Roll Formed Beam Assembly for Lightweight Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation machines are large, cumbersome, and difficult to maintain, limiting their potential uses due to complex sub-systems and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight irrigation system featuring a central angle iron assembly supporting a hose connected between multiple modules, with tower assemblies and a variable depth truss and truss rod design, incorporating additional lines for power and communication, and using a roll form beam assembly to minimize size and enhance maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional pipe and truss structures are used for irrigation machines, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid pipe and truss structures with a flexible hose that runs through a lightweight roll-formed beam. The hose provides the necessary fluid containment while the roll-formed beam provides structural support, eliminating the need for heavy galvanized steel or aluminum pipes and complex truss assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible hose designed for pneumatic or hydraulic fluid conveyance to replace rigid piping. The hose can be positioned within the roll-formed beam structure, providing both fluid transport and allowing the structure to be lighter while maintaining strength through the beam's rolled formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous sub-systems are integrated into irrigation machines, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular design where the roll-formed beam is constructed in segments that can be easily connected and disconnected. The flexible hose system allows for modular connection points, enabling individual sections to be removed or replaced without affecting the entire system, thus simplifying maintenance and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll-formed beam structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains or supports the flexible hose, and can be designed with integrated mounting points for various irrigation components. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate sub-systems needed, simplifying both operation and maintenance.
3Weight of moving object
If size is reduced for lightweight irrigation machines, then ease of transport and installation is improved, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes roll-formed beam construction where the cross-sectional geometry and material properties are optimized through the rolling process. This allows the beam to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio by changing the structural parameters (cross-section shape, wall thickness, material selection) during formation, providing adequate strength while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different materials strategically: the roll-formed beam uses high-strength, lightweight materials (such as aluminum or steel with optimized alloy composition), while the flexible hose uses appropriate polymers or reinforced materials. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its optimal properties, achieving both weight reduction and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved irrigation system which includes a central roll form beam assembly supporting a central hose connected between multiple connection modules. According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation system includes multiple tower assemblies which support the central roll form beam assembly. The central hose preferably runs within a central channel and between connecting nozzles. According to further preferred embodiments, the first and second connecting nozzles preferably each include multiple arms which extend over the walls of the beam assembly to secure each connecting nozzle to the beam assembly.