Mobile Corner Sprinkler Layout for Irrigating Field Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems, such as center-pivot and hand-line systems, struggle to reach corners and oddly shaped areas of fields, leading to under-watered sections and potential crop loss.

Innovation Solution

A corner-sprinkler apparatus comprising two wheels, a first member, and a second member, configured to receive a sprinkler head and a hose, allowing it to be positioned in hard-to-reach sections of a field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If center-pivot irrigation systems are used, then large areas of fields can be watered efficiently, but corners and oddly shaped areas cannot be reached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation coverage areaVSAvoidability to reach corners and oddly shaped areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation system is divided into multiple independent sprinkler units that can be positioned separately. Each unit covers a specific zone, allowing the system to adapt to field corners and irregular shapes while maintaining overall productivity through coordinated operation of multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by placing sprinklers at field corners and along boundaries, transitioning from traditional linear or circular coverage patterns to a multi-dimensional coverage strategy that includes perimeter and corner zones, thereby achieving both extensive coverage and adaptability to irregular field shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hand-line irrigation systems are used, then flexibility in placement is achieved, but difficult to reach portions of fields cannot be watered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidirrigation coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs movable and adjustable sprinkler units that can be dynamically repositioned along field boundaries and into corner areas. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain placement flexibility while expanding coverage to previously unreachable areas through coordinated movement and positioning of multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If current irrigation systems are used, then efficient watering of accessible areas is achieved, but crop loss occurs in unreachable sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop production in accessible areasVSAvoidirrigation coverage reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal irrigation solution that combines the advantages of multiple system types. The corner and boundary sprinklers can serve multiple functions: watering field perimeters, reaching corners, and adapting to various field shapes, thereby ensuring reliable coverage across all areas and eliminating crop loss in previously unreachable zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12520777B1Corner-sprinkler apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 NULPH IND INC

AI summary

A corner-sprinkler apparatus includes a first wheel, a second wheel, a first member interposed between the first and second wheels, a first bracket coupled to the first member, and a second member with a second bracket, the second member may be perpendicular to the first member. The second member may be configured to receive a sprinkler head and a water hose or pipe. The corner-sprinkler apparatus may be easily transported and positioned in hard-to-reach sections of a field, where water is not easily distributed.