Irrigation Truss Joint Assembly for Adjustable Pipeline Crown Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems have a non-adjustable crown height and require numerous fasteners for assembly, leading to inefficiencies in construction and potential misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation system with a truss connection system where truss rails are connected on either end of the pipeline, using a single fastener to secure multiple components, and adjustable truss rods that change the crown height by altering their position with the aid of shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure components at intermediate truss joints, then the structural connection is strengthened, but the assembly time and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single fastener that secures the mating plate, strut, and cross-member simultaneously at intermediate truss joints. This single fastener design eliminates the need for multiple separate fasteners, reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity through integrated connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener serves multiple functions: it anchors the mating plate to the truss rod, secures the strut to the joint, and connects the cross-member to the truss structure. This multi-functional fastener design reduces the total number of components and simplifies the assembly process while providing comprehensive structural support.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure components at intermediate truss joints, then the connection reliability is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated fastening system. The single fastener simultaneously secures the mating plate, strut, and cross-member to the truss rod, reducing the total component count while maintaining connection reliability through unified structural attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener is designed to perform multiple securing functions: anchoring the mating plate, supporting the strut, and connecting the cross-member. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant fasteners while ensuring all structural connections are reliably established.
3Ease of manufacture
If the truss rail length is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the crown height of the pipeline cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable truss rod lengths that allow the truss rail configuration to be dynamically modified. By providing truss rods in different lengths or with adjustable extension capabilities, the system can adapt the crown height to match varying pipeline elevations while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the base components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables crown height adjustment by changing the length parameter of the truss rods. Different truss rod lengths are provided to achieve different crown heights, allowing the irrigation system to be adapted to various pipeline elevation requirements while keeping the overall design and manufacturing approach consistent.
4Strength
If numerous fasteners are used for assembly, then the structural integrity is enhanced, but the construction efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening operations into a single fastening action at each intermediate truss joint. The single fastener simultaneously secures all structural components (mating plate, strut, cross-member) to the truss rod, maintaining structural integrity while dramatically reducing the time and labor required for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener is designed to perform multiple structural securing functions simultaneously, ensuring all components are firmly attached while reducing the total number of fastening operations. This multi-functional fastener maintains structural integrity by securing all critical connections in one action, thereby improving construction efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.