Irrigation Span Power-Data Hubs for Peripheral Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern irrigation systems face challenges in providing power and data to peripherals along the irrigation span without disrupting the main power and data control systems, leading to costly splicing, physical weaknesses, and electrical noise.

Innovation Solution

A power and data distribution system with adjustable mounting surfaces for peripherals, including a distribution cord with power and data cords and connection hubs with outlets, along with a peripheral securing attachment for secure mounting and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If splicing is used to add peripherals to irrigation spans, then power and data can be provided to additional devices, but physical weaknesses are created in the power and data systems due to cutting wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add peripheralsVSAvoidphysical strength of power and data systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power and data distribution system into modular segments by introducing connection hubs that can be attached at multiple locations along the irrigation span. Each hub provides independent power and data outlets, eliminating the need to splice into the main wiring and preserving system integrity while allowing flexible peripheral addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces connection hubs as intermediary devices between the main power/data system and peripherals. These hubs serve as intermediate connection points that receive power and data from the main system and distribute them to multiple peripherals, avoiding direct splicing into the main wires and thus preventing physical weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If splicing is used to add peripherals to irrigation spans, then power and data can be provided to additional devices, but the cost increases due to requiring electricians for wire splicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add peripheralsVSAvoidcost of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables non-electrician personnel to install peripherals by providing self-contained connection hubs with integrated power and data outlets. The hubs are designed to be easily attached to irrigation spans without requiring wire splicing or electrical expertise, allowing farmers or maintenance personnel to independently add devices as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional wires and peripherals are added to data circuits, then more devices can be connected, but electrical noise is created that is difficult to isolate and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidelectrical noise in data system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data connection function from the main data circuit by providing separate data outlets on connection hubs. This isolation allows data traffic to be segmented into different pathways, making it easier to identify and eliminate sources of electrical noise without affecting the entire data system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If new peripherals are added to power circuits, then more devices can be powered, but overloaded power circuits are created that are difficult to individually control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of powered devicesVSAvoidcontrol complexity of power distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power distribution system by providing multiple connection hubs with individual power outlets along the irrigation span. Each hub can independently control power to its connected peripherals, allowing granular power management and preventing circuit overloads by distributing the load across multiple independent connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12244128B2Apparatus for providing power and peripheral mounting within an irrigation assembly

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

The present invention provides the present invention provides a power and data distribution system which includes an adjustable surface for mounting device peripherals such as sensors, lights, solar panels and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment, an exemplary system includes: a distribution cord which includes a power cord and a data cord; and a connection hub which is located along a length of the distribution cord. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connection hub includes a power outlet and a data outlet which are electrically connected to the distribution cord. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes a peripheral securing attachment which attaches to an irrigation span and which includes a peripheral rail, a central cord tunnel and a lower securing surface.