Irrigation Span GPS Control for Corner Arm Deflection Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face limitations in detecting and managing deflection stresses caused by corner arm positioning, leading to high internal compression and tension loads, slippage, and restricted corner angles due to reliance on expensive span sensors and track and roller designs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs real-time kinematics-corrected GPS signals from last regular drive units and steerable drive units to detect and adjust deflection stresses, allowing for precise control of speed and steering angle to maintain acceptable loads and positions, thereby increasing the range of corner angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive span sensors or track and roller designs are used to detect deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deflection sensors with a GPS-based positioning system. The controller receives GPS coordinates of the LRDU and SDU, calculates their positions, and determines deflection based on positional data rather than mechanical sensor readings. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical sensing components while maintaining deflection detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS satellites as an intermediary to provide positioning information. Instead of direct mechanical contact sensors on the span, the system uses GPS signals to indirectly determine the positions of the LRDU and SDU, from which deflection is calculated. This intermediary approach simplifies the on-machine hardware while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If traditional steering angle control is used based solely on guidance system, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to deflection conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously receives GPS position data, calculates deflection based on the relative positions of the LRDU and SDU, and automatically adjusts the SDU steering angle in response. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to actual deflection conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the steering control dynamic by continuously adjusting the SDU steering angle based on real-time deflection calculations from GPS data. Instead of static pre-programmed steering angles, the system dynamically modifies steering commands in response to changing deflection conditions, improving adaptability while keeping the operator interface simple.
3Reliability
If speed control based on span sensor or track position is used, then reliability in maintaining span position is improved, but productivity decreases due to slippage and wheel tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical track and roller position measurement systems with GPS-based positioning. By using satellite-derived coordinates to determine SDU and LRDU positions and calculate deflection, the system eliminates mechanical contact that causes slippage and wheel tracks, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliable position control through continuous GPS monitoring.
4Strength
If corner span position is strictly limited to maintain acceptable loads, then strength of the span is protected, but adaptability in corner angle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by continuously monitoring deflection through GPS positioning and automatically adjusting SDU operations in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to operate across a wider range of corner angles by actively managing loads rather than imposing static restrictions, thereby improving adaptability while protecting span strength through continuous control adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for detecting and adjusting the position of an irrigation span. More particularly, the present invention provides a system and method for detecting and removing deflection stresses from irrigation spans caused by corner arm positioning.