Irrigation Span Oscillation Control Using Accelerometer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems experience oscillations and rocking effects due to wind, terrain changes, and high center of gravity, leading to strain and damage in alignment systems and drive-line components, which existing fixed delay timers fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects oscillations using accelerometers, processes the data to determine thresholds, and adjusts start/stop events with incremental delays via solid state relay timers to control and reduce oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed delay timers are used to reduce oscillations, then the start frequency of drive motors is reduced, but oscillations are not adequately controlled in all circumstances and may worsen in some cases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the delay interval between start/stop events based on real-time oscillation detection. Unlike fixed timers, the delay is variable and adapts to the actual oscillation state of the irrigation span, allowing the system to respond appropriately to different oscillation conditions rather than applying a constant delay regardless of situation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses accelerometers to continuously monitor oscillations and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to detect oscillation magnitude and adjust subsequent start/stop timing accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual conditions rather than operating open-loop with fixed delays
2Manufacturing precision
If start/stop events occur frequently to respond to alignment requirements, then alignment precision is improved, but oscillations and structural stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors oscillation levels in real-time and uses this feedback to determine whether to delay start/stop events. When oscillations are detected, the system automatically extends the delay interval, reducing the frequency of start/stop events and thereby reducing structural stress while maintaining alignment precision when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter (delay interval) dynamically based on oscillation conditions. By adjusting the delay interval between start/stop events according to detected oscillation levels, the system optimizes the balance between alignment precision requirements and structural stress reduction
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
Effectively minimizes oscillations and reduces stress on irrigation structures by dynamically adjusting the timing of start/stop events based on detected oscillation scales.
Implementation Method 1
detecting accelerometer data at the first span location within the first time period
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for controlling oscillations within an irrigation span assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, a preferred method may include the steps of: detecting a start/stop event input for a first drive tower within a first time period at a first span location; detecting accelerometer data at the first span location within the first time period; processing accelerometer data to identify any oscillations at the first span location by the first span during the first time period; determining whether a detected oscillation is within a predetermined threshold; and programming a solid state relay timer to add an incremented delay to additional start/stop event inputs.