Interconnection Solutions to protect Crops

Discover interconnection solutions to protect crops by charging agricultural drones with this success story from our partner Smiths Interconnect.

The agricultural industry continues to evolve, and for this reason, manufacturers need new solutions to increase their yields while also limiting their impact on the environment and conserving resources. One of the ways they are caring for and protect their crops is by using agricultural drones. UAV drones used in operations are the newest trend of smart farming to collect data that farmers can use to support their work.

There are several types of drones on the market that are used for different industrial and commercial applications.

Drones for:

• survey
• spray for precision agriculture
• search and rescue operations
• take aerial photography
• map infrastructure
• utility inspections such as roads, power lines, pipelines, and railways with drones that deliver goods

As drones are used more, the components that are part of them need to ensure a good high level of reliability, safety, durability, and robustness.

It means an important competitive advantage for agricultural customers through a reliable and durable interconnect solution that can guarantee stability and maximum power charge throughout the spraying time.

The Challenge

An Indian manufacturer of commercial robotic drones & drone-based solutions was struggling to find a qualified high-power connector for the power supply module of a new UAV to be used for the precision spraying of pesticides for agriculture and livestock. This manufacturer normally produces drones for crop protection, crop monitoring, crop health, and precision farming using Artificial Intelligence.

In this specific case, the UAVs´final use is to spray on fields a range of agrochemicals, fertilizers, and specialty nutrients. The drones can operate in multiple modes and can collide crops and plants while in operation so all parts must be rugged to ensure reliable performance.

The Interconnection Solution

As a connectivity solution, our partner Smiths Interconnect was asked to deliver the main connector which connects the drone to its battery for power supply. The required performance was to withstand at least 25 minutes of flight time and a coverage of up to six acres per battery charge with artificial intelligence-assisted navigation.

Smiths Interconnect is renowned in the connectivity market for its high reliability and rugged solutions for demanding applications. That´s why they were able to provide the customer with a modular connector with some specific technical characteristics: a special float mount, rack & panel, and UL qualified modular solution with mixed signal and power contacts.

This compact connector is based on Smiths Interconnect’s patented Hypertac® hyperboloid technology. It offers a flexible and reliable design and the use of premium material; however, it was not just the superior contact technology and the rugged materials that secured the contract.

High-Density Modular Connector: L Series

The L Series comes with frames in various lengths to accommodate a variety of module combinations. The frames range from a basic frame with just 2 side rails and 2 end caps, to more complex versions with jackscrews, backshells, cable clamps, etc.

Interconnection Features & Benefits:

• Mixed signal, power, coaxial, fiber optic, and pneumatic modules
• Provides up to 200-amp power
• Cable to chassis and rack & panel; Plastic backshell with strain relief and half turn quick disconnect jackscrew
• Large offering thanks to the modularity
• High-reliability contact technology
• Float mountable for blind mating
• Several locking devices and hood are proposed
• Floating version
• Configurations compliant with EN45545 standards

Conclusion

The customer was impressed with the technical team’s collaborative approach to customizing the interconnection solution and the ability to quickly obtain components to qualify the new drones by the deadline.

Products did not disappoint expectations: the challenge combined with the enthusiasm to provide an interconnect solution for an application that had never been explored, resulted in the development of a dependable and satisfactory connector for the new drone battery pack. Additionally, the customer gained an important competitive advantage through a reliable and durable interconnect solution that can guarantee stability and maximum power charge throughout the spraying time.

Please contact us if you want more information on industrial solutions or any other of our products & services.