US 11,808,567 B1
System and method for detecting span alignment within a mechanized irrigation system
Benjamin J. Toman, Omaha, NE (US)
Assigned to Valmont Industries, Inc., Omaha, NE (US)
Filed by Valmont Industries, Inc., Omaha, NE (US)
Filed on Feb. 24, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/183,428.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/982,813, filed on Feb. 28, 2020.
Int. Cl. G01B 7/31 (2006.01); A01G 25/09 (2006.01)
CPC G01B 7/31 (2013.01) [A01G 25/092 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An alignment detection system for use with a mechanized irrigation system having a first span and a second span connected at a first connection point, the alignment detection system comprising:
a measuring cable;
a string potentiometer, wherein the string potentiometer comprises:
an internal spool, wherein the internal spool is comprised of a cylinder having a first diameter;
a rotational sensor, wherein the rotational sensor is configured to measure and output electrical signals proportional to the length that the measuring cable is extended;
a retracting spring, wherein the retracting spring is comprised of a high torque power spring; wherein the retracting spring is configured to apply a retracting force to the measuring cable;
a string potentiometer housing, wherein the string potentiometer housing encloses the internal spool, the retracting spring, and the string potentiometer; wherein the string potentiometer housing comprises a cable inlet; wherein the string potentiometer housing is attached to the first span;
a corner arm spool, wherein the corner arm spool is attached to the second span;
wherein the measuring cable is attached at a first end to the internal spool of the spring potentiometer; wherein the measuring cable is attached at a second end to the corner arm spool; wherein the measuring cable is pulled and extended out from the string potentiometer by any increase in the angle between the second span and the first span; wherein the extended length of the measuring cable is wrapped around the corner arm spool.