Hemispherical Irrigation Pipe Joint With Three-Degree Freedom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Irrigation systems experience stress and damage due to torsional forces from ground variations and misalignment of motor speeds, leading to pipe section joint and component wear over time.

Innovation Solution

An irrigation system joint allowing three degrees of freedom between pipe sections through a hemispherical surface and cavity contact, reducing stress by enabling up to 30% torsion, 17-degree axial rotation, and 5-foot misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid pipe section joints are used to maintain structural stability, then structural strength is improved, but stress and damage occur due to ground variations and motor speed misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint transitions from a rigid static connection to a dynamic connection that allows three degrees of freedom (torsional rotation, axial rotation, and lateral displacement). The hemispherical surface and cavity enable the joint to dynamically adapt to ground variations and motor speed differences, reducing stress while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint changes the mechanical parameters of the pipe connection by introducing three degrees of freedom. This allows the system to accommodate parameter variations in tower position and orientation without transmitting excessive stress, thereby improving reliability while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If fixed alignment between pipe sections is maintained to ensure proper fluid flow, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but stress accumulates due to ground variations and tower misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow efficiencyVSAvoidjoint stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The joint allows dynamic adjustment of pipe section alignment through three degrees of freedom, enabling the system to maintain proper fluid flow paths even when ground variations or motor speed differences cause tower misalignment, while preventing stress accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used to prevent misalignment, then tower alignment is improved, but damage occurs over time due to torsional forces from ground variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetower alignmentVSAvoidtorsional stress damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The joint provides dynamic alignment capability through three degrees of freedom, allowing towers to maintain proper relative positioning while accommodating ground variations. This prevents torsional stress damage by allowing controlled movement rather than forcing rigid alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint acts as an intermediary element between pipe sections, absorbing and accommodating misalignment through its three degrees of freedom. This mediator function protects the pipe sections from direct torsional stress while maintaining system alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12467566B2Irrigation kinematic joint

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 LINDSAY CORP

AI summary

An irrigation system joint couples first and second adjacent pipe sections that are coaxial along a central axis when aligned. The joint comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for securing to the first pipe section and comprises an upwardly facing hemispherical surface. The second portion is for securing to the second pipe section and comprises a cavity that receives at least a portion of the hemispherical surface to form a contact line coincident with the central axis when the pipe sections are aligned.