Modular Agricultural Laser Platform for Dust-Protected Field Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural laser systems face limitations such as low speed, high fuel consumption, high operating costs, and lack of adaptability for various crop sizes, as well as vulnerability to dust and organic matter residues in positive pressure environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular and adaptable laser system that operates autonomously or controlledly, utilizing various laser options like solid-state, gas, and fiber optics, with modular design and positive pressure protection to enable efficient pruning, weeding, cutting, desiccation, and photostimulation across different crop sizes at high speeds with low fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional agricultural implements (brush cutters, harvesters) are used, then agricultural tasks can be performed, but fuel consumption is high and operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical agricultural implements (brush cutters, harvesters) with a laser-based system that uses optical energy instead of mechanical cutting. The laser system performs cutting, pruning, weeding, and desiccation functions through concentrated light energy, eliminating the need for fuel-consuming mechanical engines and reducing operating costs.
2Reliability
If optical devices operate in positive pressure environments, then protection from dust and organic matter is provided, but dust and organic matter residues can still accumulate on optical parts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent dust accumulation through positive pressure alone, the patent introduces a controlled negative pressure (vacuum) environment in the sealed housing. This vacuum environment actively draws dust and organic matter away from the optical components, preventing accumulation while maintaining protection. The vacuum system works in conjunction with the sealed housing to create a clean environment for the optical devices.
3Productivity
If laser systems are designed for high-speed operation, then productivity increases, but adaptability for various crop sizes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable parameters including variable laser power output, adjustable pulse duration, and controllable beam diameter. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to different crop sizes and types while maintaining high-speed operation. The control system can modify laser parameters in real-time based on the specific agricultural task and crop characteristics, providing both speed and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented, then adaptability for all crop sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser system into modular components including separate laser sources, beam delivery systems, control units, and protective housings. Each module can be independently configured and adjusted for different crop types and sizes. This segmentation provides adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and independent module design, allowing the system to be customized without redesigning the entire system.
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 achieves high-speed operation with low fuel consumption and adaptability for diverse agricultural tasks, while maintaining system integrity in dusty environments, enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a laser system that can operate autonomously or in a controlled way that has the objective of carrying out pruning, weeding, cutting, desiccation, photostimulation
Implementation Method 2
The optical devices may or may not operate in environments with positive pressure to avoid damage due to dust or organic matter residues that could accumulate on the optical parts or along the laser path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system for agricultural applications, the purpose of which is to broaden, supplement or replace the functions performed by conventional implements, aimed at performing pruning, harrowing, cutting, drying and photostimulation, by means of one or more lasers, with a power-supply module, control module, compressed gas and/or ventilation module, temperature control module, distribution module, laser module, laser light containment and guidance module and wheels, having the advantages of reduced dimensions and weight, being able to move at relatively high speeds with low fuel consumption and low operating costs, being able to operate or not operate in environments with positive pressure to avoid damage to the optical parts or along the path of the laser, the modularity of the system and its adaptability to any size of field.