Irrigation Track Assembly Pivot Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation system track assemblies are complex, expensive, and cause buckling and off-set loading issues when trying to follow non-straight paths, while also being difficult to set and adjust for steering angles.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with a mounting bracket, gearbox assembly, rotatable drive and tension wheel hubs, and a track belt, featuring a hinge plate and locking pin for pivotable mounting and adjustable steering angle, allowing for easier navigation of curved paths and reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known track assemblies are used to provide better traction and flotation, then ground contact improvement is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a drive wheel assembly with gearbox, a tension wheel assembly, and a track belt. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly design incorporates universal mounting brackets and standardized connection elements that can be applied to various irrigation system configurations, making the same basic design adaptable to different mobile tower types and irrigation system sizes.
2Reliability
If known track assemblies provide sufficient traction, then ground contact is improved, but excessive stress is created on the system when following non-straight paths
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly incorporates adjustable steering angles through pivotable mounting brackets that allow the drive wheels to be oriented at different angles relative to the mobile tower. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to follow non-straight paths without creating excessive stress on the irrigation system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering angle parameter can be changed by adjusting the orientation of the mounting brackets and drive wheels. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of traction for different operational conditions while preventing excessive stress on the system during turning maneuvers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steering angle is adjusted to allow curved paths, then navigation flexibility is improved, but setting and adjusting the tow becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are pre-configured with adjustable steering angle mechanisms during manufacturing, so that the steering angle can be quickly adjusted in the field without requiring complex assembly or disassembly operations. This preliminary preparation of adjustment mechanisms reduces on-site time.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly includes self-adjusting steering mechanisms that can be easily modified by the operator without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge. The adjustable mounting brackets allow straightforward angle changes through simple mechanical operations.
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
The track assembly provides better traction and flotation without causing buckling or off-set loading, is less complex and costly, and allows for quick and easy adjustment of steering angles, making it practical for various irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower
Implementation Method 2
the structure includes a hinge plate attached to the mobile tower and a locking pin for pivotally coupling the mounting bracket to the hinge plate
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.