Autonomous Irrigation Pipe Vehicle With Adjustable Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems for agricultural fields require manual assembly and disassembly of modular piping, which is labor-intensive and can be hazardous, especially when the field is wet, and existing automation solutions are not suitable for all applications or damage the pipes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled, autonomous vehicle with an adjustable track width and a hitch that can rotate vertically and horizontally, equipped with a hydraulic system to adjust tractive force and track width, allowing for efficient and damage-free assembly and disassembly of irrigation pipes across various row spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assembly and disassembly of modular piping is used, then the system can be assembled and disassembled, but the process is labor-intensive and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs its own pipe assembly and disassembly operations without requiring separate manual labor or complex external equipment. The hitch mechanism automatically couples and decouples pipe sections as the vehicle moves through the field, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional assembly equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing automation solutions are used, then assembly is automated, but the solutions are not suitable for all applications or damage the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle features an adjustable track width that can be dynamically changed to match different row spacings in the field. The hitch mechanism also allows vertical and horizontal rotation to accommodate various pipe configurations. This dynamic adaptability ensures the system works with different field layouts without requiring forceful manipulation that could damage the pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters including track width, hitch orientation (vertical and horizontal rotation), and vehicle position to adapt to different field conditions. These parameter adjustments allow the vehicle to accommodate various row spacings and pipe configurations while maintaining gentle, damage-free operation throughout the process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed track width vehicle is used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different row spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle incorporates an adjustable track width mechanism that allows the distance between wheels to be changed based on field requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same vehicle to accommodate various row spacings without requiring multiple specialized vehicles or overly complex reconfiguration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle structure is divided into adjustable components, particularly the track width mechanism that can be modified independently. This segmentation allows the vehicle to adapt its configuration to match different field layouts while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular, independent adjustment systems.
4Ease of operation
If manual pipe handling is performed in wet fields, then the task can be completed, but the conditions are hazardous to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical pipe handling with an automated vehicle-based system. The vehicle travels through the field and uses its hitch mechanism to automatically couple and decouple pipe sections, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle heavy pipes in wet, hazardous conditions while maintaining high installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle performs the pipe installation task autonomously without requiring human intervention during the actual pipe handling operations. The self-propelled vehicle navigates the field and executes coupling/decoupling operations independently, keeping workers out of hazardous wet conditions while maintaining productivity through automated operations.
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 vehicle enables efficient, automated, and safe placement and removal of irrigation pipes, reducing labor and minimizing damage, while accommodating different field configurations and ensuring timely operation even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system to adjust tractive force
Implementation Method 2
one or more drive wheels capable of imparting a tractive force to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle for placing irrigation pipe, and a method for placing irrigation pipe, is described. The vehicle has a tricycle configuration, with in-line a front steerable drive wheel, a rear drive wheel and a pipe clamp, and an adjustable side idler wheel that provides stability. As the vehicle moves though a field, pulling ever increasing length of pipe, the force provided by the drive wheels increases in proportion.