EP3972900A1 - Support de buse de pulvérisation pour un véhicule aérien - Google Patents

Support de buse de pulvérisation pour un véhicule aérien

Info

Publication number
EP3972900A1
EP3972900A1 EP20729149.3A EP20729149A EP3972900A1 EP 3972900 A1 EP3972900 A1 EP 3972900A1 EP 20729149 A EP20729149 A EP 20729149A EP 3972900 A1 EP3972900 A1 EP 3972900A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spray nozzle
target
spray
fluid
aircraft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20729149.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel F J REGLAR
Robert Youngs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Railscape Technologies Ltd
Original Assignee
Railscape Technologies Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1907091.1A external-priority patent/GB201907091D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1917198.2A external-priority patent/GB201917198D0/en
Application filed by Railscape Technologies Ltd filed Critical Railscape Technologies Ltd
Publication of EP3972900A1 publication Critical patent/EP3972900A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/62—Arrangements for supporting spraying apparatus, e.g. suction cups
    • B05B15/628—Arrangements for supporting spraying apparatus, e.g. suction cups of variable length
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/65—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
    • B05B15/652—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/68—Arrangements for adjusting the position of spray heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D1/00—Dropping, ejecting, releasing, or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
    • B64D1/16—Dropping or releasing powdered, liquid, or gaseous matter, e.g. for fire-fighting
    • B64D1/18—Dropping or releasing powdered, liquid, or gaseous matter, e.g. for fire-fighting by spraying, e.g. insecticides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/005—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00 mounted on vehicles or designed to apply a liquid on a very large surface, e.g. on the road, on the surface of large containers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in or relating to fluid delivery, and in particular, to fluid delivery configured to be sprayed from an aircraft.
  • a common target for herbicide delivery is unwanted vegetation. Vegetation that has gained a foothold in the fabric of a building or structure is extremely detrimental to the integrity of the same. The ingress of the plant is destructive in itself, however, voids created by the growth of vegetation also allows water into the fabric of the structure. This, in turn, allows freeze- thaw action to occur which causes further damage over time.
  • a device for spraying a fluid onto a target comprising: a container configured to hold the fluid; a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the container and configured to spray the fluid onto the target; a retainer for attachment to an aircraft; and a conduit for providing separation between the container and the spray nozzle, wherein the conduit comprises at least one adjustable joint configured to change the position of the spray nozzle relative to the retainer.
  • the device comprises: a container configured to hold the fluid; a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the container and configured to spray the fluid onto the target; a retainer for attachment to an aircraft, in use; and a conduit for providing separation between the container and the spray nozzle so that the spray is independent of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • Providing a device configured to spray a target and being suitable for attaching to an aircraft, in use, is particularly advantageous for delivery of a fluid to a target at height, for example, delivering herbicide and/or a pesticide to a structure or delivering a paint to cover up or obscure offensive graffiti.
  • the disclosed device improves the inherent safety of the operative(s) by reducing the risk of injury or death by removing the requirement for direct interaction and/or scaffolding or rope access to the target; hence greatly reducing the risk to human life and limb.
  • the operative(s) may be a ground located remote operative(s) or located in a controlled environment within the device.
  • the conduit of the device may be configured to comprise a fluid channel that provides the fluid communication between the spray nozzle and the container.
  • the fluid channel enables the conduit to perform two functions, namely providing fluid connection between the container and the nozzle; and physically connecting the same.
  • the number of components of the device is therefore reduced and the device simplified, thus resulting in a reduced cost of production and maintenance.
  • the at least one adjustable joint may be configured to change the position of the spray nozzle relative to the retainer. This enables the fluid to be accurately sprayed onto the target, hence reducing the contamination of the fluid to an area surrounding the target and reducing the volume of fluid required to be sprayed. This results in both financial and environmental benefits.
  • the at least one adjustable joint may be located closer to the spray nozzle than the retainer. Locating the joint closer to the spray nozzle than the retainer allows for small and precise adjustments of the spray nozzle position.
  • the at least one adjustable joint may be located closer to the retainer than the spray nozzle. Locating the joint closer to the retainer than the spray nozzle allows for large and sweeping adjustments of the spray nozzle.
  • the at least one adjustable joint may be located substantially equidistant from the retainer and the spray nozzle.
  • the at least one adjustable joint may be two or more adjustable joints. Further, the at least one adjustable joint may comprise two adjustable joints located at opposing ends of the conduit. Two or more adjustable joints may allow for both small and large adjustments of the spray nozzle to be made, in addition to giving additional versatility as a result of the two or more locations of adjustment.
  • the joint may be configured to connect a first and second member of the conduit.
  • the joint may be configured to allow relative movement of the second member with respect to the first member. Providing a joint that allows relative movement of the second member with respect to the first member enables adjustments to be made to the spray nozzle position without having to manoeuvre the aircraft. The adjustments may enable the device to spray a target in a location that may otherwise not be reachable using a fixed or rigid conduit.
  • the aforementioned joint may be configured to allow rotation of the second member in any plane with respect to the first member.
  • Allowing the second member to rotate in any plane with respect to the first member increases the versatility of the device to spray a target precisely and accurately when the target is located on an inclined or inverted surface.
  • a hemispherical ‘field of fire’ is created perpendicular to the air flow created by the aircraft in use.
  • a hemispherical ‘field of fire’ perpendicular to the air flow ensures that the fluid remains independent of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use, whilst allowing the spray nozzle to be guided to spray in any other desired direction.
  • the second member may rotate up to 180 degrees in any plane with respect to the first member.
  • the joint may be motorised, hence allowing adjustments to be made to the angle of the second member with respect to the first member, in use. Adjusting the position of the second member, in use, eliminates the requirement for the aircraft to manoeuvre or the device to receive direct human input.
  • the position of the joint and therefore the angle of the second member with respect to the first may be adjusted using a first remote control comprising a first remote control system.
  • the first remote control may also be used to operate the aircraft, in use.
  • a second remote control and/or second remote control system may be used to operate the aircraft.
  • the device may not share any of the controls and/or control systems of the aircraft.
  • the first and second remote controls and/or remote control systems may be operated by a first and second operator, respectively.
  • a remote control to operate the aircraft and/or device in use is advantageous as the personnel operating the remote control (the‘operator(s)’) are able to remain on the ground or in a position of safety. This reduces the weight that the aircraft would otherwise have to lift in addition to allowing the operator(s) to maintain a greater distance from a target than the aircraft, hence further reducing the risk of danger or contamination.
  • the joint may be located outside of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • the second member and spray nozzle will also be located outside of the air flow.
  • the fluid being sprayed can therefore be guaranteed to be independent of the air flow when the angle of rotation of the second member is limited with respect to the first member to a hemispherical‘field of fire’ acting perpendicular to the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • the aircraft may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
  • UAV also comprises an unmanned aerial system (UAS), remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS), a small unmanned surveillance aircraft (SUSA), a vertical take-off and landing vehicle (VTOL), a tilt rotor aircraft, a multi-rotor aircraft and a drone.
  • UAS unmanned aerial system
  • RPAS remotely piloted aerial system
  • SUSA small unmanned surveillance aircraft
  • VTOL vertical take-off and landing vehicle
  • a UAV may also enable the device to access locations and targets to be sprayed that the other aircraft cannot.
  • the aircraft may be piloted and/or carry the operator(s).
  • the aircraft operator/pilot may also be the device operator. Having the operator(s) onboard the aircraft may improve the accuracy of the spray and may provide the operator(s) with more information that may be required for accurate and precise spraying.
  • the device may further comprise a pump operably connected to the container and configured to produce a constant spray pattern.
  • the pump may be configured to eject a constant fluid flow rate from the container and into the conduit before being sprayed from the spray nozzle and onto a target.
  • a constant spray pattern is advantageous in ensuring the target receives the desired amount of fluid and that the fluid is precisely delivered to the target.
  • the pump hence spray pattern
  • the adjustment may be made by the first remote control. Enabling the spray pattern to be adjusted, in use, will allow the operator more accurately to spray the target during varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the adjustable spray pattern will allow the aircraft to choose from a greater variety of standoff positions.
  • the fluid flow rate may be between 1 ml and 20ml per second. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate may also be between 2ml and 15ml per second, 5ml and 10ml per second and/or 7ml and 8ml per second.
  • the fluid flow may be continuous, within the range of flow rates given above, or it may consist of short bursts in the region of 0.5s. More particularly, the short bursts may be 0.1s, 0.25s, 0.4s, 0.6s, 0.75s or even 1s in length. Short bursts are capable of providing targeted spraying with very efficient use of fluid.
  • the device may further comprise a flow regulator configured to produce a constant spray pattern.
  • the flow regulator may be located in the conduit.
  • the flow regulator, hence the spray pattern, may also be adjusted, in use, via the first remote control.
  • the spray pattern may be changed by changing the spray nozzle entirely.
  • the spray pattern is determined by, but not limited to the; droplet size, spread of the spray, effective range of the spray, direction of the spray, flow rate of the spray and volume of the spray.
  • the aforementioned variables may be adjusted by altering the spray nozzle, pump and/or the flow regulator.
  • the spray nozzle, pump and/or the flow regulator may be operatively connected to the flow channel and each may be altered independently, via the first remote control, in order to adjust the spray pattern.
  • the use of the first remote control to operate the device is also advantageous as the remote control may be configured to enable adjustments to the spraying pattern, to be made, in use.
  • the spray pattern may result in an effective spray range of 10mm to 10,000mm, away from the spray nozzle.
  • the effective spray range may be 50mm to 5,000mm, 75mm to 4,000mm, 100mm to 2,500mm, 250mm to 2,000mm, 300mm to 1 ,500mm or 750mm to 1500mm.
  • the most preferable effective spray range may be 750mm to 1 ,000mm.
  • the spray pattern may result in an effective fluid lateral distribution diameter away from the centre of the spray nozzle of less than 10mm, 50mm, 100mm, 200mm, 500mm, 750mm, 1 ,000mm, 1 ,500mm, 2,500mm or 5,000mm.
  • the spray angle in any given plane, may be less than 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees or 180 degrees.
  • the spray angle may be determined, in accordance with standard practice, by measuring the angle between the two outermost trajectories of fluid being sprayed.
  • the effective fluid lateral distribution may be great than 5,000mm in diameter.
  • the fluid lateral distribution diameter may be limit to less than 1 ,000mm, for example, in order to minimize off-target fluid deposits.
  • the spray pattern may also be configured to produce a substantially uniform deposit of fluid to the target in order to increase the efficiency of the device.
  • the spray pattern is configured to maintain a substantially parallel trajectory with respect to the spray nozzle and/or conduit. Doing so may increase the effective spray range, increase the spray accuracy and further minimize the off-target fluid deposits. The environmental impact associated with off-target fluid deposits is therefore reduced as a result.
  • An effective spray range of 10mm to 10,000mm means that the aircraft can position itself in a range of locations and still be able to spray a target. In turn, this means that a more suitable aircraft position can be chosen when spraying a target.
  • the effective spray range also enables targets to be sprayed that may otherwise not have been reachable.
  • the effective spray ranges may be achieved through the use of a 12 volt (V) pump operatively connected to the container and configured to pump the fluid down the conduit, into the spray nozzle and out onto the target.
  • a flow regulator may be used to adjust the effective spray range.
  • the pump and/or flow regulator control the flow rate of the fluid and the spray nozzle controls the droplet size, spread of the spray and direction of the spray.
  • the spray pattern is only maintained for short durations.
  • the spray pattern may be maintained for a duration of less than 0.1 , 0.5, 1 , 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 or 120 seconds.
  • the spray pattern may also be maintained for more than 120 seconds.
  • the retainer may be configured to attach the device to the aircraft, in use.
  • the retainer may be attached to the fluid conduit and may be closer to the container than the spray nozzle. Doing so would keep the mass of the container and fluid close to the aircraft. This configuration may reduce the strength and/or stiffness required by the conduit.
  • the aircraft becomes easier to manoeuvre as a result of the conduit substantially protruding away from the aircraft in a single direction.
  • the retainer may be attached to the fluid conduit substantially equidistant between the container and spray nozzle. Connecting the retainer within the middle half of the conduit allows the spray nozzle and container to counterbalance each other. This configuration requires less adjustment from the aircraft in order to balance the moments created by the spray nozzle. This may increase the efficiency of the aircraft and enable it to operate for longer periods of time for the same energy consumption.
  • the device may comprise a vision system configured to view the target to be sprayed.
  • the vision system may be located on the conduit and may be configured to view along the length of the conduit and towards the spray nozzle.
  • the vision system may be a camera, such as a surveillance camera, infrared camera, UV camera or any other device capable of providing the functionality of a camera such as a mobile phone.
  • the vision system may be a radar sensor or a LIDAR sensor.
  • the use of a camera enables the operator(s) to see where the device is set to spray, even when the device is out of the line of sight of the operator(s) or far away from the operator(s).
  • the use of a radar or LIDAR sensor enables the operator(s) to view beneath a surface, to identify and determine the distance to a void, for example.
  • the device may comprise a range finder unit configured to determine the distance between the spray nozzle and the target. This is intended to allow an operator to determine whether a target is located within a distance of the spray nozzle that will enable the fluid to be sprayed to reach the target. Alternatively, or in addition, the ranger finder unit is intended to allow an operator to determine whether the spray nozzle is at an optimal distance and/or within an optimal range from the target. In this latter scenario, the ranger finder unit enables the operator to position the aircraft more accurately with respect to the target.
  • the range finder unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein the sensor measures the distance between the at least one sensor and the target.
  • the range finder unit may also comprise a processor wherein the processor uses the measured distance between the at least one sensor and the target to determine the distance between the spray nozzle and the target.
  • the device may comprise an alert unit operably connected to the ranger finder unit.
  • the alert unit may be configured to receive data from the range finder regarding the distance between the spray nozzle and the target and produce an alert corresponding thereto.
  • the alert may enable the operator to quickly and clearly determine the distance of the spray nozzle from the target which may reduce operation time.
  • the alert unit may produce at least one of an audible or visual alert.
  • An audible and/or visual alert enables an operator to maintain sight of the device without needing to check a separate control unit or screen to determine the distance of the target from the spray nozzle. This improves the ease of use and safety of the device, in use.
  • the alert may change and/or vary depending on the distance of the spray nozzle from the target.
  • the change and/or variation of the alert will advise the operator as to the change in distance of the spray nozzle relative to the target so that an optimal or desirable distance can be easily recognised as a result of a specific alert.
  • An audible alert may comprise at least one of a continuous and intermittent sound. Alternatively, or in addition, an audible alert may vary in volume, tone and/or pitch.
  • a visual alert may comprise at least one of continuous or intermittent light. Alternatively, or in addition, the visual alert may vary in brightness and/or colour.
  • the alert unit therefore advises the operator as to the position of the spray nozzle with respect to the target. This may reduce operation time, reduce contamination of the fluid to areas surrounding the target and/or prevent overuse of fluid.
  • a visual alert may produce a constant and/or bright light when the distance between the nozzle and the target is optimal.
  • the light may dim and/or flash when the distance is sub-optimal and the light may not be present when the target is out of range and/or when the distance between the spray nozzle and the target would result in ineffective use of a fluid.
  • the device may comprise an alert unit in the form of a radio transmitting and radio receiving device.
  • the radio transmitting device may be operably connected to the processor of the range finder unit and is configured to produce a signal corresponding to the distance between the spray nozzle and the target.
  • the radio detecting device may be configured to receive the signal produced by the radio transmitting device and produce an output configured to alert an operative of the distance between the spray nozzle and the target.
  • the radio detecting device may be configured to be used, worn and/or held by an operative.
  • a method for spraying a fluid onto a target comprising the steps of: providing the aforementioned device, wherein the container contains the fluid; attaching the device to an aircraft; manoeuvring the aircraft between 100mm and 10,000mm from the target to be sprayed; spraying the fluid onto the target, wherein the spray is independent of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • Providing a method of spraying a target using an aircraft is particularly advantageous for delivery of a fluid to a target at height.
  • the method removes the requirement for direct human interaction with the target by means such as scaffolding or rope access.
  • the method therefore greatly reduces the risk to human life and limb by allowing the operator(s) to be located on the ground or in a controlled environment within the device.
  • the method may further comprise adjusting the position of the spray nozzle with respect to the aircraft.
  • the adjustment allows the aircraft operator(s) to accurately spray onto a target without the need to manoeuvre the entire aircraft. It also enables the spray nozzle to be positioned in locations and at an angle that it otherwise may not be able to reach.
  • the method may comprise remotely adjusting the spray pattern.
  • Remotely adjusting the spray pattern may reduce the operation time and therefore increase efficiency as a variety of targets can be sprayed without requiring direct human interaction with the device. Larger or more established targets may receive a greater flow rate of fluid or a larger droplet size compared to smaller to less or established targets, for example.
  • the method may further comprise spraying the target whilst the aircraft is moving with respect to the target.
  • Allowing the device to spray a target whilst moving enables the device to spray a target of a size too great to be sprayed from a single stand-off position. This may reduce operation time and ensure that the entirety of the target is sprayed without missing any locations that may arise if the aircraft is required to move between two or more stand-off positions without spraying in between.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic of the device of Figure 1 in elevation
  • Figure 3 is a schematic of the device of Figure 1 when viewed from the bottom;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic of the device of Figure 1 when viewing from the front (i.e. the end furthest from the container);
  • Figure 5 is a schematic of the device of Figure 1 when viewed from the rear (i.e. the end nearest to the container).
  • Figure 6 is a schematic of the device according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 is a schematic of the device of Figure 6 in elevation
  • Figure 8 is a schematic of the device of Figure 6 when viewed from the bottom;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic of the device of Figure 6 when viewing from the front (i.e. the end furthest from the container).
  • Figure 10 is a schematic of the device of Figure 6 when viewed from the rear (i.e. the end nearest to the container).
  • Figures 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the device 10 for spraying a fluid 12 onto a target 14.
  • the device comprises a container 16 configured to hold the fluid 12; a spray nozzle 18 in fluid communication with the container and configured to spray the fluid onto the target; a retainer 20 for attachment to an aircraft 22; and a conduit 24 for providing separation between the container and the spray nozzle so that the spray is independent of the air flow created by the aircraft.
  • Figures 1 to 5 also show an embodiment of the device 10 for spraying a fluid 12 onto a target 14.
  • the device comprises a container 16 configured to hold the fluid 12; a spray nozzle 18 in fluid communication with the container and configured to spray the fluid onto the target; a retainer 20 for attachment to an aircraft 22; and a conduit 24 for providing separation between the container and the spray nozzle, wherein the conduit 24 comprises at least one adjustable joint 32 configured to change the position of the spray nozzle 18 relative to the retainer 20.
  • the fluid 12 may be a liquid, gel, vapour, emulsion or gas. More specifically, the fluid may be herbicide or pesticide. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid may be a paint, emulsion, aerosol or lubricant. The fluid may be a corrosion inhibitor such as Corroless® CCI 400A.
  • the target 14 may be a plant, tree, flower, bush or weed.
  • the target may be a surface, for example, a wall or the ground.
  • the target may be Graffiti, or offensive text, images(s), logo(s) or symbol(s).
  • the fluid may be an emulsion comprising a solid, such as a powder.
  • the container 16 is configured to hold the fluid 12 and is connected to the aircraft 22 via the retainer 20.
  • the container 16 is in the form of a plastic bottle with a cap 17 for securing the fluid within the container.
  • the cap 17 may be removed by an operator in order to add the fluid into the container before replacing the cap 17.
  • the retainer 20 comprises four clips 19 and a frame 21.
  • the clips 19 adjustably connect to the aircraft 22 and are adjustably secured to the container 16 by means of the frame 21.
  • the clips 19 may permanently connect to the aircraft 22 and/or container 16 by means of the frame 21.
  • the retainer 20 comprises four clips 19 in order to ensure the device is securely attached to the aircraft.
  • not illustrated 1 , 2, 3, 5, 6, 10 or more than 10 clips may be used.
  • the clips and frame are manufactured from plastic. Plastic, and in particular carbon fibre reinforced plastic, is desirable owing to the high strength to weight ratio. However, a wide variety of materials may be used, including metal, for example.
  • the container 16 further comprises a pump 36 configured to eject the fluid 12 from the container 16 and into the conduit 24 at a constant rate.
  • the pump 36 is a 12V electric pump.
  • the pump 36 is controlled via a first remote control 50 and is configured to be adjusted, in use. The adjustments alter the rate of fluid 12 being ejected from the container 16.
  • the conduit 24 comprises a flow regulator 40 configured to control the flow rate of the fluid and hence the spray pattern being ejected from the spray nozzle 18.
  • the conduit 24 connects the container 16 to the spray nozzle 18.
  • the conduit is an elongate tube comprising a void wherein the fluid channel 26 is located.
  • the conduit is formed from a rigid plastic, more specifically; the conduit is manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic in order to improve the strength to weight ratio and reduce the deflections of the spray nozzle 18, in use. Alternatively, the conduit may be manufactured from a metal, such as aluminium.
  • the conduit 24 has sufficient length as to ensure the fluid being ejected from the spray nozzle 18 is outside, and therefore independent of, the air flow created by the aircraft, in use. In various embodiments of the invention, the length of the conduit is 100mm to 10,000mm, 250mm to 7,500mm and 500mm to 5000mm. The length of the conduit shown in Figure 1 is 1000mm to 3000mm.
  • the aircraft In use, the aircraft’s propeller induced vortices and downdraft below the aircraft are substantially confined within the rotor width for a distance up to twice the diameter of the rotor blades before dispersing into a turbulent wake.
  • the aircraft in use, therefore exhibits a general downward assistance to the spray pattern caught therein.
  • the length, angle, directions and/or position of the conduit and spray nozzle is such that the spray pattern is independent of such factors, however, the magnitude and distribution of generally downward assistance to the spray pattern results in a spray lateral‘drift’ of a similar order to that without the aircraft.
  • the conduit is telescopic.
  • a telescopic conduit enables the device to be packaged within a smaller volume during use or transportation.
  • the telescopic conduit may be operated fully extended, partially extended or fully contracted. This reduces the size of the device when needed and enables the device to be used within confined spaces wherein the device with the conduit fully extended may not be able to operate.
  • the conduit 24 comprises a first member 28 and a second member 30 which are operably connected via a joint 32.
  • the first member 28 and/or the second member 30 is telescopic.
  • the joint 32 is operably connected to a support 33.
  • the support is further configured to create an obtuse angle between the first member 28 and second member 30 such that the second member is substantially horizontal and/or parallel to the ground when in a neutral position.
  • the obtuse angle is between 135 degrees and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, not shown, the obtuse angle may be between 90 and 180 degrees, 120 degrees and 170 degrees or 135 degrees and 160 degrees.
  • the first member 28 is directly connected to the container 16 and joint 32 and provides fluid communication between the container and the second member 30.
  • the first member is an elongate tube comprising a void wherein the fluid channel 26 is located.
  • the first member is of a sufficient length to ensure the second member 30 is substantially outside of the air flow created by the aircraft.
  • the first member is of a sufficient length to ensure the second member is located entirely outside of the air flow created by the aircraft and, therefore, the fluid being sprayed is independent of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • the second member is directly connected to the spray nozzle 18 and joint 32 and provides fluid communication between the spray nozzle 18 and the first member 28.
  • the second member is an elongate tube comprising a void wherein the fluid channel 26 is located.
  • the first member further comprises a first pole 28a and a second pole 28b connected by a clamp 29 which is located substantially equidistant between the joint 32 and the retainer 20.
  • the clamp 29 enables the length of the first member to be adjusted. The adjustment is achieved by releasing the clamp 29 and sliding the first pole 28a with respect to the second pole 28b such that the two poles overlap more or less. The clamp is then tightened to secure the first pole 28a and second pole 28b in place.
  • the first and second pole may be separated in order to improve the transportability of the device.
  • the first pole 28a and second pole 28b may both be telescopic such that they each contract and expand either simultaneously or sequentially.
  • the joint 32 operably connects the first member 28 and the second member 30.
  • the joint is motorised in that an operator can manoeuvre the joint using the first remote control 50.
  • the joint 32 is configured to rotate the second member 30 in any plane with respect to the first member 28 and is configured to ensure that spray is independent of the air flow created by the aircraft, in use.
  • the joint 32 is able to rotate the second member 30 up to 180 degrees in any plane with respect to the first member 28. Rotating the second member up to 180 degrees in any plane ensures that the spray nozzle can access all 360 degrees of orientations and therefore the versatility of the device is increased.
  • the aircraft will therefore have a larger choice of standoff positions to choose from when spraying a target.
  • the device may also be able to spray targets that are inaccessible using a device when the rotation of the second member is more restricted.
  • the spray nozzle 18 is manufactured from plastic and is configured to eject the fluid 12 from the conduit 24 as a spray.
  • the spray nozzle is adjustable, wherein the adjustments change the spray pattern of the fluid 12 being ejected.
  • the spray nozzle 18 is configured to alter the spray pattern by adjusting the spread, droplet size and effective spray range 38 of the fluid 12 being sprayed.
  • the adjustments comprise altering the geometry of the spray nozzle 18.
  • the alterations to the spray nozzle are made by an operator through the use of the first remote control 50.
  • a first operator controls the movement and operation of the aircraft using a first remote control 50 and a second operator controls the movement and operation of the device using a second remote control.
  • the first and second operators may use a first and second operating/control system of the first remote control 50.
  • the first operator operates the device and the aircraft using the first remote control 50.
  • the device 10 attaches to the aircraft 22 via the retainer 20.
  • An operator adds fluid 12 into the container 16 and secures the cap 17.
  • the aircraft is then manoeuvred between 100mm and 10,000mm of the target 14.
  • An operator positions the aircraft 22 such that the conduit 24 and hence spray nozzle 18 is pointing substantially towards the target 14.
  • the conduit 24 comprises a first member 28 and a second member 30 connected via a joint 32.
  • the joint is motorised. The operator(s) can rotate the second member 30 with respect to the first member 28 such that the spray nozzle 18 is more precisely pointing at the target 14.
  • the operator(s) instructs the device to spray the target 14 using the first remote control 50.
  • the remote control causes the pump 36 to eject the fluid 12 from the container 16 and into the fluid channel 26 located within the conduit 24.
  • the fluid flows through the conduit and into the spray nozzle 18 and is ejected as a spray.
  • the spray nozzle 18 causes the fluid to eject as a spray with a predetermined droplet size and effective spray range 38, as determined in relation to the target being spray.
  • the device comprises a vision system 44.
  • the vision system is located on the conduit 24. More specifically, the vision system is located on the second member 30 and is configured to view along the length of the second member 30 and towards the spray nozzle 12.
  • the vision system 44 is located on the second member 30 and configured to view the spray nozzle as this ensures that it can view the target to be spray.
  • the output from the vision system may be viewed via the first remote control 50, the second remote control and/or on a separate output device, such as a computer, laptop or tablet.
  • the vision system may be a camera, such as a surveillance camera, infrared camera, UV camera or any other device capable of providing the functionality of a camera such as a mobile phone.
  • the vision system may be a radar sensor or a LIDAR sensor.
  • the use of a camera enables the operator(s) to see where the device is set to spray, even when the device is out of the line of sight of the operator(s) or far away from the operator(s).
  • the use of a radar sensor or LIDAR sensor enables the operator(s) to view beneath a surface, to identify and determine the distance to a void, for example.
  • Figures 6 to 10 show an embodiment of the device 10 which further comprises a range finder unit 60 configured to measure the distance from the spray nozzle 18 to the target 14.
  • the range finder unit 60 comprises a housing 62 for attachment to the support 33, via a mounting tube 64.
  • the housing may be 3D printed and the mounting tube may be a carbon fibre reinforced plastic tube.
  • the range finder unit further comprise a sensor 65 configured to measure the distance from the spray nozzle 18 to the target 14 and produce a signal corresponding thereto.
  • the sensor 65 may be a narrow beam ultrasonic distance sensor. In some embodiments, not shown, any other suitable means of determining the distance between the spray nozzle and the target may be used.
  • the sensor signal is received by a processor board configured to determine whether the distance of spray nozzle 18 from the target 14 is within one of a plurality of predetermined ranges, wherein each predetermined range is associated with a corresponding output.
  • the plurality of predetermined ranges may comprise at least one of 0mm - 750mm, 750mm - 1 ,000mm, 1 ,000mm - 1 ,750mm, 1 ,750mm - 2,500mm or greater than 2,500mm.
  • Each of the corresponding outputs is configured to operate the light output of a lighting array 66, wherein the light output represents the distance of the spray nozzle 18 from the target 14.
  • the lighting array 66 may be an ultra-bright LED array. As shown in figure 7, the lighting array is mounted on the rear of the support 33.
  • the light output from the lighting array 66 is configured to advise the operator of the distance between the spray nozzle and the target. This allows the spray nozzle 18 to be positioned at the optimal distance from the target 14.
  • the optimal distance of the spray nozzle from the target may be 750mm to 1 ,000mm and consequently, the light output may be constant when the spray nozzle is 750mm to 1 ,000mm from the target.
  • the distance of the spray nozzle from the target enters an adjacent range (i.e. 0mm - 750mm or 1 ,000mm - 1 ,750mm) the light may begin to flash.
  • the distance from the optimal range continues to grow (i.e. greater than 1 ,750mm) the light output may flash more slowly or the light may turn off.
  • the alert for when the spray nozzle is too close to the target may differ to the alert for when the device is too far from the target. For example, when the spray nozzle is too close to the target (i.e.
  • the light may flash rapidly (more than 100 flashes per minute, for example) and/or in a certain colour. Conversely, when the device is too far from the target (i.e. 1 ,000mm - 1 ,750mm) the light may flash more slowly (less than 100 flashes per minute, for example) and/or in a different colour.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (10) destiné à pulvériser un fluide sur une cible (14). Le dispositif comprend : un récipient (16) configuré pour contenir le fluide ; une buse de pulvérisation (18) en communication fluidique avec le récipient et configurée pour pulvériser le fluide sur la cible ; un dispositif de retenue (20) destiné à être fixé à un aéronef ; et un conduit (24) destiné à assurer une séparation entre le récipient et la buse de pulvérisation, le conduit comprenant au moins un joint réglable conçu pour modifier la position de la buse de pulvérisation par rapport au dispositif de retenue.
EP20729149.3A 2019-05-20 2020-05-19 Support de buse de pulvérisation pour un véhicule aérien Pending EP3972900A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1907091.1A GB201907091D0 (en) 2019-05-20 2019-05-20 Improvements in or relating to herbicide delivery
GBGB1917198.2A GB201917198D0 (en) 2019-11-26 2019-11-26 Improvements in or relating to herbicide delivery
PCT/GB2020/051218 WO2020234580A1 (fr) 2019-05-20 2020-05-19 Support de buse de pulvérisation pour un véhicule aérien

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3972900A1 true EP3972900A1 (fr) 2022-03-30

Family

ID=70918718

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20729149.3A Pending EP3972900A1 (fr) 2019-05-20 2020-05-19 Support de buse de pulvérisation pour un véhicule aérien

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3972900A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020234580A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10399676B2 (en) * 2014-03-31 2019-09-03 Working Drones, Inc. Indoor and outdoor aerial vehicles for painting and related applications
CN107645142A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2018-01-30 沈阳金丰春航空科技有限公司 线路清障无人机及线路清障设备

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020234580A1 (fr) 2020-11-26

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