Automatic Ancillary Irrigation Span Transition for Corners and Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center pivot irrigation systems are limited in their ability to irrigate non-circular fields, particularly the corner areas and spaces around obstacles, due to the fixed orientation of ancillary irrigation spans, which restrict full 360-degree rotation and require parking space, leading to under-irrigation.
Innovation Solution
An ancillary irrigation span that automatically transitions between leading and trailing configurations relative to the primary irrigation span, allowing the system to adapt to field boundaries and obstacles, optimizing irrigation coverage by adjusting its orientation and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ancillary irrigation span is fixed in a leading or trailing configuration, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the irrigation coverage area is reduced and cannot reach corner areas or areas around obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The ancillary irrigation span is designed to automatically transition between leading and trailing configurations during rotation, making the system dynamic rather than static. This allows the span to adapt its position based on the rotation angle, maximizing irrigation coverage in corner areas and around obstacles while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through automated position changing.
2Area of stationary object
If the ancillary irrigation span requires parking space at start or stop angles, then the system operation is simplified, but the desired irrigation coverage area is not reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically transitions the ancillary span between leading and trailing configurations during rotation, eliminating the need for manual parking operations. This dynamic position changing allows continuous irrigation coverage without requiring the system to stop and reposition the span, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while maximizing coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The ancillary irrigation span automatically assumes the appropriate configuration (leading or trailing) in advance before reaching critical angles, ensuring continuous irrigation coverage. This preliminary positioning action eliminates gaps in coverage and removes the need for manual intervention or parking space, as the system proactively prepares the span for optimal irrigation positioning throughout the rotation cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ancillary irrigation span is limited to a fixed angle extension, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but the ability to adapt to field boundaries and obstacles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ancillary irrigation span automatically transitions between leading and trailing configurations based on the rotation angle and field geometry, providing adaptability to various field boundaries and obstacles. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to cover corner areas and navigate around obstacles effectively, while the automated transition mechanism keeps the mechanical structure relatively simple compared to manually adjustable systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system and method are provided and include a primary irrigation system operative to rotate for irrigating an irrigation coverage area. An ancillary irrigation span is hingedly connected to a distal end of the primary irrigation system, the ancillary irrigation span being operative to automatically transition from a first configuration trailing movement of the distal end of the primary irrigation system to a second configuration leading movement of the distal end of the primary irrigation system to allow irrigation in areas outside a path of travel of the irrigation system, for example, corners of a crops field or to allow the irrigation system to irrigate near and around obstacles in the area of irrigation.