Expandable Pivot Irrigation Joint for Rectangular Field Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional center pivot irrigation systems leave significant portions of land unwatered, particularly in rectangular fields, leading to water waste and reduced crop yields, and existing solutions like end guns and swing arms exacerbate the issue.
Innovation Solution
An expandable pivot irrigation system that utilizes self-expanding center pivot technology to create generally rectangular irrigation paths by expanding towards field corners and contracting near mid-points, using mechanical expansion joints driven by the movement of pivot equipment without the need for additional motors or actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional center pivot irrigation systems are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but significant portions of land (particularly corners) remain unwatered, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint enables the pivot irrigation system to dynamically adjust its radius, transitioning from a fixed circular pattern to a variable rectangular pattern that adapts to field geometry. The joint allows the system to expand when approaching field corners and contract at mid-points, optimizing water distribution across rectangular fields while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of irrigation radius from constant to variable. By modifying the radius parameter dynamically based on position relative to field corners and mid-points, the system achieves rectangular coverage patterns that eliminate unwatered areas without requiring complex additional components
2Area of stationary object
If end guns and swing arms are added to water field corners, then coverage area is improved, but water is sprayed beyond field boundaries causing waste, and swing arms become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic radius adjustment to precisely control water application boundaries. By expanding the irrigation radius only when needed to reach field corners and contracting at mid-points, the system delivers water exactly where needed without overspray beyond field boundaries, eliminating water waste associated with static end guns and swing arms
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joint mechanism automatically adjusts the irrigation radius based on the system's position and field geometry without requiring external control systems or additional spraying components. The system self-regulates its coverage area, eliminating the need for problematic swing arms and wasteful end guns
3Ease of operation
If the pivot irrigation system uses a fixed circular path, then the system is simple to operate, but over 21% of land area in square fields remains unwatered
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint introduces dynamic adaptability to the otherwise simple pivot system. The joint automatically adjusts the irrigation radius based on position, enabling the system to transition from a simple circular path to an optimized rectangular path that covers 100% of rectangular fields while requiring minimal operational intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the operational parameter of irrigation path geometry from fixed circular to variable rectangular by changing the radius parameter dynamically. This parameter change allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving complete field coverage, eliminating the 21% loss area problem
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion joint for a pivot irrigation system includes an inner support member having an elongate body terminating in ends having diameters that are larger than a diameter of the elongate body, a first external support member, and a second external support member. Each of the first external support member and the second external support member define an open interior that is configured to slidingly receive a respective end of the inner support member. Each of the first external support member and the second external support member in a stop member positioned on either end of the open interior that limit a range of movement of the respective end of the inner support member.