WO2007071264A1

WO2007071264A1 - Lightweight combination (linear move & center pivot) sprinkling irrigation machine

Info

Publication number: WO2007071264A1
Application number: PCT/EG2006/000041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rashdan A. Mohamed
Original assignee: Mostafa, Amal, A.
Priority date: 2005-12-21
Filing date: 2006-12-21
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

A movable sprinkling irrigation system which may operate in either of two modes, rotating around a fixed central point, or a linear mode; or a combination of both. Thereby combining two separate machines, center pivot and linear move, into a single machine. It operates via a main lightweight water pipe, the material of which can be varied (e.g., plastic, aluminum, etc.), which has been separated from the supporting structure with the incorporation of an improved support structure; an electric generator; a main digital control panel and a series of towers; two main towers, a main/drive tower and an end tower, which may be coupled to a series of intermediate towers, each equipped with its own individual switchbox. Alignment control of the towers is provided by these magnetic switchboxes.

Description

LIGHTWEIGHT COMBINATION (LINEAR MOVE & CENTER PIVOT)

SPRINKLING IRRIGATION MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to an irrigation system and more specifically to a lightweight, technologically-advanced type of irrigation system generally known as a linear move irrigation system, of which the improvements can be also applied to the type of irrigation system generally known as a center pivot irrigation system.

BACKGROUND ART Conventional sprinkling irrigation systems can be of two basic types; center pivot or linear move. The systems are closely related in that they both employ a motorized tower and overhead sprinkler system supplied by a main water pipe, supported along their length by a series of support or intermediate towers. Said irrigation systems differ, mainly in their mode of travel. A center pivot is a moving irrigation system which rotates around a fixed point (pivot); taking primarily a circular path. A linear move system, is essentially the same, but instead moves in a linear or straight line path.

In general, linear move and center pivot irrigation systems provide the following advantages: they reduce the amount of water used during irrigation; and save the time and labor required for the process of irrigation.

Though such irrigation systems have achieved considerable popularity and commercial success, there has been a continuing need for improvement as these conventional irrigation systems also have the following problems and shortcomings:

- Both systems depend on a heavy, steel main water pipe as being the principal or most integral supporting structure the body of the device. In the case that this pipe deteriorates, it contributes to the destruction of the framework of the device, which in turn leads to the destruction of the entire system.

- The weight of these conventional systems is very heavy, requiring very large tires, engines and large amounts of electric power leading to, increased overhead costs. - The use of electricity of high voltage (1 10 or 220 volts) during operation, requires the use of thick, large diameter cables.

- The use of a large number of cables to operate the device.

- The lack of a power source independent of the device; thus requiring one to place an electric source adjacent to the device. - The high cost of maintenance and spare parts of both systems. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to address the problems and shortcomings found in previous, conventional irrigation systems, through the incorporation of the following changes and additions:

1- The separation of the main water pipe from the body of the device and the addition of a main supporting truss; thus eliminating the water pipe's conventional function as the main mode of support for the entire system.

2- The use of a lightweight main water pipe material, such as plastic or aluminum, etc., with the following advantages: a- to reduce the overall weight of the system. Thus reducing the size of the wheels carrying the towers and the engine size and power requirements; in turn reducing overall overhead costs. b- the prevention of any possible chemical reactions occurring between the pipes and the mineral and/or metallic compound content/composition of the water in the pipes, c- should the need arise to repair or change the pipe or part of the pipe, it allows for such to occur easily and inexpensively. d- allows the use of a range of different sized pipes; e.g., 3- or 6- inch, depending on the requirements.

3- The use of a separate/detached electric generator to generate the electricity required by the system, without the need for an electrical distribution capacitor; thus reducing maintenance and spare parts' costs.

4- The use of smaller wheels carrying the towers; e.g., standard-sized tires, available in the market at very reasonable prices, thus reducing costs. In addition, the ability to inflate tires using a standard tire inflation machine.

5- The use of braided/intertwined cable wires between the gearboxes (speed controllers) of each tower in lieu of thick, large-diameter conventional cable wires; thus reducing overall maintenance costs. 6- Allows one to assemble or disassemble all system parts using a single wrench (No.

13), a Phillip's head screwdriver, or a flathead screwdriver; thus providing quick and easy maintenance of the device. 7- The use of magnetic switches instead of conventional mechanical switches in the control of the device; thus ensuring safety and the best quality. 8- The use of an electric voltage of 12 volts for the control of the device, in lieu of higher-voltage, conventional systems; thus reducing the diameter and thickness of the cables used.

The present invention is composed of two main components; the first is the electric component and the second is the mechanical component. The first component, the electric component, is composed of:

- a main digital control panel responsible for the control of the entire machine

- a switch box for the control of the intermediate/support towers

- an engine for each tower

- a main generator detached from the framework/main body of the device The second component, the mechanical component is composed of:

- a single or a series of intermediate tower(s)

- the main/drive tower

- the main supporting truss, the function of which is to carry the main water pipe; thus connecting all the towers to each other. - two end towers; one of which the function is to supply the water needed for irrigation.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general view of the system (central and intermediate towers not shown)

FIG. 2 is a general view of an intermediate tower.

FIG. 3 is a general view of the first end tower.

FIG. 4 is a general view of the main water supply pipe and sprinkler apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a general view of the main supporting truss connected to a series of bracing cross-struts/angles via mounting brackets.

FIG. 6 is a general view of the main/drive tower carrying the main control panel.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an intermediate tower carrying a switchbox.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings there is generally shown an irrigation system, particularly of the linear move type. Two end towers are shown; the first 14a and the second 14b. Previously patented, conventional irrigation systems are relied upon to complete the details of the linear move irrigation system. The present invention's irrigation system is comprised of a main supporting truss 11 and main water pipe 12. The main water pipe 12 is supported by a plurality of self-propelled intermediate towers (FIG.2-15) and would be driven along the length of the field as detailed in previously patented, conventional irrigation systems. The present invention's preferred embodiment relates to the improvement of the main water pipe 12 by means of separating said pipe, from the structure as the main supporting mechanism of the system, thereby changing its main function from support and water supply to solely, supply of water. The present invention also relates to the improvement of the overall structure of the irrigation system by the incorporation of a main supporting truss 11 , of which the main function is support of the overall structure, as well as, carrying the main water pipei 2.

The main water pipe 12, as shown in FIG. 4, consists of a series of sections or fittings 35, each connected to the next by means of a suitable connector 35a. A series of dispensers or sprinklers 34 are located along the main water pipe 12 for the dispensing of liquid, such as water or fertilizer. The present invention's main water pipe's material has been modified from the heavy, conventional one of steel, to one lighter in weight, such as plastic, thus reducing the overall weight of the system and preventing deterioration from, for example, corrosion and corrosion products, as is frequently encountered in the conventional type. As shown in FIG. 5, a main supporting truss 11 , has been introduced in this preferred embodiment of the invention, as the main means of support of the overall structure of the system. The main supporting truss 11 is connected to both the first end tower (FIG. 3) and the last end tower (FIG.1), as well as, to a plurality of intermediate towers (FIG.2- 15), by a series of bracing strut angles 13 via mounting brackets. The main supporting truss 11 also carries the main water pipe 12. With reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, each intermediate tower 15 has a general structure comprised of, a bridge 21 , attached to tower legs 25 , which are in turn anchored by tower feet 24 to the tower's base beam 18. From a side view of the system, legs 25 of the same side are connected to each other by tower braces 23; whereas from a frontal view of the system, tower legs of the same side are connected to each other by tower struts 26. The tower's base beam 18 is attached to the tower feet 24, above, and the gearboxes 17, and engine mount 20 below. The gearbox (speed controller) assembly 17 is connected to a series of intertwined/braided cables 19, which function in transmitting movements from the gearbox 17 and tower switchbox (FIG.7) to the tower wheels 16. The bridge 21 , also carries mounting brackets 22 to attach to the main supporting truss 11. Referring to FIG. 3, the first end tower 14a has a general structure comprised of a continuation of the main pipe 27, is connected to a water pump in a suitable water source, below, and the main pipe (FIG. 1-12 and FIG. 4), above by a connector 33 between the pump (not shown) and pipe 27; thus the water is taken from the pump, through the pipe 27, through the main water pipe, to the sprinkler apparatus which dispenses the water. Also shown in FIG. 3, is the track 31 on which the end tower 14a runs and is kept in alignment by the track arm 30. Like the intermediate towers, it has a general structure comprising side struts 32, attached to a side beam 29, in turn attached to a beam with strut assembly 28, which carries the water pipe 27 and the pump connector 33.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control panel 36 and power generator's mount 38 are found mounted on the main/drive (central) tower. The main control panel 36 is comprised of a series of magnetic switches controlling the system's direction of movement in the forward and reverse-run directions. Upon reaching its endpoint, the system automatically stops and returns to its starting point. There is also a switch to turn the device around on reaching its endpoint. The main control panel 36 also controls the alignment of the intermediate towers comprising the system. All the towers must work in parallel on a straight line, thus if one of the towers is delayed, the rest of the towers must wait until the delayed tower catches up and runs in parallel again; likewise, if one of the towers precedes/leads the rest of the towers, the leading tower stops all motion until the rest of the towers catch up to it.

Each intermediate tower 15 has a switchbox 37 as shown in FIG. 7 which controls the alignment of each intermediate tower, also via a series of magnetic switches, by communicating with the main control panel 36. Although the invention has been detailed as being an improvement to the particular group of irrigation systems generally known as linear move irrigation systems, the preferred embodiment may also be applied to center pivot irrigation systems. Numerous other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in this art from the preceding description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMSThe embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In an irrigation system for irrigating land, comprising a conduit mounted on the structure of the system, thereon supported at intervals by a plurality of wheeled towers each having drive means associated therewith and arranged to follow a certain path, a series of water dispensers located along the length of the conduit for dispensing fluid fed through the conduit onto the land, a means of support for the structure.

2. The irrigation of claim 1 , further characterized in that the irrigation system may move in different directions.

3. The irrigation system of claim 2, in which the directions may be forward, reverse, left, right or a combination of movements or directions.

4. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the irrigation system may operate in different modes and along different paths.

5. The irrigation system of claim 4, in which the different modes of operation include linear move and center pivot or a combination of both.

6. The irrigation system of claim 4, in which the different paths include, along a linear, straight line or part of a line and rotational, circular or part of a circle or a combination.

7. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the conduit is the main fluid supply of the structure and does not make up the main supporting structure of the system.

8. The irrigation system of claim 7, in which the conduit is made of a lightweight material.

9. The irrigation system of claim 8, in which the lightweight material is plastic, PVC, etc.

10. The irrigation system of claim 8, in which the lightweight material is metal.

11. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the main means of support for the entire system and/or structure is a separate structure and not the main conduit.

12. The irrigation system of claim 11 , in which the separate structure is a supporting beam or truss, etc; supported by a number of supporting struts, rods, braces, angles, etc.

13. The irrigation system of claim 12, in which the supporting beam or truss, etc., connects the components of the structure and/or entire system; including the main conduit, the wheeled towers and other structures making up the system.

14. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the wheeled towers move via standard-sized wheels.

15. The irrigation system of claim 14, in which the wheeled towers are each controlled by their own individual control panels/switch boxes, in turn controlled by a series of magnetic/digital switches.

16. The irrigation system of claim 1, further characterized in that the series of water dispensers are of a sprinkling/showering type.

17. The irrigation system of claim 16, in which the sprinkling types maybe sprinkling heads or nozzles.

18. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the system may be towable or non-towable/fixed.

19. The irrigation system of claim 1 , further characterized in that the drive means are either electric or hydraulic and power is via an electric or hydraulic generator.

20. The irrigation system of claim 19, in which the generator is separate or can be detached from the system.