Center Pivot Irrigation Wheel Lug Structure for Soft-Soil Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current center pivot irrigation wheels lack strength, durability, and traction, particularly in soft soils, due to the use of pneumatic tires which require air pressure maintenance and are prone to rutting.
Innovation Solution
A wheel design featuring a circular ring with a plurality of lugs mounted in side-by-side positions, each lug having a center rib, laterally extending legs, and a lug plate for enhanced traction and structural support, along with an overmolded rubber layer for increased durability and grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic tires are used on irrigation wheels, then the wheels can operate on soft soil with compliance, but they lack strength, durability, and traction
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel combines a rigid metal rim structure with attached lugs made of durable material, creating a composite design that provides both structural strength and ground engagement capability. The metal rim provides the necessary strength and durability while the lugs provide traction and compliance on soft soil surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic tires are used on irrigation wheels, then the wheels can move over undulating surfaces, but they require air pressure maintenance and are prone to rutting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pneumatic tire component entirely from the wheel assembly, replacing it with a solid construction featuring lugs attached to a metal rim. This extraction eliminates the air pressure maintenance issue while maintaining the ability to navigate undulating surfaces through the lug design that can adapt to terrain variations.
3Device complexity
If traditional wheel designs are used, then the structure is simple, but they lack traction support once the wheel has entered a rut
Solution Approach 1:
The lugs are positioned around the circumference of the wheel in a pattern that provides continuous ground contact points. This circular arrangement ensures that as the wheel rotates, multiple lugs engage with the ground surface, providing traction support even when the wheel is in a rutted condition, while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel having a circular ring is provided. The circular ring has a rotational axis and an outer surface. A plurality of lugs is mounted in side-by-side positions on said outer surface of the circular ring. Each lug of the plurality of lugs has: a center rib, a first leg and a second leg, each leg extending from the center rib laterally and opposite of each other, and a lug plate adapted to connect the first leg to the center rib. The outermost point of each center rib may form a circular pattern that is coaxial with the rotational axis. The wheel may have a rim nested within said circular ring, said rim having a plurality of alternating scalloped protrusions, wherein said rim is configured to provide suitable clearance for tools during lug installation and removal while increasing the load capacity of said wheel.