Modular Agricultural Drone Power and Reservoir Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural distribution machines based on autonomous aircraft face frequent downtimes due to limited rechargeable power storage capacity, requiring frequent refills and recharging, which also necessitates the constant presence of an operator.
Innovation Solution
The design separates the rechargeable power storage device and distribution components from the aircraft frame, allowing for automatic coupling and decoupling, enabling autonomous exchange of empty for full units, and includes a filling and charging station for automated refilling and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rechargeable power storage device is integrated into the aircraft frame, then the structure is simpler and more compact, but the power storage capacity is limited and cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device is separated from the aircraft frame into an independent, replaceable module. This segmentation allows the power storage capacity to be increased by adding multiple battery units while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized interfaces.
2Productivity
If the reservoir capacity is increased to reduce refilling frequency, then the maximum load of the aircraft is exceeded, but if the capacity is limited, then frequent refilling interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple smaller, independently replaceable containers. This allows the aircraft to carry multiple containers that can be quickly swapped during operation, achieving continuous distribution without requiring a single large container that would exceed weight limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Empty reservoir containers are discarded and replaced with full containers during automated exchanges at the charging station, allowing continuous operation without manual intervention for refilling.
3Ease of operation
If manual refilling and recharging operations are used, then operator control is maintained, but frequent operator presence is required causing downtime and increased operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs refilling and recharging operations autonomously through automated coupling devices and charging stations. The aircraft automatically docks with the charging station, which then refills reservoirs and recharges power storage devices without requiring operator presence, eliminating downtime associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station prepares replacement reservoirs and charged power storage devices in advance, so that when the aircraft arrives for automated exchange, ready-to-use components are immediately available, minimizing any potential downtime.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the aircraft carries sufficient power storage for long duration flights, then the aircraft weight increases, but if the power storage is limited, then frequent returns to base are required
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage system is segmented into multiple modular battery units that can be quickly exchanged at the charging station. This allows the aircraft to maintain a manageable weight with smaller battery units while achieving extended operational duration through automated replacement of depleted units with charged ones.
Data Source
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AI summary
Agricultural distribution machine for the automated application of materials, comprising, on the one hand, an autonomous aircraft (100) with aircraft frame (101), electrically driven propellers (102) (103), position detection device, and control device; and, on the other hand, a separate carrying unit (200) with storage container (203), metering unit (204), distribution unit (205), and a rechargeable energy storage device (202). The carrying unit (200) can be coupled and uncoupled from the aircraft frame (101) by means of an automatic coupling device (K), wherein the aircraft frame has a first (120) and the carrying unit a second (220) electrical interface, which are connected to each other when the carrying unit is in its coupled position to the aircraft frame in order to supply the autonomous aircraft with power.The invention further relates to a filling and charging station (300) which is suitable both for filling the storage container (203) with material to be distributed and for charging the rechargeable energy storage device (202) of the carrying unit (200) of such an agricultural distribution machine.