GNSS Waypoint Steering for Irrigation Corner Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanized center-pivot irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently irrigating non-circular fields due to limitations in existing guidance systems, such as buried wire obstacles and difficulties in path changes, while GNSS technologies have shown promise but require improved navigation methods for corner systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized corner irrigation system employing GNSS waypoint navigation with a steerable drive unit, wheel angle sensor, and GNSS receivers to accurately steer the corner system around a field by calculating cross-track and wheel angle errors, ensuring precise path following.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buried wire guidance systems are used to guide the corner system, then the corner system can follow a path, but obstacles such as rocks make wire burial difficult and path changes are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical buried wire guidance system with a GNSS-based satellite navigation system. The corner system uses GNSS receivers to receive satellite signals and determine its position, eliminating the need for physical wire burial while maintaining path following capability and enabling flexible path changes without physical infrastructure modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GNSS satellites as an intermediary medium for guidance. Instead of using buried wires as the guidance medium, the system uses satellite signals that can be received anywhere in the field, providing both reliable path following and flexible path adaptation without physical obstacles
2Reliability
If buried wire guidance systems are used, then path following is possible, but the system complexity increases due to wire installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical wire installation and maintenance system with a simplified GNSS-based electronic guidance system. The corner system uses satellite signals and electronic positioning to achieve accurate guidance without the need for physical wire infrastructure, significantly reducing installation and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the buried wire infrastructure from the guidance system, keeping only the essential positioning function through GNSS receivers. This eliminates the complex wire installation, protection, and maintenance requirements while preserving the core guidance capability
3Ease of operation
If traditional GNSS steering methods are used, then the corner system can be steered, but the navigation precision and path following accuracy need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the corner system continuously receives GNSS position data, compares its actual position with the desired path, and adjusts its steering accordingly. The system calculates steering commands based on position errors and feeds them back to the steering mechanism, improving path following accuracy while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal path points and steering commands based on the desired irrigation pattern. The system determines the ideal corner position and steering angle in advance, then executes these pre-planned actions to achieve high navigation precision while simplifying real-time control
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
The system enables efficient and accurate navigation of corner irrigation systems in non-circular fields by utilizing GNSS waypoint navigation, reducing the need for buried wires and improving path adaptability, thus enhancing irrigation efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A rover GNSS antenna is mounted on the steerable drive unit which is in communication with a GNSS receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A GNSS based steering control system for a mechanized irrigation corner arm utilizing waypoint navigation.