UAV Spraying System Liquid Flow Control via ESC Pulse Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural spraying systems are cumbersome and difficult to control, particularly when used on aerial vehicles like UAVs, due to the need for heavy equipment and precise control of liquid flow and pressure, which limits their efficiency and effectiveness in distributing pesticides and fertilizers.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an electronic speed controller to measure and calculate liquid flow in a spraying system, allowing for precise control of pump cycles and fluid output, enabling efficient operation of UAVs for spraying operations without the need for heavy flow meters, and integrates with GPS for remote control and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow detecting apparatus are used in spraying systems, then liquid flow can be detected, but the equipment becomes heavy and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow detection devices with an electronic control system that uses a pulse generator and controller to measure pump shaft rotation and calculate liquid flow. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical flow meters while achieving precise flow measurement through electronic sensing and computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pulse generator as an intermediary device that converts the pump shaft's rotational motion into electrical pulses. This intermediary enables indirect measurement of liquid flow through the rotation count, avoiding the need for direct mechanical flow sensing and reducing equipment weight.
2Measurement precision
If separate flow detecting apparatus are used, then liquid flow can be measured, but the system becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow detection function with the existing pump control system by integrating the pulse generator and controller into the pump assembly. This consolidation eliminates separate flow detecting apparatus and creates a unified control system that is easier to operate and manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the pump operation, generates pulse signals for flow measurement, and processes rotation data to calculate liquid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies system control.
3Measurement precision
If heavy equipment is used for spraying systems, then liquid flow can be detected, but the spraying system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical flow detection equipment with a lightweight electronic pulse generation and counting system. This substitution significantly reduces the weight of the spraying system, improving its efficiency and mobility while maintaining accurate liquid flow measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy or representation of the pump shaft's rotation through pulse signals, rather than using physical flow detection mechanisms. This virtual measurement approach eliminates the need for heavy mechanical sensors and improves system efficiency.
4Power
If conventional pumping systems are used, then liquid can be pumped, but precise control of liquid flow and pressure is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the pulse generator continuously monitors pump shaft rotation and sends signals to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to calculate actual liquid flow and adjust pump operation to maintain precise control over flow rate and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pump control dynamic by continuously adjusting operation based on real-time feedback from the pulse generator. This dynamic control enables precise regulation of liquid flow and pressure, adapting to changing conditions during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can determine a liquid flow in a spraying system. An amount of liquid that is output from the spraying system during a pump cycle is determined. A number of pump cycles that occur within a given amount of time are measured. The number of pump cycles are measured using an electronic speed controller (ESC). Additionally, the ESC indicates the number of pump cycles within a given amount of time within a threshold of precision. The amount of liquid flow in the spraying system is calculated based on the measured number of pump cycles and the determined amount of liquid that is output from the spraying system.