Laser Alignment System for Irrigation Span Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanized irrigation systems face issues with tolerance stack-up, improper installation, and mechanical wear due to mechanical alignment mechanisms, leading to alignment failures.
Innovation Solution
A laser alignment system using a laser diode to create a single point light source, which is passed through a line generator to create a laser line, and a light sensor array measures the alignment to control drive unit motors, ensuring the water pipeline remains aligned without requiring maintenance or replacement of moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical alignment mechanisms are used to maintain span alignment, then alignment can be maintained during movement, but tolerance stack-up and mechanical wear occur leading to alignment failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with an optical alignment system using laser diodes and light sensors. The laser alignment system emits laser beams that are detected by light sensors on adjacent spans, providing alignment information electronically without mechanical contact. This eliminates mechanical wear and tolerance stack-up while maintaining alignment precision during system movement.
2Reliability
If mechanical alignment mechanisms are used, then alignment can be maintained, but improper installation and maintenance lead to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical alignment system requires no mechanical installation or maintenance of moving parts. The laser diodes and light sensors are installed once and require no adjustment during operation. The system eliminates the need for mechanical components that would require installation precision and ongoing maintenance, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-regulating through electronic feedback. The light sensors continuously monitor alignment and provide signals to control systems that automatically adjust span positions. This self-correcting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, installation adjustments, and routine maintenance that mechanical systems require.
3Reliability
If mechanical alignment mechanisms are used, then alignment can be maintained during movement, but mechanical wear of moving parts causes failure
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical components, the patent eliminates moving parts that subject to wear. Laser diodes and light sensors have no mechanical contact during operation, eliminating friction, wear, and fatigue failures. This dramatically extends the operational lifespan of the alignment system while maintaining continuous alignment capability throughout the irrigation system's service life.
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 laser alignment system effectively maintains alignment of mechanized irrigation spans, eliminating mechanical wear and maintenance issues, ensuring consistent operation with no need for adjustments or replacement of parts, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the irrigation system.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode is utilized to create a single point light source which is passed through a laser line generator to create a laser 'line'
Implementation Method 2
A light sensor array measures the alignment of the laser source relative to the light sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A laser alignment system is provided for a mechanized irrigation system with the laser alignment system being operatively connected to the drive tower motors of the irrigation system to maintain the spans of the irrigation system in alignment.