Active Pest Deterrents on Mobile Irrigation Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pest deterrents in agricultural irrigation systems are passive and become less effective as pests acclimate to them, and updating these deterrents is impractical due to their fixed nature.
Innovation Solution
A mobile irrigation system with an active pest deterrent system that includes remotely controlled, network-connected pest deterrent devices, sensors, and a centralized control system, allowing for dynamic adjustments and updates to deter pests effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional passive pest deterrents are used, then initial pest deterrence is provided, but effectiveness decreases as pests become acclimated
Solution Approach 1:
The pest deterrent system transitions from static passive deterrents to dynamic active deterrents that can change their deterrent methods over time. The system activates different deterrent mechanisms (acoustic devices, visual deterrents, olfactory dispensers) based on real-time pest detection and acclimation patterns, maintaining effectiveness throughout the growing season
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of pest deterrent devices based on detected pest behavior and acclimation. This includes adjusting noise frequencies, light patterns, scent release rates, and device activation schedules to prevent pest adaptation and maintain deterrence effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed pest deterrents are installed, then pest protection is provided, but updating them to adapt to changing pest threats is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The pest deterrent system integrates multiple deterrent functions (acoustic, visual, olfactory) into a single universal platform that can address various pest types. The system can be remotely reprogrammed to handle different pest threats without physical hardware changes, providing adaptability through software updates rather than device replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical mechanical updates with electronic/software-based updates. Instead of physically installing new deterrent devices when pest threats change, the system uses wireless communication to transmit new deterrent programs and parameters, significantly reducing the complexity of adapting to new pest challenges
3Reliability
If active pest deterrent devices are added to the irrigation system, then pest deterrence capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pest deterrent devices are merged with the existing irrigation system infrastructure, utilizing the irrigation system's power supply, control architecture, and communication networks. This integration approach adds pest protection functionality while minimizing additional system complexity by leveraging existing components
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile irrigation system comprising a control system and an active pest deterrent system. The control system includes a data transfer module for transmitting communication signals over an external network and a first internal network communication element for transmitting communication signals over an internal mobile irrigation system network. The active pest deterrent system includes a pest deterrent device configured to deter pests from remaining in the field, the pest deterrent device including a controller configured to activate the pest deterrent device and a second internal network communication element communicatively coupling the controller to the control system via the internal mobile irrigation system network.