Autonomous UVC Turfgrass Control for Nighttime Growth Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the growth of warm season C4 turfgrass are inefficient and challenging, particularly due to rapid growth acceleration once the turfgrass exits dormancy, requiring frequent mowing and lacking effective means to regulate growth rate.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous robotic system equipped with a UVC light subsystem is used to apply UV light to C4 turfgrass at specific wavelengths, intensities, and timings to regulate growth, reducing clipping weight and seed head presence while increasing shoot density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If frequent mowing is applied to control rapid turfgrass growth, then growth rate is reduced, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth control efficiencyVSAvoidmowing frequency requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mowing with UV light treatment to control turfgrass growth. The UV light subsystem emits ultraviolet light at specific wavelengths (200-300nm) to inhibit turfgrass growth, eliminating the need for frequent mechanical mowing operations while maintaining effective growth control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the growth control parameter from mechanical cutting to electromagnetic radiation exposure. By applying UV light at specific intensities (0.5-300 Watts per square meter) and durations, the system achieves growth control through parameter adjustment rather than repeated mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If chemical-based treatment methods are used to control turfgrass, then growth regulation is achieved, but harmful chemical residues are introduced to the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth control effectivenessVSAvoidchemical residue contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical treatments with physical UV light treatment. The UV light subsystem emits ultraviolet radiation that naturally inhibits turfgrass growth and eliminates pathogens without introducing any chemical substances into the environment, thereby avoiding chemical residue contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of UV radiation (which can damage DNA) into a beneficial growth control mechanism. By using controlled UV exposure, the system inhibits unwanted turfgrass growth and eliminates pathogens while avoiding chemical pollutants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If UV light treatment is applied to eliminate pathogens, then disease incidence is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen elimination effectivenessVSAvoidUVC light energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial UV light treatment by targeting only specific areas and durations necessary for pathogen elimination. The system adjusts treatment intensity and duration to achieve sufficient pathogen control without excessive energy expenditure, treating only the turfgrass areas that require sanitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively reduces clipping weight by at least 50% and increases shoot density by at least 60% compared to untreated areas, while decreasing the growth rate of C4 turfgrass.

Implementation Method 1

UVC light is generated by the UVC light subsystem with a wavelength between about 200.0 nm and 300.0 nm; and preferably between 245.0 nm to about 275.0 nm; and most preferably between about 250.0 nm to about 270.0 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUVC light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Ultraviolet ("UV") light may be used to remove or eliminate microorganisms, pathogens, algae, and fungi in various environmental applications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light sterilization: Radiation

Implementation Method 3

C4 turfgrasses uses C4 photosynthesis to turn light, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectC4 photosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS12582026B2Autonomous robotic system and method for controlling disease incidence in a target C4 turf grass area

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SS TURF TECH LLC

AI summary

A method and system for controlling disease incidence of a turfgrass in a target area, includes: providing an autobot capable of automatically applying a UVC light treatment to the target grass area, wherein the target grass area comprises C4 turfgrass. The method and system includes coupling a UVC light subsystem to the autobot such that the UVC light subsystem is suspended above the C4 turfgrass within the target grass within a first predetermined range. Next, UVC light is generated by the UVC light subsystem with a wavelength within a second predetermined range. Subsequently, the UVC light is emitted from the UVC light subsystem to the C4 turfgrass at an intensity within a third predetermined range. And the UVC light is moved across the C4 turfgrass within the target grass area using the autobot at night at a speed within a fourth predetermined range.