Center Pivot Irrigation Solid-State Tower Control via Power-Line BUS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems face frequent mechanical and electrical breakdowns due to harsh environments and prolonged use, leading to significant downtime and economic losses in farming operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates solid-state components, programmable logic devices, and a power-line BUS for controlling and powering irrigation spans, including motors, controllers, communication devices, and sensors, with a network interface for communication and alignment, to provide reliable operation and reduce downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-mechanical devices (relays, switches) are used for control and powering, then the system can perform basic control functions, but the system experiences frequent mechanical and electrical breakdowns due to moving parts and harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical devices (relays, switches with moving parts) with solid-state electronic components that have no moving parts. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and electrical contact failures, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining control functionality through electronic switching and sensing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of control devices from electro-mechanical to solid-state electronics. This parameter change involves transitioning from devices with moving parts and electrical contacts to semiconductor-based components that operate without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the primary failure modes in harsh irrigation environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote, independent power is provided for each sensor, sprayer, and drive control system, then each component can operate independently, but the system complexity and number of powered elements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal solid-state control system that can independently control multiple different components (sensors, sprayers, drive systems) through a common architecture. This multi-functional approach allows each component to operate independently while using the same solid-state control technology, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate electro-mechanical control systems for each element.
3Device complexity
If a common power line is provided for all irrigation elements, then the system structure is simplified, but the system is prone to repeated mechanical and electrical breakdowns in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electro-mechanical power distribution system with a solid-state electronic system that uses a common power line. The solid-state components distributed along the power line provide local control and monitoring without the mechanical failures associated with traditional electro-mechanical devices, thus maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving reliability in harsh irrigation environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system for providing power, control and communications within an irrigation system having at least one span and a drive system for moving the span. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably includes a pivot panel which includes a pivot panel processor for receiving, controlling and initiating the transmission of power and control signals to a plurality of solid state tower boxes. According to a further preferred embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention preferably further includes a power-line BUS electrically connected to the pivot panel processor and to a power-line carrier. According to a further preferred embodiment, the power-line carrier of the present invention preferably provides power and electrical control signals to a number of solid state tower boxes. According to a further preferred embodiment, the solid-state tower boxes preferably control power to motor elements within each tower box.