Irrigation Tire Pressure Monitoring via Extended Range Telemetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled mechanized irrigation systems face challenges in monitoring tire pressure due to the limited range of existing wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, which can lead to costly downtime and inefficiencies in agriculture.

Innovation Solution

A mechanized irrigation system equipped with an electronic controller and telemetry means that can read and transmit tire pressure information wirelessly up to 2900 feet, allowing remote monitoring and timely corrective action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless tire pressure monitoring systems are used, then tire pressure information can be transmitted, but the transmission range is limited to the length of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire pressure monitoring capabilityVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic controller with a telemetry system that acts as a mediator between the tire pressure sensors and the operator. This controller receives signals from wireless tire pressure transmitters on the irrigation system and re-transmits the information over extended ranges, effectively bridging the gap between the limited range of tire-mounted transmitters and the operator's location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic controller on the irrigation system performs self-monitoring of tire pressure information received from transmitters. The system automatically processes and re-transmits the data without requiring direct operator proximity to the tires, enabling the system to serve its own monitoring needs across extended distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the irrigation system operates without remote tire pressure monitoring, then the system is simpler, but costly downtime occurs due to undetected flat tires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it controls irrigation operations and simultaneously monitors tire pressure information from wireless transmitters. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain tire monitoring capabilities without adding a completely separate dedicated monitoring system, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by receiving tire pressure information from transmitters and re-transmitting it to operators. This feedback loop enables real-time awareness of tire conditions, allowing operators to take corrective action before flat tires cause downtime, thus improving operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9022305B2Self-propelled mechanized irrigation system with a tire pressure monitoring system
Publication Date: 2015.05.05 VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
  • US9022305B2 patent drawing
  • US9022305B2 patent drawing
  • US9022305B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a mechanized irrigation system that includes an electronic controller equipped with a telemetry means configured to read wireless tire pressure monitors and transmit this information up to 2900 feet from the tires being monitored. Based on the ability to remotely monitor the tire pressure of a mechanized irrigation system, the operator can remotely determine when tire pressures are low and take the necessary corrective action to avoid costly down-time.