Magnetic Sensor Mounting for Safe Access on Elevated Irrigation Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems face inefficiencies due to the dangerous and inefficient process of replacing batteries in smart sensors mounted on elevated structures, leading to over- or under-irrigation issues.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising an anchor and a support with magnetic attachments allows for easy and safe access to secondary devices on elevated structures, enabling secure and reliable attachment and detachment without the need for ladders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smart sensors are mounted on elevated support structures to avoid obstructions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to dangerous access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure with a platform is introduced as an intermediary between the elevated sensor location and the ground. This platform allows safe access to the sensor for battery replacement without requiring ladders or lifts, while the sensor remains mounted at the elevated position needed for optimal data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: an anchor that attaches to the support structure, a support element that extends from the anchor, and a platform that attaches to the support. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain fixed at the optimal elevated position while providing safe ground-level access through the platform.
2Reliability
If sensors remain mounted on elevated structures without access improvements, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases due to inefficient battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a mediator that enables quick battery replacement by providing safe access. This eliminates the time-consuming and dangerous process of using ladders or lifts, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly swap batteries while the sensor remains continuously operational.
3Device complexity
If conventional mounting methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficult access to elevated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components (anchor, support, platform) that can be independently installed and adjusted. This modularity maintains relatively simple device complexity while dramatically improving ease of repair by allowing the platform to be positioned for optimal access to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to be adjustable and repositionable along the support element, providing dynamic adaptability for maintenance activities. This allows the platform to be moved to the optimal position for battery replacement or sensor repair while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient battery replacement or maintenance of smart sensors, ensuring optimal irrigation system operation by reducing the risk of injury and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnet of the anchor is disposed between the projection and the first end of the anchor main body. The first magnet of the support is disposed between the notch and first end of the support main body.
Data Source
AI summary
An example mounting system includes an anchor and a support. The anchor has an anchor main body and a first magnet. The anchor main body has a first end, a first surface, a second surface, and defines a projection. The projection extends from the first surface of the anchor main body and away from the second surface of the anchor main body. The support is releasably attachable to the anchor. The support has a support main body and a first magnet. The support main body has a first end, a first surface, a second surface, and defines a notch. The notch extends from the first surface of the support main body toward the second surface of the support main body. The projection of the anchor is disposed within the notch of the support when the support is releasably attached to the anchor.