Inductive Coupling for Distributed Irrigation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed control systems for irrigation systems face challenges in simplifying installation, enhancing reliability, and reducing costs, particularly in requiring direct galvanic electrical connections which can be complex and prone to failures.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system utilizing inductive coupling to deliver power and data along a transmission line, where a master controller communicates with slave modules via coupling loops, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and allowing for efficient control of individual sprinkler components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct galvanic electrical connections are used between transmission line and remote slave modules, then reliable power and data transfer can be achieved, but installation complexity increases and long-term reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct galvanic electrical connections (mechanical/electrical contact system) with inductive coupling (electromagnetic field-based system). The master controller and slave modules communicate through magnetic fields generated by coupled inductors, eliminating the need for direct wire connections between components. This substitution reduces installation complexity while maintaining reliable power and data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the master controller and slave modules. Instead of direct electrical contact, power and data are transferred through inductively coupled magnetic fields that act as a mediator, allowing energy and information transmission without galvanic connections. This intermediary approach enhances reliability by eliminating connection points that could fail.
2Ease of manufacture
If direct galvanic electrical connections are required, then system functionality can be maintained, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring operations with simple inductive coupling. Slave modules are attached to the transmission line using magnetic coupling rather than requiring precise electrical connections, significantly simplifying installation procedures and reducing installation time while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system allows slave modules to automatically receive power and data through the magnetic field generated by the transmission line. The system self-configures through the electromagnetic coupling without requiring manual wiring or complex installation procedures, making installation easier and faster.
3Reliability
If inductive coupling is used to eliminate direct electrical connections, then installation is simplified and reliability enhanced, but power and data transfer efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tuning of the inductive coupling system to optimize power transfer efficiency. The coupling between master controller and slave modules can be adjusted to maintain maximum efficiency under varying operating conditions, ensuring that energy losses are minimized while still providing the reliability benefits of galvanic-free connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the electromagnetic coupling (such as adjusting inductance, frequency, or coupling coefficient) to optimize power transfer efficiency. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high efficiency while preserving the advantages of inductive coupling for reliability and installation simplicity.
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
This solution simplifies installation, enhances long-term reliability, and reduces costs by enabling efficient power and data transfer without direct electrical connections, allowing for precise control of irrigation parameters across multiple sprinkler components.
Implementation Method 1
each coupler enclosing a pair of inductive coupling loops formed in the transmission line, and passing through an inductor or coil to thereby establish mutual coupling between the transmission line and the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed control system is provided wherein a master controller inductively delivers power and data to a plurality of remote slave modules or controllers via a plurality of coupling loops formed along a length of transmission line. Each of the remote slave modules, in turn, inductively delivers return data to the master controller via the plurality of coupling loops. The use of inductive coupling provides an advantage over the state of the art because no direct galvanic electrical connection is required between the transmission line and the remote slave modules which promise to simplify installation and enhance long-term reliability. Example applications for the control system described herein include agricultural irrigation systems where individual sprinkler and valve components may be controlled collectively, individually, or in groups or subsets, to vary application rates according to prescribed irrigation parameters.