String Potentiometer Span Alignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern irrigation systems face challenges in precisely detecting and controlling the angles between spans due to the expense, unreliability, and imprecision of electromechanical angle sensors, particularly when measuring larger span angles.
Innovation Solution
A string potentiometer system is used between spans, where the measuring cable wraps around a hitch socket or structural element, with the cable's extension or retraction causing a millivolt signal change, allowing for precise angular measurements from 0° to 360°, and is integrated with a programmable logic controller for motor and system control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromechanical angle sensors are used to measure span angles, then angle measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes expensive, unreliable and imprecise especially for larger angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical angle sensors with a mechanical string potentiometer system. The string potentiometer uses a measuring cable wrapped around a hitch socket or structural element, converting angular displacement into linear cable extension or retraction. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability and precision issues of electromechanical sensors while maintaining angle measurement capability across the full 0° to 360° range
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cable acts as an intermediary element between the spans. When spans move out of alignment, the cable extends; when spans move into alignment, the cable retracts. This intermediary mechanism provides a reliable, precise mechanical means of detecting span alignment without the complications of electromechanical sensors
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical angle sensors are used, then angle detection is enabled, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The string potentiometer system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (measuring cable, spool, housing) instead of expensive electromechanical sensors. The mechanical elements are durable and can be easily replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution for angle measurement in irrigation systems
3Measurement precision
If electromechanical sensors are used for span angle measurement, then measurement is possible, but precision deteriorates for larger span angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms angular measurement into linear measurement by wrapping the measuring cable around a hitch socket or structural element. As the span angle changes from 0° to 360°, the cable extends or retracts linearly along the string potentiometer's measuring scale. This dimensional transformation allows precise measurement across the entire angular range without the limitations of electromechanical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A string potentiometer attached between spans of an irrigation system. The string potentiometer is mounted on a first span with the measuring cable of the string potentiometer wrapped around a hitch socket or another structural element of an adjacent span. When the two spans move out of alignment, the measuring cable extends out from the potentiometer to wrap around the hitch socket or other structural element of the adjacent span. When the two spans move closer into alignment, the measuring cable retracts within the potentiometer and unwraps from around the hitch socket or other element of the adjacent span.