Retrofitting Irrigation Pivot Controls with Standardized Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric center irrigation pivots lack standardized local controls, leading to user confusion and costly mistakes, and aftermarket remote controls often cause safety concerns and operational issues due to continuous electrification and non-integrated control systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for retrofitting electric center irrigation pivots with standardized local and integrated remote controls, allowing both to be located at the pivoting end, bypassing original control logic, and utilizing existing components like transformers and contactors, enabling safe and cost-effective operation with accurate position determination using GPS technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If after-market remote controls are installed on the opposite ends of the pivot to enable GPS position determination, then remote control functionality is achieved, but continuous electrification along the entire pivot length is required which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the remote control functionality from the traditional opposite-end location and relocates it to the pivoting end where the original local controls are located. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous electrification along the entire pivot length while maintaining GPS position determination capabilities, thereby resolving the safety hazard without sacrificing remote control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a mediator component that enables communication between the remote control and the pivot system without requiring continuous electrification of the entire pivot structure. This mediator allows the remote control to function safely while maintaining integration with the original control system
2Adaptability or versatility
If after-market remote controls are installed, then remote control capability is added, but full integration with original local controls is not achieved causing relative rather than absolute command implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the after-market remote control with the original local controls into a unified integrated control system. Both controls are now fully integrated and communicate through a common interface, ensuring that commands from either control are implemented absolutely rather than relatively, thereby improving control accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal control interface that accepts commands from both the original local controls and the new remote controls through a standardized communication protocol. This multi-functional approach ensures that both control methods achieve the same absolute results, eliminating the relative command implementation issue
3Reliability
If original local controls are used, then control functionality is maintained, but lack of standardization across different manufacturers causes user confusion and costly mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a universal standardized interface for the local controls that maintains full control functionality while providing a consistent user experience across different pivot manufacturers. This standardized interface reduces user training requirements and eliminates confusion caused by proprietary control systems, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability
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 solution provides a safer, more cost-effective, and universally compatible control system that allows for precise control across 360 sectors, eliminating the need for continuous electrification and ensuring absolute command integration, reducing user training needs and operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
The position-determining element may be mounted on a movable portion of the electric pivot and configured to determine and report a position to the local and remote control elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for retrofitting an electric center irrigation pivot to have a standardized user interface and remote control functionality. A local control element having a standardized local user interface is installed at a pivoting point of the pivot by bypassing an existing control logic of an original control system while using an existing transformer of the original control system. A remote control element having a standardized remote user interface is also installed at the pivoting point of the pivot, and is functionally integrated with the local control element. A position-determining element is mounted on a movable portion of the electric pivot. Retrofitting multiple pivots provides each with the same standardized user interfaces. Because existing elements of the original control system are either bypassed or used, uninstalling the system and reverting to the original control system can be quickly and easily accomplished.