Continuous Track System for Pivot Irrigation Reducing Soil Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems using tires face issues such as soil erosion, reduced field space, tire deterioration, and maintenance challenges due to flat tires and pressure fluctuations, which impact productivity and cost in large-scale farming operations.
Innovation Solution
A continuous track transport system is introduced, which can be retrofitted or integrated into existing irrigation systems, eliminating the need for tires and wheels, featuring a gear train with plastic components and grousers that distribute weight evenly, reducing soil pressure and minimizing track depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tires are used for irrigation system movement, then the irrigation system can be repositioned, but deep and wide tracks are created in the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of ground contact from discrete tire contact patches to continuous track contact. The track system distributes the irrigation system's weight over a larger surface area, reducing ground pressure and minimizing track depth while maintaining mobility capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful function of tires (creating deep tracks) while retaining the useful function of mobility. By removing tires entirely and replacing them with a track system, the invention eliminates the source of deep track formation while preserving the ability to reposition the irrigation system
2Strength
If wide tires are used for irrigation system support, then the system can bear its weight, but field space for growing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the weight-bearing mechanism from wide tire contact to distributed track contact. The track system achieves the same weight support function with a narrower overall footprint by distributing load continuously along the track length, thereby preserving more field space for cultivation
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic tires are used for irrigation system movement, then the system can operate in various field conditions, but tire deterioration and maintenance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pneumatic tire component entirely, eliminating the rubber material that deteriorates under UV exposure and the pneumatic systems that can fail. The track system uses non-pneumatic, UV-resistant materials that do not suffer from the same deterioration and maintenance problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive pneumatic tires with a more durable track system that, while initially different in cost, eliminates recurring maintenance expenses and downtime associated with tire repairs and replacements
4Ease of repair
If flat tires occur in irrigation systems, then the system must be stopped for repair or replacement, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pneumatic tire system that is prone to flats and require maintenance. The track system eliminates the vulnerable pneumatic components, thereby eliminating the need for repairs and maintaining continuous operational productivity
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a continuous track transport system for an irrigation system is provided that includes a continuous track with multiple track plates arranged so that adjacent plates are directly connected to each other, and also includes a gear train connected with the continuous track and operable to transmit an input torque to the continuous track to effect movement of the continuous track. The gear train includes a drive gear having an interface that is connectible to a gearbox of an irrigation system chassis, first and second driven sprocket-gears engaged with the continuous track, each of first and second driven sprocket-gears including a respective driven gear engaged with the drive gear, and a frame to which one or more gears of the gear train are rotatably mounted. Any one or more of the drive gear, sprocket-gear, and frame may comprise, or consist of, molded, glass-filled nylon.