Ancillary Span Path Control for Uniform Corner Irrigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Center pivot irrigation systems with ancillary spans face challenges in uniformly distributing water due to varying extension and retraction velocities and orientations, leading to under-watering and over-watering in corner areas of non-circular fields.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines a path for the steering tower of the ancillary span using position-based coordinates, defining sectors and zones to calculate optimal water capacity, and adjusting sprinkler nozzle sizes and operation times based on area factors to ensure uniform water distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the ancillary span extends out into field corners to cover non-circular areas, then the irrigated area is increased, but the water distribution uniformity deteriorates due to varying extension and retraction velocities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigated areaVSAvoidwater distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ancillary span is divided into multiple independently controllable sprinkler groups along its length. Each sprinkler group can be activated or deactivated independently based on the span's position and velocity, allowing different sections to receive appropriate water application rates despite the varying motion characteristics of the entire span.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sprinkler activation and water application rates based on real-time feedback from position sensors and velocity measurements. The control system modifies operational parameters continuously as the ancillary span extends and retracts, compensating for velocity variations to maintain uniform water distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ancillary span maneuvers independently with varying velocities, then the adaptability to field shapes is improved, but the complexity of water capacity determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to field shapesVSAvoidwater capacity determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Position sensors and velocity measurement devices provide continuous feedback to the control system about the ancillary span's location and motion state. This feedback enables the control system to automatically calculate and adjust water application rates based on actual operational conditions, simplifying the determination of optimal water capacity for various field configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as sprinkler activation states and water flow rates based on measured position and velocity parameters. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to real-time conditions, the system adapts to different field shapes without requiring complex manual calculations for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the ancillary span travels faster during extension, then the productivity is improved, but the water distribution uniformity worsens causing under-watering in corner areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation speedVSAvoidwater distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system activates and deactivates sprinkler groups in periodic sequences that correspond to the ancillary span's extension and retraction cycles. By synchronizing sprinkler operation with the periodic motion of the span and adjusting activation durations based on velocity measurements, the system maintains uniform water application despite varying travel speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous water application to the field area by coordinating multiple sprinkler groups along the ancillary span. As the span moves faster during extension, adjacent sprinkler groups are activated in sequence to maintain continuous coverage, preventing gaps in water application while preserving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11547067B2Path-based water capacity determination for ancillary spans

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 REINKE MFG CO INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining optimal water capacity or distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field to be irrigated by an ancillary span of an irrigation system are provided. A path is determined for a steering tower of the ancillary span that is comprised of a plurality of position-based coordinates. The position of the ancillary span steering tower (and thus the position of the ancillary span) relative to the determined path is always known and, accordingly, the optimal water capacity or distribution for the needs of its location can be readily determined based upon a calculated area factor percentage.