BR-102023015604-B1 - Tablet dispenser device for use via unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract

TABLET DISPENSING DEVICE FOR USE VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE. The present invention pertains to the health and disease control sector, and refers more specifically to a device that facilitates the remote release of tablets in locations with restricted access or high operational risk, to support the fight against arboviruses. A device applied to an aerial vehicle for releasing tablets to combat endemic diseases is presented, becoming a unique and effective solution to address public health problems related to vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, among others. These diseases represent a significant challenge in many regions of the world, and the use of drones can bring several advantages in the fight against them.

Inventors

• CLAUDIO ROGÉRIO RIBEIRO JÚNIOR

Assignees

• AERO ENGENHARIA LTDA

Dates

Publication Date

20260317

Application Date

20230803

Claims (1)

1. 1- TABLET DISPENSING DEVICE FOR USE VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE, characterized by being composed of a mounting body (CF), which fits onto the landing gear by means of nylon clips or clamps; a fairing (CR) fixed above the mounting body (CF) that houses the electronic circuits, battery compartment (EB) and laser sight (MR) activated by a switch (IM), and below the body (CF) is fixed the rotating arm (BG) on its axis; the said laser sight (MR) is located inside the central cylinder of the fairing (CL), just above the dispensing funnel (FN), where it is centered on its axis; the said rotating arm (BG) has a hole in the center of the mounting body (CF) and is activated by a photovoltaic sensor (SF) located at the end of the power cable (CA) and which is positioned next to the LED near a propeller; The fairing (CR) also comprises two reservoir tubes (R1)(R2) fitted with caps (T1)(T2), situated vertically and parallel to each other, one on each side of the central cylinder; the reservoirs (R1)(R2), cylinder (CL) and funnel (FN) are all fixed together in the mounting body (CF), and the laser aiming cylinder (CL) is located on the axis between the funnel and reservoirs.

Description

Technological sector of invention [001] The present invention pertains to the health and disease control sector, and refers more specifically to a device that facilitates the remote release of tablets in locations with restricted access or high operational risk, to support the fight against arboviruses. State of the Art [002] Combating arboviruses is a top public health priority in many regions of the world. Arboviruses are viral diseases transmitted by arthropods, primarily mosquitoes, and include diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. These diseases represent a serious health problem, causing a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in affected populations. [003] The main strategy to combat arboviruses is to control the mosquito vectors that transmit these diseases. This can be done through measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, applying insecticides, using screens on windows and doors, among other actions. [004] However, combating arboviruses through tablets has become an innovative and effective approach to controlling the population of vector mosquitoes and thus reducing the transmission of these diseases. This strategy generally involves the use of tablets or pellets containing specific larvicides that are placed in water containers or areas prone to mosquito breeding. When the tablet comes into contact with water, it releases the larvicide, which kills mosquito larvae before they develop into adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting the diseases. [005] Some of the most common arboviruses, such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya, have vector mosquitoes that lay their eggs and develop in stagnant water or in containers with water, such as plant pots, used tires, water storage containers, among others. These places are ideal for mosquito breeding, and it is at this point that larvicidal tablets come into action. [006] Distributing tablets in hard-to-reach locations to combat arboviruses can be a significant challenge. This difficulty usually occurs in remote, rural areas or areas with poor infrastructure, where access is limited by rugged terrain, poor roads or lack of adequate transport infrastructure. One alternative found is to seek a remote, aerial solution that can dispense tablets over mosquito breeding sites. In the search for solutions in this regard, patent documents such as KR1020190078042, KR1020220013958 and KR20210141815 were found; however, it is clear that there are no devices designed or adapted to deliver tablets for public health support via unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, which have generally been used in various agricultural applications to spray pesticides or liquid fertilizers, as well as to disperse seeds and perform other tasks related to agriculture – activities that do not solve the aforementioned technical problem, since drones used in agriculture are usually equipped with liquid tanks and spraying systems that allow for the precise application of chemicals to crops. New Invention Details [007] In this context, having a device attached to a vehicle to launch tablets for combating endemic diseases can be a unique and effective solution to address public health problems related to vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, among others. These diseases represent a significant challenge in many regions of the world, and the use of drones can bring several advantages in the fight against them. With the device, some advantages are obtained, including: • Access to remote and difficult-to-reach areas: In many regions affected by endemic diseases, especially in rural or difficult-to-access areas, it can be complicated and even dangerous for health professionals to reach these locations. Drones with the device allow vector control tablets to be easily transported to these areas, even on uneven terrain; • Efficiency in time and resources: The use of drones to launch tablets eliminates the need to perform this activity manually, which saves time and resources. This allows healthcare professionals to focus on other essential tasks, making the outbreak response more efficient; • Precision in distribution: Drones can be programmed to follow pre-determined routes with precision, ensuring uniform distribution of the pellets. This precision reduces the risk of areas being overlooked or overlapping with treatments, maximizing the effectiveness of vector control; • Reduced risk to healthcare workers: By using drones to drop the pellets, the exposure of healthcare workers to high-risk transmission areas is minimized. This contributes to the safety and well-being of these professionals; • Monitoring and data: Many drones can be equipped with monitoring technologies and sensors that collect real-time data on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and population density. This information is valuable for making informed decisions about disease control strategies; • Sustainability: Compared to some traditional forms