IOT-ENABLED AUTONOMOUS SNOW REMOVAL SYSTEM WITH AERIAL AND GROUND UNITS

Abstract

The present invention is an IoT-based smart snow removal system that integrates autonomous ground robot and drone to remove snow from roads, rooftops, and elevated areas in cold regions. Ground robots clear snow from flat surfaces while drones handle snow accumulation on rooftops. Both robots and drones are equipped with snow-melting mechanisms and smart sensors to ensure effective snow and ice removal. The system connects to local weather forecasting services, allowing it to predict snowfall and activate snow-clearing processes autonomously. The invention's centralized control unit coordinates the operation of the robots and drones, optimizing coverage and efficiency, making it a novel solution for comprehensive snow removal across different terrains.

Specification

Description:The present invention introduces a unique IoT-based smart snow removal system that autonomously removes snow from roads, rooftops, and other critical areas by integrating ground robots and drones. The system is equipped with IoT-connected sensors to monitor snow accumulation and surface conditions in real time and activate ground and aerial units when necessary.
The inclusion of drones as part of the system makes it novel and unique. While ground robots efficiently remove snow from horizontal surfaces (e.g., roads, driveways), drones, equipped with snow-blowing and melting capabilities, are deployed to handle rooftop snow removal and other elevated areas. The drones hover over rooftops, use sensors to detect snow levels, and utilize specialized nozzles to blow or melt snow.
The system is also connected to local weather forecast services, allowing it to predict snowfall and initiate snow-clearing processes automatically. A centralized control unit manages the coordination between the ground robots and aerial drones, ensuring efficient and comprehensive snow removal across all surfaces.
1. IoT-enabled Ground Robots for Snow Removal
The ground component of the system consists of IoT-enabled snow removal robots designed to clear snow from streets, sidewalks, and other flat surfaces. These robots are equipped with:
• Snow plows, rotating brushes, or augers: Used for physically removing snow from the ground.
• Snow-melting mechanism: Utilizing ground heat sensors, rock salt, and thermal strips, the robots melt snow and prevent ice formation on roads and pavements.
• Real-time sensors: The robots are equipped with ultrasonic or infrared sensors to detect snow depth, surface temperature, and conditions.
• Autonomous navigation: Using GPS, lidar, and computer vision, the robots move autonomously, identifying obstacles and optimizing routes for efficient snow clearing.
2. IoT-Connected Drones for Rooftop Snow Removal
A novel aspect of this invention is the use of IoT-connected drones that specialize in removing snow from rooftops and elevated structures. These drones are equipped with:
• Snow-blowing mechanism: High-powered air nozzles that blow snow off rooftops, eliminating snow accumulation and reducing snow load on buildings.
• Snow-melting mechanism: The drones use thermal blowers or focused heat emitters to melt snow directly on the roof surface. Heat sensors guide the application of melting energy, ensuring energy efficiency and preventing damage to the roof structure.
• Sensors: The drones are equipped with cameras, lidar, and infrared sensors to analyze snow accumulation on rooftops and assess surface conditions.
• Hovering and precise movement: Drones use advanced stabilization and navigation systems, allowing them to hover precisely above roofs and cover complex roof shapes and edges.
3. Integrated Snow-Melting Mechanism
Both the ground robots and drones feature an advanced snow-melting mechanism:
• Ground heat sensors: Ground robots can harness geothermal energy or electric heating to melt snow. Drones, on the other hand, use targeted thermal blowers to melt snow at specific points, especially around roof edges and drainage areas where ice buildup can cause problems.
• Thermal strips and emitters: The snow-melting components are energy-efficient, drawing minimal power and preventing snow from re-accumulating in critical areas.
4. Weather Integration and Predictive Activation
The system incorporates a weather forecasting module that connects to local meteorological services. The module predicts snow events and automatically triggers the system before snow accumulation reaches dangerous levels. The key features include:
• Forecast-driven activation: The system activates snow removal robots and drones preemptively based on snowfall predictions.
• Real-time updates: Weather data is continually updated, allowing the system to adjust snow removal operations dynamically.
5. Centralized Control Unit and Coordination
A centralized control unit manages the operation of the entire fleet of ground robots and drones. The control unit performs several key functions:
• Task assignment: It determines which areas need to be cleared by ground robots versus those that require drones.
• Fleet coordination: The control unit optimizes the path and operation of the drones and robots, ensuring they do not interfere with each other and cover the maximum area efficiently.
• Real-time monitoring: The system continuously monitors snow levels and the performance of robots and drones, adjusting their operation in real time based on feedback from sensors.
The control unit also includes a user interface that can provide municipal authorities, building managers, or homeowners with status updates on snow removal activities and expected completion times.
, C , Claims:Although the disclosed embodiments of this invention have been discussed in great detail, it should be realized that numerous modifications and variations are possible within the breadth and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. We claim the following inventions:
1. An autonomous robotic device for snow clearance on flat surfaces, comprising:
• an auger for collecting snow and a snow remover ramp for directing the snow away from the cleared surface,
• electric pistons to provide additional force for clearing snow in challenging conditions, including heavy or icy snow,
• sensors and cameras located at the front and rear for detecting obstacles and facilitating autonomous navigation,
• a communication system for real-time coordination with a centralized control unit.
a. The system of claim 1, wherein the electric pistons are designed to enhance the snow-clearing capability of the robotic device under extreme snow accumulation conditions.
b. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensors and cameras are configured to continuously monitor the surroundings, allowing the robotic device to avoid obstacles and ensure efficient snow removal.
2. An autonomous drone for snow clearance on elevated or uneven surfaces, comprising:
• a snow blower and snow remover ramp for removing snow from uneven surfaces, including rooftops,
• sensors and cameras for detecting obstacles and real-time navigation,
• antennas for communication with a centralized control unit.
a. The system of claim 2, wherein the drone is equipped with a snow blower designed for efficient snow dispersal in hard-to-reach areas, including sloped and elevated surfaces.
b. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensors and cameras enable the drone to autonomously navigate complex terrains and avoid obstacles while performing snow removal operations.
3. A snow clearance system integrating an autonomous robotic device for flat surfaces and a drone for elevated surfaces, coordinated by a centralized control unit, comprising:
• real-time communication between the robotic device, drone, and centralized control unit to synchronize snow removal tasks,
• a control unit that processes sensor data from both the robotic device and the drone to optimize snow removal based on real-time surface conditions.
a. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit synchronizes snow removal operations between the robotic device on flat surfaces and the drone on elevated surfaces to maximize efficiency and prevent collisions.
b. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit processes real-time environmental data, including snow depth and surface conditions, to dynamically adjust the operations of the robotic device and drone for optimal snow clearance.
c. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent interference between the robotic device and the drone during simultaneous snow removal operations, ensuring seamless coordination and full coverage of snow-affected areas.

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