Ancillary Span Path-Based Water Capacity for Uniform Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems with ancillary spans struggle to distribute water uniformly due to the ancillary span's ability to maneuver at different extension and retraction velocities, leading to under-watering and over-watering in field corners, and the orientation changes affecting water distribution uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A path-based method using a predetermined path for the ancillary span steering tower, defined by polar coordinates, to determine optimal water capacity by dividing the field into sectors and zones, calculating the area of each section, and adjusting sprinkler operation based on area factors to prevent over-watering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the ancillary span maneuvers at different extension and retraction velocities, then the irrigation coverage area is increased, but water distribution uniformity deteriorates causing under-watering and over-watering
Solution Approach 1:
The field is divided into multiple zones based on the ancillary span's position and orientation, with each zone requiring different water capacity. This segmentation allows tailored water distribution to different areas covered by the moving ancillary span, addressing the uniformity problem while maintaining expanded coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water capacity based on the ancillary span's real-time position, orientation, and movement velocity. By making water distribution adaptive to the changing operational state, the system prevents both over-watering and under-watering while maintaining the benefits of expanded irrigation area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ancillary span changes orientation during operation, then the adaptability to field geometry is improved, but water distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water capacity is dynamically adjusted according to the ancillary span's instantaneous orientation and position. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain uniform water distribution despite the changing orientation, simultaneously achieving geometric adaptability and distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the water capacity parameter based on the ancillary span's operational parameters (position, orientation, velocity). By making water capacity a variable parameter that responds to operational changes, the system maintains uniform distribution while adapting to various field geometries.
3Area of moving object
If the ancillary span extends and retracts independently, then the irrigation coverage is expanded, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the irrigation area into multiple zones based on the ancillary span's position and orientation. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by treating each zone independently with specific water capacity requirements, making the overall control manageable despite the independent extension and retraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring the ancillary span's position, orientation, and movement to automatically adjust water capacity. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by automating the response to operational changes, reducing the need for complex manual control systems.
Data Source
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.