Center Pivot Irrigation Control by Radial Position Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems lack advanced control mechanisms for center pivot irrigation systems, making it difficult to efficiently manage the operation of irrigation sprinklers and fluid delivery across varying radial positions, leading to suboptimal water distribution and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor configured to render a circular shape representing a center pivot irrigation system on a user interface, allowing for precise control of irrigation sprinklers through input points that correspond to radial positions, enabling commands for altering operations such as movement, fluid activation, and auxiliary material supply, with fine position control and alteration point markers for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional irrigation control mechanisms are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the water distribution efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical irrigation control systems with an electronic control system that uses a computing device, display interface, and electronic communication networks. This substitution enables precise control of irrigation parameters (flow rate, pressure, timing) based on real-time data, significantly improving water distribution efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through digital interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts irrigation parameters (water flow rate, pressure, delivery timing, radial position) based on real-time monitoring data and pre-programmed schedules. This ability to change parameters electronically allows optimization of water distribution efficiency without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration of the irrigation infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If manual control of irrigation systems is used, then the system is easy to maintain, but remote management capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system incorporates automated monitoring and control capabilities that allow it to manage itself remotely. Sensors continuously monitor system parameters, and the computing device automatically adjusts irrigation operations based on pre-programmed schedules and real-time data, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining full controllability through remote electronic interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic communication networks and computing devices as intermediaries between the operator and the irrigation system. This intermediary layer enables remote management capability while maintaining ease of maintenance, as the physical system remains accessible for repairs while control and monitoring can be performed remotely through digital interfaces.
3Productivity
If basic irrigation control is used, then the system complexity is low, but operational efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated electronic platform: monitoring irrigation parameters, controlling water delivery, managing radial position, storing operational data, and providing user interfaces. This multi-functionality achieves high operational efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one electronic system replaces multiple separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor irrigation parameters (flow rate, pressure, position) and feed this data back to the computing device, which automatically adjusts operations to optimize efficiency. This feedback mechanism enables high operational efficiency through automated real-time optimization without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory is disclosed. The at least one processor may be configured to render, on a user interface, a circular shape representing a center pivot irrigation system. The at least one processor may also be configured to receive a first input via the user interface indicating a first input point on the user interface. The at least one processor may also be configured to render, on the user interface, an alteration point marker on the circular shape at a first position aligned with the first input point and a center of the circular shape. The first position of the alteration point marker corresponding to a first radial position of the pivot. The at least one processor may be configured to control the center pivot irrigation system to alter operation of the pivot at the first radial position.