Ground-Based Platform Coupling for Overhead Irrigation Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead irrigation systems face challenges in uniformly applying water and chemicals around obstacles and supporting moveable platforms for harvesting and pruning operations, which require reinforced structures and complex motor systems, making it difficult to efficiently transport workers and equipment across large fields.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based platform system that couples with overhead irrigation equipment using a non-rigid linkage to communicate positional, directional, and speed information, allowing coordinated movement and supporting the weight of workers and equipment without modifying existing irrigation equipment, and includes sensors for mechanical force sensing and power connections for powering the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ground-based platform is coupled with overhead irrigation equipment to transport workers and equipment, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to reinforced structures and complex motor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a transportation vehicle for workers and equipment, and as a support structure for harvesting and pruning operations. The platform can be coupled with existing overhead irrigation equipment without requiring major modifications to either system, making it a universal solution that enhances productivity while maintaining compatibility with current infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates a complex motor system with multiple drives that allow it to dynamically adjust its movement and positioning. The system can coordinate the movement of the platform with the irrigation equipment, enabling flexible operation in different field conditions and obstacle configurations, thereby improving transport efficiency without requiring permanent structural modifications.
2Ease of operation
If existing irrigation equipment is modified to support moveable platforms, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate modular components: the overhead irrigation equipment retains its original structure, while the ground-based platform has its own independent coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the platform to be attached and detached without modifying the irrigation equipment, maintaining ease of operation while reducing manufacturing precision requirements since each component is designed and manufactured independently according to its own specifications.
3Strength
If reinforced structures are used to support the platform, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reinforcing the entire platform structure, the design applies reinforcement only in specific local areas where strength is actually needed to support workers and equipment. The majority of the platform structure uses lighter materials and simpler construction, reducing overall weight while maintaining adequate support capacity in critical load-bearing regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment.