Detecting Misaligned Wheeled Irrigation Towers via Voltage Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently identifying misaligned wheeled irrigation towers, which can lead to malfunctions such as under or over watering, and require costly and time-consuming manual detection.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of detection circuitry and a retrofit kit that includes a test resistance and resistances coupled to switches and neutral lines of wheeled irrigation towers, allowing for the identification of misaligned towers based on voltage changes measured across the test resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual detection methods are used to identify misaligned wheeled irrigation towers, then the system can detect misalignments, but the process is costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods with an automated electrical detection system. The system uses voltage measurement through a circuit involving a test resistance and switches to automatically identify misaligned towers, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing detection time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-detection of misalignment conditions through automated voltage monitoring. The detection circuitry continuously monitors voltage across the test resistance and automatically identifies when a tower is misaligned, allowing the system to detect and report its own status without external manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual detection methods are used to identify misaligned wheeled irrigation towers, then the system can detect misalignments, but operational downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment detection capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring with immediate feedback. The detection circuitry monitors voltage levels in real-time and automatically identifies misalignment conditions, providing immediate feedback that allows for rapid response and minimizes operational downtime by enabling quick identification and correction of misaligned towers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated voltage-based detection is implemented, then detection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the detection circuitry into the existing irrigation system infrastructure, utilizing existing electrical components and wiring. The test resistance and switches are incorporated into the current system architecture, allowing the detection function to serve multiple purposes and reducing overall system complexity despite adding automated detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a test resistance as an intermediary component that simplifies the detection process. By measuring voltage across this known resistance value, the system can indirectly determine tower alignment status without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms, thereby reducing detection circuit complexity while maintaining high detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables efficient and automated detection of misaligned wheeled irrigation towers, reducing operational downtime and resource wastage, while allowing for precise identification and correction of misalignments.

Implementation Method 1

detection circuitry configured to identify a misaligned wheeled irrigation tower of the plurality of wheeled irrigation towers based on a voltage corresponding to the test resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12235103B1Systems and methods for identifying misaligned wheeled irrigation towers

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

Circuitry for identifying a misaligned wheeled irrigation tower within a plurality of wheeled irrigation towers is disclosed. The circuitry may include a test resistance, a plurality of resistances, and detection circuitry configured to be coupled to the test resistance, wherein the detection circuitry is configured, when installed in the center pivot irrigation system, to identify the misaligned wheeled irrigation tower of the plurality of wheeled irrigation towers based on a detected voltage. A related retrofit kit and method are also disclosed.