Motion-Sensing Sprinkler Controllers for Precise Variable-Rate Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center pivot irrigation systems face challenges in precisely determining the location of individual sprinklers for variable rate irrigation due to the high cost of equipping each sprinkler with a GPS receiver, making precise irrigation delivery complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sprinkler controller with a microcontroller circuit, motion sensor (such as an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit), and a valve assembly that calculates sprinkler location using the system's rotational mechanics, eliminating the need for individual GPS receivers by determining drop numbers based on motion characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are installed on each sprinkler controller to determine location, then location precision is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) as intermediary devices to indirectly determine sprinkler location through motion characteristics rather than directly measuring GPS coordinates. The motion sensors detect acceleration, orientation, and magnetic field data, which are then processed to calculate position relative to the pivot center, serving as a cost-effective mediator between the sprinkler controller and location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a mechanical motion sensing system. By using accelerometers to detect linear acceleration, gyroscopes to measure angular velocity, and magnetometers to determine orientation, the system substitutes the complex GPS infrastructure with locally-based mechanical sensors that measure the physical motion of the sprinkler assembly along the pipe span
2Manufacturing precision
If independent control of every sprinkler is implemented for optimal variable rate irrigation, then irrigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sprinkler controller universal and interchangeable by equipping them with identical motion sensing capabilities and location calculation algorithms. Each controller independently determines its own position using its motion sensors, eliminating the need for individual configuration or assignment of drop numbers. This multi-functional approach allows any controller to operate at any position on the pipe span while maintaining precise irrigation control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables each sprinkler controller to self-determine its location by processing data from its own motion sensors. The controllers autonomously calculate their position relative to the pivot center by analyzing acceleration patterns, orientation changes, and magnetic field variations without requiring external assignment or manual configuration. This self-service capability simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining independent control of each sprinkler
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
This approach allows for cost-effective and efficient calculation of sprinkler locations, enabling precise irrigation control without the high cost of GPS receivers, thereby optimizing water distribution across the field.
Implementation Method 1
Each sprinkler controller circuit includes an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit to measure and analyze its own motion over a period of time
Implementation Method 2
a sprinkler controller with a microcontroller circuit, motion sensor (such as an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit), and a valve assembly that calculates sprinkler location using the system's rotational mechanics
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler controller is cooperable with a sprinkler assembly that receives fluid input from a pipe span. The sprinkler controller includes a microcontroller circuit, a motion sensor coupled with the microcontroller circuit, and a valve assembly including a modulator coupled with the microcontroller circuit and a valve coupled with the sprinkler assembly. The valve meters or controls an amount of fluid output from the sprinkler assembly, and the microcontroller circuit is programmed to control the valve assembly based on input from the motion sensor. With a series of sprinkler controllers in a center pivot irrigation system, the drop numbers for each of the sprinkler assemblies can be determined based on input from the motion sensors.