Variable-Hole Irrigation Tubing Placement for Precise Furrow Watering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The current methodology for deploying lay-flat irrigation tubing in furrow irrigation is labor-intensive and prone to errors, particularly in the precise insertion of holes, which can affect irrigation efficiency and water distribution.

Innovation Solution

A device and system that continuously punches holes in irrigation tubing during deployment, using a rotary die assembly with adjustable hole sizes and a placement device that lays the tubing in a curved trough to prevent twisting and ensure correct hole orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual hole punching is used in inflated tubing, then hole insertion can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole insertion processVSAvoiddeployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs hole punching on deflated tubing before inflation, eliminating the need for manual hole creation after deployment. The tubing is fed through a rotary die assembly that punches holes at precise intervals while the tubing is in a manageable deflated state, significantly reducing labor intensity and error potential

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of inflating tubing, locating positions, and punching holes is replaced by an automated system that feeds deflated tubing through a rotary die assembly. The system uses a drive wheel to advance tubing and a rotary die to punch holes continuously, transforming a labor-intensive manual process into an automated mechanical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed hole sizes are used, then the punch prescription is simpler to implement, but water distribution precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepunch prescription implementationVSAvoidwater distribution precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed hole sizes to dynamic variable hole sizes. The rotary die assembly can be adjusted to punch holes of different diameters at different locations along the tubing, allowing precise control of water flow rates to match specific irrigation requirements for different field zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of hole diameter from fixed to variable. By adjusting the die size in the rotary die assembly, different hole diameters can be punched at different positions along the tubing, enabling precise control of water distribution to match varying irrigation needs across the field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If tubing is laid on flat plowed paths, then deployment is simplified, but tubing twisting and mispositioning occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubing deploymentVSAvoidtubing positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces flat plowed paths with curved trenches. The curved configuration provides natural support that prevents tubing from twisting or rolling during inflation, maintaining precise hole orientation toward furrows while still allowing straightforward deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Manufacturing precision

If continuous variable hole punching is implemented, then precision and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole sizing and placement precisionVSAvoidhole punching device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary die assembly serves multiple functions: it punches holes of variable sizes, controls hole spacing through rotational positioning, and can be adjusted for different hole patterns. This single multi-functional component achieves precise variable hole punching without requiring multiple separate devices or complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous hole punching as tubing feeds through the rotary die assembly. The rotary die continuously punches holes at precise intervals without stopping the tubing feed, enabling efficient continuous operation that achieves high precision while maintaining straightforward device operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250178061A1Device and system for laying and inserting variable holes in irrigation tubing

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an improved device and system that punches holes in irrigation tubing in a continuous process with the ability to vary hole spacing based on locational needs and deposits the punched tubing into a trough created within the soil. The system of the present disclosure is configured to adjust the location and size of the holes as they are punched in the irrigation tubing based on data obtained from Computerized Hole Section (CHS) prescriptions and real-time GPS location data. The system is also configured to create a curved trough in the soil and place the punched tubing therein.