Modular Irrigation CBM Mounting for Predictive Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems, such as pivots and drip systems, frequently break down during critical growing periods, leading to delays and increased costs, with existing technologies only notifying of failures after they occur, rather than predicting maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular kinematic and telemetry system with condition-based monitoring (CBM) that includes sensors and algorithms to predict system health by collecting data from various sources, including NOAA weather and soil moisture, and using modular foot assemblies to secure the CBM system to different end gun configurations, enabling predictive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional diagnostic methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot predict maintenance needs and only notifies of failures after they occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing condition-based monitoring that detects and analyzes system parameters before actual failures occur. Sensors continuously monitor vibration, temperature, and other operational parameters, and algorithms predict potential failures in advance, allowing maintenance to be performed before breakdowns happen during critical growing periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a modular CBM system with sensors and algorithms that act as a mediator between the irrigation system and the maintenance decision-making process. This intermediary layer processes operational data and provides predictive insights without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CBM system is designed to work with multiple end gun configurations, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into modular foot assemblies that can be independently selected and configured. Different foot assembly types (e.g., wheel-based, track-based, custom configurations) are designed as separate modules that attach to the CBM system housing, allowing the same CBM platform to adapt to various end gun configurations without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the CBM system housing with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of foot assemblies. The standardized housing design allows a single CBM platform to serve multiple irrigation system configurations through interchangeable foot assemblies, achieving multi-functionality without increasing core system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and algorithms are added to predict system health, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a phased sensor deployment strategy. Instead of installing all possible sensors immediately, the system starts with critical sensors for key parameters (vibration, temperature) and adds additional sensors as needed. The algorithms process only the most relevant data initially, providing adequate predictive capability without the full complexity of a complete sensor array.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular kinematic and telemetry system for an irrigation system includes a condition-based monitoring (CBM) system and a plurality of sets of modular foot assemblies. The CBM system has a housing and supports a plurality of kinematic and telemetry components. The plurality of sets of modular foot assemblies includes a first set and a second set that secure to the housing of the CBM system. The first set is configured to secure the CBM system to a first end gun configuration and the second set is configured to secure the CBM system to a second end gun configuration that is different from the first end gun configuration.