Center Pivot Irrigation Control With Fine Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current center pivot irrigation systems lack efficient control methods for precise operation and remote management, leading to suboptimal water distribution and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method for controlling center pivot irrigation systems, which renders a circular shape on a user interface to represent the system, allowing users to set alteration points and control operations such as movement, irrigation, and auxiliary material supply through icons and fine position controls, enabling remote operation and data-driven water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If center pivot irrigation systems use traditional control methods, then system operation is simple, but water distribution precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems that use sensors, processors, and communication modules. The electronic device includes a processor that receives data from sensors about soil moisture, crop conditions, and system position, then automatically adjusts irrigation parameters to achieve precise water distribution without complex manual mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor soil moisture levels, crop water status, and system operational parameters. This data is fed back to the processor which automatically adjusts irrigation flow rates and timing to maintain optimal water distribution precision while adapting to changing field conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If center pivot irrigation systems implement remote management capabilities, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary that enables remote management capabilities. This module allows the irrigation system to communicate with external devices such as smartphones or computers, enabling operators to monitor and control system operations remotely without adding significant complexity to the core irrigation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions including monitoring system position, controlling water flow, collecting environmental data, and enabling remote communication. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional electronic control unit, the system achieves operational flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If center pivot irrigation systems use automated control, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the irrigation system automatically monitors its own operational status, detects field conditions through sensors, and adjusts its water distribution without human intervention. The system autonomously calculates optimal irrigation parameters based on real-time data, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through simple start/stop controls
Data Source
AI summary
On a user interface presented on a display screen, an alteration point marker is rendered on a circular shape representing a center pivot irrigation system. A fine position control may also be rendered on the display screen. The fine position control may comprise a first icon and a second icon, wherein the first icon is for repositioning the alteration point marker in a first circular direction, and wherein the second icon is for rotating the alteration point marker in the second circular direction.