UAV Spray Nozzle Flow Control for Uniform Aerial Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial disbursement systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in achieving uniform coverage due to fluctuations in wind speed, altitude, velocity, and vehicle movements such as rolling, pitching, and yawing, leading to inconsistent distribution of agricultural products.
Innovation Solution
A disbursement system equipped with sensors to monitor flight parameters and a processing unit that models the effect of these parameters on spray patterns, allowing for real-time modulation of the flowrate of disbursement nozzles to achieve uniform coverage, using an extended Kalman filter for navigation state estimation and dynamic control methodologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pump and valve assembly systems are used for aerial chemical dispersal, then the system structure is simple, but the coverage uniformity deteriorates due to wind speed fluctuations, altitude variations, and UAV motion perturbations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flowrate control by modulating the pump system based on real-time sensor data regarding UAV velocity, altitude, and attitude. The valve assembly is controlled dynamically to adjust chemical discharge rates in response to changing flight conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that maintains coverage uniformity despite environmental variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor flight parameters (velocity, altitude, roll, pitch, yaw) and feed this information to the control system. The control system processes this data and adjusts the valve assembly and pump operations accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for deviations from desired coverage patterns
Solution Approach 3:
The patent changes operational parameters (flowrate, pump speed, valve position) in response to measured flight condition variations. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on real-time data, the system compensates for the effects of wind, altitude changes, and UAV motion, maintaining consistent chemical application rates across varying conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time flowrate modulation based on multiple sensor inputs is implemented, then coverage uniformity improves, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (velocity, altitude, attitude), models spray patterns, calculates required flowrate adjustments, and controls both pump and valve assemblies. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model of the spray pattern as an intermediary between sensor inputs and actuator commands. This model translates complex multi-parameter sensor data into meaningful flowrate adjustment requirements, serving as a mediator that simplifies the control logic by providing a predictive framework for spray behavior under various flight conditions
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed flowrate disbursement is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the distribution uniformity deteriorates under varying flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically adjust its own operation without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously processes sensor data, determines required flowrate modifications, and actuates the valve and pump accordingly. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while achieving uniform distribution, as the system self-regulates in response to flight condition changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A disbursement system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The disbursement system may include a plurality of disbursement nozzles operable to dispense a flowable product at variable flowrates, a flow controller responsive to instructions and operable to regulate a volume of the flowable product dispensed by the plurality of disbursement nozzles by changing a flowrate of one or more of the disbursement nozzles, either collectively or individually, and a control system. The control system may include a sensor operable to monitor a value of a flight parameter of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a processing unit configured to model an effect of the flight parameter on first flow control instructions corresponding to a prescription coverage of the product and model a change in the flowrate of the one or more of the disbursement nozzles, which change in flowrate is modeled as a first constant multiplied by the value of the flight parameter.