments, ensuring accurate and efficient application while minimizing operator error and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static distribution system with fixed nozzles is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of pesticide distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the distribution system by enabling variable operating pressure and adjustable airflow intensity through electronic controls, allowing the atomizer to adapt distribution parameters in real-time based on crop needs and environmental conditions, thereby achieving precise pesticide application without excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the distribution process by allowing variation of liquid flow rate through pressure control and airflow intensity through turbine regulation, enabling precise adjustment of pesticide dosage and distribution pattern to match specific crop requirements while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Device complexity
If operator manual management of pesticide dosage is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of pesticide distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by incorporating electronic controls that automatically manage pesticide dosage based on pre-set parameters and real-time sensor feedback, reducing reliance on operator skill and attention while ensuring consistent, accurate application throughout the work duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor distribution parameters and provide real-time data to the control system, allowing automatic adjustments to maintain precise pesticide dosage and enabling detection of system malfunctions or deviations from intended application rates
3Adaptability or versatility
If live target recognition through sensors is used, then the adaptability of the distribution system is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensor malfunction risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-programming distribution parameters, prescription maps, and operational settings before field work begins, allowing the atomizer to execute reliable, pre-planned distribution patterns without continuous sensor dependency during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines dynamic sensor-based target recognition with reliable pre-programmed fallback controls, allowing the system to adapt to real-time conditions when sensors function properly while maintaining reliable operation through pre-set parameters if sensor malfunctions occur
4Loss of substance
If precision distribution through automated control is implemented, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise pesticide application by dynamically adjusting parameters such as liquid flow rate, airflow intensity, and nozzle operation based on real-time conditions and pre-set prescription maps, minimizing pesticide waste through optimized dosage while maintaining automated control at manageable complexity levels
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 reduces operator fatigue, minimizes pesticide waste, and ensures precise distribution by automating nozzle management and airflow adjustments, improving treatment quality and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine unit (3) connectable to said motorization means (T) to receive the motion so as to move air and determine a flow of air
Implementation Method 2
said turbine group (3) being connected to a plurality of diffusers (51, 52, 53) intended to atomise a mixture with the air flow received from the turbine unit (3)
Implementation Method 3
a pump (2), connectable to said motorization means (T) to receive the motion, and connected at the inlet to said tank (40) and at the outlet to said plurality of diffusers (51, 52, 53)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for dispensing plant protection products on tree crops; the apparatus (1) comprises: a support structure that can be associated with a motorization means (T), a turbine group (3) capable of determining a flow of air, said turbine group (3) being connected to a plurality of diffusers (51 , 52, 53); a first tank (40); a pump (2); a central processing unit (UC) equipped with a memory (M) with a database relating to the areas to be treated on which to deliver the plant protection products and connected to a localization device (GPS); the central processing unit (UC) is connected to the pump (2) and/or to said turbine group (3) and/or to said plurality of diffusers (51, 52, 53) so as to regulate the delivery of plant protection products in function of the data contained in the memory (M) and the position detected by the localization device (GPS).