Flexible Irrigation Span Joints for Uniform Receptacle Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural irrigation systems often create water distribution 'dead zones' due to non-uniform spacing of receptacles along the pipeline, leading to uneven irrigation coverage, and connections are inflexible and prone to premature wear.
Innovation Solution
The irrigation system features variable length spans with uniformly spaced receptacles and flexible joint connections that allow for efficient rotation and pivot motion, using components like receiver plates and elongated members with bushings to maintain consistent spacing and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple spans are connected to cover large field areas, then the irrigation system can serve larger areas, but non-uniform receptacle spacing creates water distribution dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is divided into multiple spans with standardized lengths (e.g., 38 feet), each containing a specific number of receptacles at uniform intervals. By segmenting the overall irrigation system into repeatable modular units, the patent maintains consistent receptacle spacing across the entire pipeline while enabling coverage of large field areas through concatenation of multiple spans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different parts of the span. Specifically, end segments of spans have different receptacle arrangements compared to intermediate segments, allowing the system to maintain uniform overall spacing while accommodating connection points between spans. This local differentiation resolves the spacing uniformity issue at critical junction points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid connections are used between spans, then structural stability is maintained, but the connections are inflexible and prone to premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed connections with flexible hinged joints that allow controlled movement between spans. The hinge mechanism enables the connection to adapt to ground irregularities, thermal expansion, and operational stresses while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection reduces stress concentration and prevents premature failure compared to rigid alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element between adjacent spans, mediating the mechanical stresses and movements that occur during operation. Rather than directly connecting rigid pipe ends, the hinge provides a compliant interface that absorbs differential movements and reduces wear on the connection components, thereby improving durability.
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
This design ensures uniform water distribution across the field by maintaining consistent receptacle spacing and reduces wear on system components, enhancing irrigation efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
bushing in the receiver plate that receives the elongated member, wherein the bushing allows the span to rotate or pivot with efficient motion and reduced part wear
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system having spans of a variable overall length is provided. Each span has a plurality of fluid delivery conduits coupled end to end to define the span with a first peripheral end and a second peripheral end. Each fluid delivery conduit has a plurality of receptacles uniformly spaced along its length. The first peripheral end has a first end segment and the second peripheral end has a second end segment. The lengths of the first and second end segments are less than half of the uniform distance by which each of the plurality of receptacles is spaced apart. Uniform spacing of receptacles is maintained across a connection of adjacent spans.