Ball Connector Socket Pulley Alignment for Pivot Irrigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems face challenges in irrigating areas with obstructions, such as buildings or natural features, which restrict the movement and effectiveness of center pivot irrigation systems.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation alignment apparatus that couples a main section assembly to an extension section assembly, allowing the extension section to pivot about the main section using a ball connector and socket pulley system, coupled with a camshaft and linking member, enabling the system to adjust and maintain positional alignment and power distribution to overcome obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the irrigation system uses a fixed rigid structure, then the system is simple and stable, but it cannot irrigate areas with obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is divided into multiple sections (main section assembly and extension section assembly) that can move independently relative to each other. The extension section can pivot about the main section, allowing the system to navigate around obstructions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including a ball connector and socket pulley mechanism that allow the extension section to pivot and adjust its position. This dynamic capability enables the irrigation system to adapt to various field conditions and obstruction layouts.
2Area of stationary object
If the extension section pivots to reach inaccessible areas, then irrigation coverage increases, but alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a camshaft with cam followers that provide feedback on the angular position of the extension section. This feedback mechanism ensures that the extension section returns to the correct alignment position after pivoting, maintaining precision despite the dynamic movement required to access new areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical alignment systems with a hybrid system incorporating a camshaft and cam followers. This substitution provides more precise angular positioning and feedback control, enabling the system to maintain alignment precision while achieving extended irrigation coverage.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses a ball connector and socket pulley for pivoting, then movement flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball connector and socket pulley assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main section and extension section. This intermediary component enables smooth pivoting movement while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple well-defined parts, making the system easier to operate despite the added complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the camshaft indicates positional alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camshaft converts angular position information into linear displacement through the cam profile geometry. This parameter transformation provides precise alignment indication while using a relatively simple mechanical component that can be manufactured using conventional techniques, balancing precision requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the irrigation system to effectively irrigate areas previously inaccessible due to obstructions by allowing the extension section to pivot and adjust its path, ensuring comprehensive coverage and minimizing interference with terrain and obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
the extension section assembly to pivot about the main section assembly
Implementation Method 2
The camshaft is configured to indicate a positional alignment of the extension section assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation alignment apparatus is described that couples a main section assembly to an extension section assembly. In an implementation, the irrigation alignment apparatus includes a ball connector configured to couple to the main section assembly and a socket for receiving the ball connector, which is configured to at least partially pivot about the ball connector. The socket is coupled to the extension section assembly. The irrigation alignment apparatus also includes a socket pulley coupled to the socket about a centroid of the ball connector and is configured to at least partially pivot the socket about the ball connector. The socket pulley is configured to connect to a linking member that is coupled to a camshaft via a camshaft pulley. The camshaft is configured to indicate a positional alignment of the extension section assembly.