Irrigation Tower Stabilizing Apparatus with Outrigger Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile irrigation systems, particularly pivot irrigation systems, are prone to overturning during high wind conditions due to their lightweight structures and reduced weight when drained of water, posing a significant risk to farmers in windy areas.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation tower stabilizing apparatus with outrigger arms equipped with transversely spaced ground-engaging elements, such as wheels or skids, that extend to increase the wheelbase of the irrigation towers, preventing overturning by distributing the wind force more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lightweight structures and materials are used to minimize power consumption and material use, then power consumption and material use are reduced, but the irrigation structure becomes more susceptible to overturning during high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into multiple independent outrigger assemblies, each with its own ground-engaging element. These segmented stabilizers can be independently deployed and adjusted, allowing the lightweight irrigation structure to achieve enhanced stability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The outrigger arms extend laterally from the irrigation towers, increasing the wheelbase in the horizontal dimension. This dimensional expansion creates a broader base of support that resists overturning moments from wind forces, effectively stabilizing the lightweight structure without adding vertical weight.
2Loss of substance
If the irrigation system is drained of water when idle, then material use is minimized, but the weight of the irrigation structure is reduced and its ability to withstand high winds is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger stabilizers are deployed in advance before high wind conditions occur. By preemptively extending the outriggers and engaging the ground-engaging elements, the system prepares its stabilization mechanism beforehand, ensuring stability is maintained whether the structure is full or drained of water.
3Reliability
If outrigger arms are extended to increase the wheelbase for stability, then stability against high winds is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger arms are designed with movable joints and adjustable positioning mechanisms, allowing them to be dynamically deployed and retracted. This dynamic capability enables the system to transition between compact transport configuration and extended stabilization configuration, managing complexity through controlled mobility rather than fixed permanent structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a mobile irrigation tower of a pivot irrigation system includes a pair of outrigger arms which extend from opposite sides of the irrigation tower. The outrigger arms are able to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The distal ends of the out rigger arms present ground engaging elements adapted for low friction passage across a farm ground surface. When the outrigger arms are in the extended position, the ground engaging element of each arm is in contact with or at least in close proximity to the farm ground surface at a location which is spaced transversely away from the irrigation tower. If the outrigger arms are in the extended position and if the irrigation system is subjected to a high velocity wind, the ground engaging elements will engage the farm ground surface and resist overturning movement of the irrigation tower.