Articulated Drive Tower for Self-Propelled Irrigation Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-propelled irrigation system drive towers struggle with traction and flotation on difficult and uneven terrain, often getting stuck or leaving deep ruts, and previous solutions have been complex and expensive with limited market acceptance.
Innovation Solution
An articulated drive tower with a base beam assembly pivotally connected to a tower structure, featuring three drive wheel assemblies where the third wheel assembly can move vertically relative to the first and second assemblies, maintaining even weight distribution and ensuring all wheels remain in contact with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-wheeled drive tower is used, then the structure is simple, but it becomes stuck or leaves deep ruts in difficult terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The base beam is segmented into multiple sections that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the drive tower to adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining multiple contact points with the ground for improved traction and flotation
Solution Approach 2:
The base beam is designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing it to change configuration in response to terrain variations while maintaining stable contact with the ground through the articulated joints
2Reliability
If a three-wheeled drive tower with rigid base beam is used, then traction is improved, but weight distribution is not constant and wheels may leave the ground on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The base beam articulation allows dynamic adjustment of wheel positions and weight distribution as the system traverses uneven terrain, ensuring all wheels maintain contact with the ground while adapting to terrain variations
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated base beam changes the geometric parameters of the drive tower configuration in response to terrain conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal weight distribution and wheel contact across varying terrains
3Reliability
If tracked drive towers or four-wheeled drive towers are used, then flotation is improved, but the system becomes complex and expensive with limited market acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The base beam is divided into articulating segments that provide flotation capability through multiple wheel contacts without requiring complex tracked systems or four-wheeled configurations, achieving improved flotation with simpler mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated base beam provides dynamic adaptation to terrain that improves flotation without the complexity of tracked systems, allowing the drive tower to maintain contact with soft or uneven ground through controlled articulation
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled irrigation system has an elongated pipeline supported above a field by a plurality of drive towers. The drive towers each have a base beam assembly, a tower structure extending above the base beam assembly for supporting the elongated pipeline, and a plurality of drive wheel assemblies for moving the base beam assembly over a field. The drive assemblies include first and second drive assemblies mounted to respective ends of the base beam assembly. At least one of the drive towers also has a third drive assembly mounted to the base beam assembly between the first and second drive assemblies. The base beam assembly supporting the third drive assembly is articulated between its first and second ends and pivotally connected to the lower ends of the tower structure to allow the third drive assembly to move vertically relative to the first and second drive assemblies when traversing uneven terrain.