Spotlight on Teams
WarriorBots Receive Provisional Patent Application for Green Wind Machine
A San Jose, California FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team has a patent pending for their invention of a dual-purpose wind machine/wind turbine that can help agricultural experts throughout the world combat frost damage to crops.
The idea for the invention ─ The Smarter, Greener Wind Machine ─ surfaced when Team 2662 “The WarriorBots” from Valley Christian Schools, was researching subject matter for its 2008 Climate Connections Project. Because the Silicon Valley is an agriculturally rich area of the country, the WarriorBots opted to study the effects of frost on agriculture.
While interviewing vineyard managers, wind machine manufacturers, and climate experts in New Zealand, California, and Washington, the team studied alternatives that would positively impact the environment. During their research, they questioned if the wind machines ─ which are essentially giant fans resembling wind turbines ─ could also be used to generate electricity when not in use to prevent frost damage. According to team coach and Valley Christian Schools technology teacher, Annette Lane, the WarriorBots researched frost damage and the weather conditions that cause it; the various methods used by agricultural experts to combat this damage; and the financial impact of frost damage.
To design their wind machine, the WarriorBots used a free downloadable program called Google SketchUp, a 3D intelligent drawing system and tool set. Through their research, the WarriorBots discovered that the wind machines are used only few hours a year when frost occurs. The team designed the conversion to add a secondary function as a wind turbine. This dual application is environmentally ─ as well as financially ─ attractive to farmers because it avoids the use some fossil fuel to generate electricity.
The team also believe that their design is unique and hired Andre Marais from Schwegman, Lundberg and Woessner, PA (who donated a portion of his fees) to help with patent efforts. The invention was made the subject of a provisional patent application, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which eventually may allow the team to apply for patent protection in both local and international markets.