Center Pivot Irrigation Map Control for Precise Radial Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems, particularly center pivot irrigation systems, lack efficient control mechanisms for precise operation and remote management, leading to inefficiencies in water distribution and maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor configured to receive and analyze center pivot irrigation system information, request map data, and present a user interface for controlling the system, allowing users to input changes in operation, such as altering the pivot's radial position, speed, and fluid delivery, through a graphical interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If center pivot irrigation systems use traditional control mechanisms, then the system structure remains simple, but precise operation control and remote management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the user and the irrigation system. This remote device communicates with the control device via a network, allowing users to control irrigation operations remotely without adding complex local control mechanisms. The intermediary handles the complexity of precise control algorithms and data processing remotely, while keeping the local control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control device receives information about the irrigation system's operational status and environmental conditions. This feedback enables automated adjustments to maintain optimal irrigation parameters. The control device processes this information and automatically adjusts pump operations, valve positions, and flow rates to achieve precise control without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If center pivot irrigation systems lack remote management capabilities, then the control system remains simple, but water distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems. The control device uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators to automatically manage water distribution based on real-time data about soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop requirements. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic automation significantly improves water distribution efficiency while the modular architecture keeps the system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system is equipped with self-service capabilities through automated control algorithms that independently adjust irrigation parameters based on sensor data. The control device automatically determines optimal pump operation schedules, valve positions, and flow rates without continuous human intervention. This self-service automation improves efficiency by ensuring irrigation operations are always optimized according to current conditions.
3Ease of operation
If center pivot irrigation systems lack real-time data access, then the system remains simple to operate, but maintenance access and operational adjustments are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a remote digital dimension to the physical irrigation system. By implementing network connectivity and remote access capabilities, users can monitor and control irrigation operations from remote locations using smartphones, tablets, or computers. This additional dimensional access layer does not interfere with the physical simplicity of the irrigation system itself while providing comprehensive real-time data access and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse operational requirements. It can perform local automated control, remote monitoring, data logging, alarm notifications, and maintenance scheduling functions all through a single integrated device. This universal control platform eliminates the need for multiple separate systems while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface that adapts to different user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is described, including memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive center pivot irrigation system information corresponding to a center pivot irrigation system and to request map data. The processor is also configured to a user interface with a map of the center pivot irrigation system. The processor is further configured to receive an input via the user interface indicating an input point. The processor is additionally configured to render an alteration point marker at a first position, the alteration point marker representing an alteration point for the pivot, the alteration point corresponding to a first radial position of the pivot at which a change in operation of the pivot is set to occur. The processor is also configured to control the center pivot irrigation system to alter operation of the pivot at the first radial position.