Networked Chemical Dispersion Nodes for Automated Pest Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pest management methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring manual chemical applications and frequent monitoring, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies in addressing pest problems across various environments.

Innovation Solution

A networked chemical dispersion system comprising chemical dispersion nodes, a processor unit, sensors, and a cartridge, which generates and executes a chemical dispersion plan based on user input and environmental data to automate the application of chemicals for pest control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual chemical applications are used for pest management, then chemical treatment can be applied, but labor intensity increases and safety hazards arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of chemical applicationVSAvoidmanual handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the chemical dispersion nodes automatically detect pests, generate treatment plans, and dispense chemicals without human intervention. The nodes monitor their own chemical levels and receive automatic refilling, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining effective pest management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect pest conditions, processors generate dispersion plans, and electronically controlled cartridges dispense chemicals automatically, substituting human labor with an integrated sensor-processor-actuator system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If frequent manual monitoring and application are performed, then pest problems can be addressed, but time consumption and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest management efficiencyVSAvoidtime for monitoring and application
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical dispersion nodes continuously monitor pest conditions and automatically execute treatment when needed, eliminating gaps between manual inspections. The system maintains continuous surveillance and responsive treatment, ensuring pest problems are addressed immediately without waiting for scheduled manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously detect pest presence and conditions, the processor analyzes this data against treatment thresholds, and automatic dispersion actions are triggered based on real-time conditions. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes treatment timing and eliminates unnecessary manual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual chemical handling is performed, then chemical application can be controlled, but safety hazards increase for humans

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety hazards to humansVSAvoidlevel of automated dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts humans from the chemical handling process entirely. Chemicals are stored in sealed cartridges within automated nodes, and all dispensing operations are performed by machine-controlled mechanisms, completely removing human exposure to chemical hazards while maintaining precise application control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated chemical dispersion node acts as an intermediary between the chemical cartridge and the environment. The node's controlled dispensing mechanisms precisely manage chemical release without human contact, serving as a safe mediator that eliminates direct human-chemical interaction while ensuring accurate application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9357759B2Networked chemical dispersion system
Publication Date: 2016.06.07 DEERE & CO

AI summary

The illustrative embodiments provide a chemical dispersion system comprising a number of chemical dispersion nodes, a chemical dispersion manager, and a processor unit. The processor unit executes the chemical dispersion manager to identify a pest problem and generate a chemical dispersion plan for execution by the number of chemical dispersion nodes.