AI-Powered Movable Tower Irrigation System Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Monitoring and control of a movable tower in an irrigation system', addressed the need for electrical and electronic monitoring and control of movable towers in irrigation systems. However, it had limitations in terms of real-time tracking, predictive capabilities, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. The new invention builds upon the original patent by introducing real-time sensor modules, predictive analytics engines, machine learning algorithms, and decentralized communication protocols to overcome these limitations and provide a more efficient, safe, and adaptive irrigation system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new invention's novelty lies in the integration of real-time sensor modules, predictive analytics engines, and decentralized communication protocols to provide a more efficient, safe, and adaptive irrigation system. The inventive step is the combination of these components to enable proactive alerts, optimized irrigation patterns, and autonomous maintenance, which are not addressed by the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different sensor technologies, such as GPS or lidar, or the integration of additional data sources, such as weather stations or soil moisture sensors. Variations of the invention could also include the use of different communication protocols or data storage systems, or the implementation of the system in different types of irrigation systems, such as center pivot or lateral move systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced monitoring and control system for movable towers in irrigation systems has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in precision agriculture and smart farming. The system's ability to optimize irrigation patterns, reduce downtime, and improve crop yields could lead to increased adoption in regions with water scarcity or agricultural intensification. The target market includes farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and irrigation system manufacturers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A01 | A01G25/092 |
| A | A01 | A01G25/16 |
| E | E04 | E04H12/344 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Agricultural irrigation systems with networked electronic control and monitoring, focusing on movable tower irrigation technologies with emphasis on network communication, sensor integration, and system optimization
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An electrical engineer or agricultural systems specialist with expertise in networked control systems, sensor technologies, and irrigation equipment design, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's networked irrigation system framework. The disclosed improvements in sensor integration, predictive analytics, and communication protocols are logical progressions of existing irrigation control technologies. These variations demonstrate incremental enhancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve irrigation system performance and reliability.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,899 |
|---|---|
| Title | Monitoring and control of a movable tower in an irrigation system |
| Assignee(s) | Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. |