UAV Rotary Tablet Dispenser for Precise Chemical Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more efficient and precise control of chemical product dispersal in tablet form using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
An aerial material delivery system comprising a UAV with a rotary cartridge and a material dispensing assembly that includes indexing motors and dispensers to dispense tablets accurately and predictably, allowing for precise application of chemical products at target locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical products are dispensed from UAV in tablet form, then precision and control of application is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for specialized dispensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is segmented into modular components: a rotary cartridge holding multiple tablets, an indexing mechanism with pawl and rack for controlled rotation, and a dispenser assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, improving precision while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
Tablets are pre-loaded into the rotary cartridge in advance of the dispensing operation. The indexing mechanism is pre-configured with the pawl-rack arrangement to ensure precise incremental rotation. This preliminary preparation enables controlled, precise dispensing without complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If tablets are dispensed one at a time from rotary cartridge, then dispensing control is improved, but productivity decreases due to sequential dispensing rate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary cartridge implements periodic action by rotating in discrete incremental steps, with each step positioning one tablet for dispensing. The indexing mechanism with pawl and rack creates a rhythmic, controlled sequence of tablet presentations, ensuring precise one-at-a-time dispensing while maintaining a steady operational pace.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tablets are pre-loaded in the rotary cartridge, allowing continuous dispensing action without repeated loading interruptions. The indexing mechanism enables uninterrupted sequential rotation, maintaining continuous useful action while preserving precise single-tablet control through the periodic indexing cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If material dispensing assembly is releasably mounted to UAV, then adaptability is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential mounting issues
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system implements dynamics by allowing the dispensing assembly to transition between mounted and unmounted states. Quick-connect interfaces enable the assembly to be dynamically attached or detached from the UAV, providing adaptability for different operational scenarios while maintaining secure connection during flight through positive locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable mounting allows the dispensing assembly to be easily detached and recovered after use. The quick-connect design enables rapid separation from the UAV, facilitating recovery of the assembly for maintenance, refilling, or storage, while the secure mounting ensures reliable operation during the dispensing phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an aerial material delivery system, which includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a material dispensing assembly mounted to the UAV. The material dispensing assembly includes a rotary cartridge defining a plurality of channels extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotary cartridge, each channel retaining a respective set of tablets therein, an indexing motor configured to index the channels, and a dispenser configured to dispense a single tablet at a time from the rotary cartridge to a target location. Methods of operating such a system are also described.