Irrigation Tower Control for Automated Misalignment Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems face challenges with misalignment of towers, leading to system failure, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming to recover from, and can cause structural damage due to extreme tension or compression.
Innovation Solution
A network system with a station control system, including a network switch and an electronically addressable controller, allows for remote computer communication to manage tower alignment through drive value storage and comparison components, enabling automated motor control and faster recovery from faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If manual recovery methods are used for tower misalignment, then the system can be recovered from misalignment, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recovery operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect misalignment and electronically controls motorized towers to realign themselves. The system substitutes human labor and manual inspection with automated detection and correction mechanisms, significantly reducing both labor intensity and recovery time
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system is equipped with automated misalignment detection and correction capabilities that enable it to self-diagnose and self-correct without external intervention. Sensors continuously monitor tower alignment, and when misalignment is detected, the system automatically activates control mechanisms to restore proper alignment, making the system self-sufficient in recovering from misalignment events
2Ease of repair
If manual recovery methods are used for tower misalignment, then the system can be recovered, but external towing and visual inspection are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual recovery procedures involving external towing equipment and visual inspections with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect misalignment conditions, and electronic actuators automatically adjust tower positions, eliminating the need for external towing devices and manual visual inspection processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor tower alignment in real-time and provide data to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect misalignment conditions and automatically initiate correction actions, eliminating the need for external towing and visual inspection that characterize manual recovery methods
3Productivity
If towers are allowed to misalign, then the system can continue operating, but extreme tension or compression can cause structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and correction of misalignment before it develops into a harmful condition. Sensors continuously monitor tower alignment and trigger automatic correction mechanisms when misalignment is detected, preventing the development of extreme tension or compression forces that could cause structural damage while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated misalignment detection and correction system acts as a protective mechanism that prevents harmful structural conditions from developing. By continuously monitoring and automatically correcting tower alignment, the system cushions against the development of extreme tension or compression forces that would otherwise cause structural damage, allowing continuous operation without compromising structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the technology described herein provide a system for improved control and monitoring of a movable tower in an irrigation system. A computer controller associated with a tower of an irrigation system receives an indication of parameter modification. The system is then able to change parameters at a component of the tower control system based on the received parameters. The system stores the current drive value at a station to control drive. If the stored drive value is above a threshold level, a drive signal is provided to a motor. The system is operable to selectively apply a drive signal at a tower. The system provides the ability to digitally modify a threshold that is used in a machine run-mode to operate the motor at a tower.