Mapped Sprinkler Wind Compensation for Precise Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack the ability to effectively manage individual sprinkler controls based on field mapping, topography, and real-time weather conditions, leading to inefficiencies and water wastage due to factors like high winds and uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A system combining field mapping and control software to monitor machine location and angles, adjust sprinkler operations based on wind speeds, and modify irrigation patterns in response to detected weather and topographical conditions, ensuring precise water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If fixed field design patterns are used for sprinkler control, then the system is simple to operate, but water and chemicals are wasted due to inability to adapt to wind conditions and terrain variations
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system transitions from fixed, static sprinkler control patterns to dynamic, real-time adjustment of sprinkler operations. The controller continuously monitors wind speed data and automatically modifies sprinkler run times, start times, and operational status to compensate for wind conditions, ensuring water is applied when and where needed without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time wind speed monitoring through sensors that provide continuous feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to automatically adjust sprinkler operations based on current wind conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes water application and prevents waste from wind-driven drift.
2Manufacturing precision
If sprinkler controls are adjusted for individual field conditions, then irrigation precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual control mechanisms with automated electronic control. A controller programmed with field-specific parameters automatically manages individual sprinkler adjustments based on wind sensor data, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high precision irrigation application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise irrigation control by dynamically changing operational parameters such as sprinkler run times, start times, and operational status based on real-time wind speed data. These parameter adjustments are automatically calculated and applied by the controller, providing precision irrigation without requiring complex physical modifications to the sprinkler hardware.
3Productivity
If irrigation operations are continued during high wind conditions, then productivity is maintained, but water drift occurs reducing application accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively adjusts sprinkler operations before wind-driven drift becomes problematic. By monitoring wind speed in real-time and automatically modifying sprinkler run times and start times in advance, the system ensures water is applied under optimal conditions, preventing drift before it occurs while maintaining irrigation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary counter-actions to prevent wind-driven water drift. When wind speeds exceed predetermined thresholds, the controller automatically adjusts or delays sprinkler operations to counteract the harmful effects of wind, ensuring water is applied accurately to the intended target area rather than drifting to adjacent areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method which combines field mapping and control software to effectively manage sprinkler parameters to adjust for changes in weather conditions and positional/terrain changes. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably provides a system which monitors a mapped set of boundaries and preferably receives data regarding a variety of weather factors including wind monitoring (speed, direction, averages, and gusts) and preferably makes adjustments to the system to adjust and modify the shape of a desired distribution area based on the weather factors.