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Revolutionizing Crop Management: The Design and Development of an Agri-Drone Nozzle and Casing for Precise Pesticide and Fertilizer Application

General Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd. which, as the name suggests, is a part of the Aerospace industry specializing in Aircraft Design and Engineering Solutions, UAV, Civil and Defense Aerospace, Drones, specialized services, and support solutions, was founded in the year 2016.

They believe in frugal innovation, the ability to collaborate across disciplines, and constantly improve their solutions. Understanding the industry, and customers’ needs and providing integrated design and development solutions built on advanced engineering methods for aircraft analysis and design.

Headquartered in Bangalore, Krishnarajapura, it addresses aircraft design in all its aspects from a comprehensive system-level perspective. The General Aeronautics team is comprised of experienced members with decades of expertise in industry and R&D organizations internationally. end solutions built on advanced engineering methods for aircraft analysis and design.

Specialists in making Drones have started to cater to the challenges faced in the Agricultural industry with technologies that can offer cost-effective and optimal solutions across multiple problem areas providing a timely and optimal response to humanitarian, commercial, and societal needs.

Challenge

The product design team was given the task to re-design the existing Atomizer Nozzle based on the new requirements and also design a water-proof casing (Ingress Protection) for the nozzle which fits into the Agri-drones that accurately sprays pesticides and fertilizers over crops. The regular atomizers available in the market did not meet the specifications required for this specific application. The team had to carter for Ingress protection in the mechanical and electrical interfaces and the vibration profile to align with the drone system, so a custom solution had to be designed.

The pressing challenge they faced, was to design the nozzle body and quick-release mechanism that could easily be attached and detached from the drone without disturbing the quick and easy assembly of the components. The requirement was precise designing and engineering that would ensure the atomizer case would be able to withstand the stresses and vibration of continuous usage in a rugged outdoor environment.

They realized that to overcome this challenge, the design team would require collaborative efforts of minds working in the organization. They felt that these ideas must all be incorporated into a single platform to resolve these multiple issues, all in a single nozzle casing is to be designed.

Solution

General Aeronautics was suggested to make use of Dassault System’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform by the technical team at Altem Technologies. They quickly understood that the issues they were facing could be met with a solution and that too in the orderly manner they desired. The collaborative features of working on a single problem in the Dassault Systems’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform gave them confidence that they could solve the problem at hand.

After going through their issue, Altem Technologies concluded that they require the 3DEXPERIENCE licenses PCS + MDG. It provided them with advanced 3D, and 2D design and simulation tools such as CATIA 3D modeling, CATIA Assembly Design, CATIA part design, CATIA surface design, and CATIA drafting, and enabled the coming together of problem-solving minds in the organization who were able to rapidly iterate and collaboratively refine the design and engineer the required product within the short deadline. The complex assemblies could be very well understood by the BOM Management tools available within the platform. Overall, Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE software proved to be a valuable tool for General Aeronautics and Altem Technologies in solving their engineering challenges.

Dassault Systems India Pvt Ltd addresses the challenges that the General Aeronautics team wants to resolve and as a partner of Dassault Systems India, Altem Technologies is helping them to provide Dassault Systems’ PLM solutions 3DEXPERIENCE Platform to solve their challenges. Altem is getting help and guidance from the Dassault Bangalore team to speed up the process of technical support.

Benefits

The result was a design of the Atomiser nozzle which not only fit in the casing, but it also met all the specific requirements of the agricultural drone application.

The organization is now efficiently using Dassault Systems’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform for its other requirements and is handling the workflow in a diligent manner. They say that processing time has now reduced hours of time and the design team can handle the design work of many more components, also that their productivity has increased.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a cloud-based collaborative platform that allows teams to work together on complex projects. It provides a range of tools for design, simulation, and collaboration, enabling teams to work together in real time on a single problem. The platform includes a range of applications, including CATIA, which is one of the most powerful 3D modeling and design software available.

CATIA is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE software suite that provides a range of tools for 3D modeling, simulation, and analysis. It allows users to create complex designs and assemblies and provides a range of advanced features for surface modeling, sheet metal design, composite design, part design, drafting, and more. CATIA also includes tools for drafting and documentation, enabling users to create detailed technical drawings and specifications.

One of the key capabilities of CATIA is its ability to handle large and complex assemblies. It includes powerful BOM management tools that enable users to manage and track the components of large assemblies, ensuring that everything is accounted for and properly designed. CATIA also includes advanced simulation and analysis tools that enable users to test their designs under real-world conditions, ensuring that they are safe, reliable, and efficient.

Overall, the Dassault Systems’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and CATIA provide a powerful set of tools for engineering teams working on complex projects. They enable teams to collaborate effectively, iterate rapidly, and produce high-quality designs that meet the most demanding requirements.

Publication Date : March, 2023

About Altem Technologies Pvt. Ltd

Altem Technologies is a well-established 3D digital experience company that has been actively contributing to the industry for nearly 15 years. Initially rooted in PLM software and 3D Printing (representing Dassault Systemes India Pvt Ltd and Stratasys India respectively), Altem has successfully transformed into a prominent provider of comprehensive 3D digital solutions. Altem’s 3D Innovation platform offers an extensive array of products catering to various applications, including design, reverse engineering process, asset digitization, prototype manufacturing, life science, healthcare, culture and heritage, and consultancy services, among others. Altem with a diverse clientele spanning automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, research academia, and more, Altem adeptly addresses the unique requirements of each industry through a combination of expertise and innovation. Our team comprises skilled professionals, including Scientists, Application Engineers, Designers, domain experts, and software specialists, all working collectively to deliver exceptional solutions to our valued customers.

Altem Technologies Pvt Ltd, besides being a major provider of 3D Scanning services in India, is also a leading provider of 3D Printing Services in India with 3D Printing technologies like FDM, Polyjet, DLP, Metal, etc. Altem offers a complete solution around 3D Digitization and Innovation and has emerged as a one-stop-shop for all 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, CAE, PLM, and Life Science needs, offering a wide spectrum of products for engineering and life sciences companies in India.

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