Variable Gear Transmissions for Center-Pivot Span Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting span alignment and reducing stress on structures due to uneven grades and obstacles, often relying on expensive constant speed motors or variable frequency drives that can be difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a center-pivot irrigation system utilizing variable gear ratio transmissions, which are driven by constant speed electric motors and controlled by a system that can independently adjust the speed of mobile towers, allowing for seamless speed variation and alignment correction based on sensor measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If variable frequency drives or hydraulic drive pivots are used to vary mobile tower speed, then speed control capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems (variable frequency drives) and hydraulic systems with a mechanical variable gear ratio transmission system. This mechanical approach uses physically variable gear ratios in the drivetrain to achieve speed control, eliminating the need for complex electronic or hydraulic control infrastructure while maintaining the ability to vary mobile tower speeds independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of gear ratio in the transmission system to achieve speed variation. By making the gear ratio variable rather than fixed, the system can adjust mobile tower speeds without requiring complex external control systems, thus simplifying installation while maintaining speed control capability.
2Device complexity
If constant speed motors with on/off duty cycles are used for mobile tower movement, then system simplicity is improved, but alignment adjustment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic speed control through variable gear ratio transmissions that can continuously adjust their ratio during operation. This allows each mobile tower to move at precisely controlled speeds rather than simple on/off cycling, enabling accurate alignment adjustment while maintaining relatively simple constant speed motors without requiring complex variable frequency drives.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable speed control is implemented for mobile towers, then alignment adjustment capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical variable gear ratio transmissions for electrical variable speed control systems. This mechanical approach achieves the same alignment adjustment capability without the electromagnetic interference associated with variable frequency drives, as the speed control is achieved through physical gear ratio changes rather than electrical frequency modulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces structural stress, simplifies electrical installation by minimizing electromagnetic interference, and ensures consistent water distribution by allowing controlled movement and alignment adjustments, making the irrigation system more efficient and easier to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of variable gear ratio transmissions variably controlling speed of the mobile towers
Data Source
AI summary
A center-pivot irrigation system having mobile towers interconnected by spans actuatable about a center-pivot, constant speed motors for each of the mobile towers, and variable gear ratio transmissions each driven by one of the constant speed motors and each driving one of the mobile towers. The irrigation system may also include a control system sending command signals to the variable gear ratio transmissions, independently increasing or decreasing a speed of the mobile towers via the variable gear ratio transmissions. The irrigation system may also include a sensors for providing alignment information regarding the spans to the control system. The control system may independently command the transmissions to speed up or slow down one of the mobile towers relative to alignment information received from the sensors.