Mapped Sprinkler Control for Wind-Shifted Irrigation Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust sprinkler controls based on field topography, weather conditions, and wind speeds, leading to inefficiencies such as water drift and incorrect application rates, resulting in wasted resources.
Innovation Solution
A system combining field mapping and control software to monitor machine location, wind speeds, and other environmental factors, allowing for real-time adjustments to sprinkler operations, including water pressure and nozzle settings, to optimize irrigation patterns and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed field design patterns are used for sprinkler control, then the system is simple to operate, but water drift and incorrect application rates occur under varying wind and topography conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sprinkler control that adjusts water application in real-time based on measured wind speeds and directions, field topography variations, and machine location. The system transitions from fixed static patterns to dynamic adjustable patterns, allowing sprinklers to modify their operation continuously as environmental conditions change, thereby maintaining application accuracy without sacrificing operational simplicity through automated sensor-based control.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual sprinkler control is implemented to address varying conditions, then irrigation precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the irrigation system into individually controllable sprinkler units, each capable of independent operation based on local conditions. The control system segments the field into multiple zones with specific sprinklers controlled separately, allowing precise adjustment of water application for each segment based on its unique wind exposure, topography, and crop needs, thereby achieving high precision without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously measure wind speed, wind direction, and field topography, feeding this data back to the control system which automatically adjusts sprinkler operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control by using automated sensor-based decision making, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high precision irrigation application.
3Productivity
If sprinkler operation continues during high wind conditions, then productivity is maintained, but water drift increases causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters of sprinklers based on measured wind conditions. When wind speeds exceed predetermined thresholds, the system adjusts water application rates, modifies spray patterns, or selectively shuts down individual sprinklers in affected zones. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain productivity in moderate wind conditions while preventing water drift and loss during high wind events, optimizing the balance between productivity and resource conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method which combines field mapping and control software to effectively manage sprinkler parameters to adjust for changes in weather conditions and positional/terrain changes. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably provides a system which monitors a mapped set of boundaries and preferably receives data regarding a variety of weather factors including wind monitoring (speed, direction, averages, and gusts) and preferably makes adjustments to the system to adjust and modify the shape of a desired distribution area based on the weather factors.