Pivot Controller Single Speed Table Field Edge Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current center pivot controllers require additional user setup and consume excessive memory to achieve differing approach and exit speeds at field edges, especially for wiper pivots, due to the need for separate speed tables for forward and reverse directions.
Innovation Solution
A pivot controller that utilizes a single speed table with Field Edge Adjustment Settings, including Degrees from Edge, Adjustment Factor, Minimum Speed, and Maximum Speed, to adjust pivot speeds without requiring separate speed tables for each direction, allowing for easier and more memory-efficient control of approach and exit speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate speed tables are used for forward and reverse directions, then differing approach and exit speeds at field edges can be achieved, but device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate speed tables (forward and reverse) into a single unified speed table. The controller uses a single table lookup structure that works for both directions by using the absolute value of the bearing change, eliminating the need for separate forward and reverse tables while maintaining the ability to achieve different approach and exit speeds at field edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The single speed table is designed to serve multiple functions - it controls speeds for both forward and reverse operations, and handles both approach and exit scenarios at field edges. The table uses bearing change magnitude rather than direction, making it universally applicable to all pivot movements regardless of direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate speed tables are used for forward and reverse directions, then differing approach and exit speeds can be controlled, but memory consumption doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate memory-resident speed tables into one unified table structure. By using a single table that references speed values based on bearing change magnitude rather than direction, the memory requirement is reduced from storing two complete tables to storing one table, halving the memory consumption while preserving full speed control functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two speed tables are implemented, then approach and exit speed control is possible, but user setup complexity increases and entry errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the setup process for forward and reverse speed tables into a single unified setup procedure. Users only need to configure one speed table with bearing change ranges and corresponding speeds, rather than configuring two separate tables. This reduces the number of setup steps, minimizes opportunities for entry errors, and simplifies the user interface while maintaining directional speed control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved pivot monitor is described that allows for adjusting the speed of a center pivot at a field edge without requiring the use of multiple speed tables. Specifically, an improved pivot monitor is described that utilizes a distance from edge and adjustment factor to implement different approach and exit speeds of a center pivot at a field edge. Additionally, the improved pivot monitor is capable of limiting the adjustments within a specified speed limit.