Intelligent electric ball valve for agricultural irrigation systems that can dynamically adjust angle and utilize solar energy

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of intelligent valves, and more particularly to an intelligent electric ball valve for agricultural irrigation systems capable of dynamically adjusting angles and utilizing solar energy. It includes: a soil moisture / weather data acquisition unit, an intelligent execution control unit, and an energy supply unit; both the soil moisture / weather data acquisition unit and the energy supply unit are signal-connected to the intelligent execution control unit; the intelligent execution control unit is the core of the system, including a main control chip and a fault self-checking unit; the main control chip is configured with task control logic for executing on / off control, opening degree adjustment, pressure adjustment, timing control, and rotational irrigation control commands; the fault self-checking unit is used to detect system faults and trigger offline reporting and remote alarms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent valves, and more particularly to an intelligent electric ball valve for agricultural irrigation systems that can dynamically adjust angles to utilize solar energy. Background Technology

[0002] In outdoor scenarios without mains power supply, such as intelligent irrigation and garden management, electric ball valve actuators often use solar power to achieve automatic valve opening and closing and remote control. In existing technologies, the solar panels of electric ball valve actuators are mostly fixed installation structures, which have several drawbacks: First, the angle of the solar panel is fixed, making it impossible to flexibly adjust according to on-site lighting conditions, installation orientation, different seasons, and geographical latitude. The tilt angle of the solar panel is one of the key factors affecting its solar radiation reception and power generation efficiency. A fixed angle prevents the photovoltaic panel from matching the optimal lighting reception state at different times and locations, resulting in low solar energy utilization and difficulty in ensuring a continuous and stable power supply to the actuator. Second, for side-mounted valve body structures, the installation of fixed solar panels is limited, often requiring additional mounting brackets, making the installation process cumbersome and the overall structure not compact.

[0003] Currently, agricultural irrigation commonly uses ordinary manual ball valves, electric ball valves powered by fixed photovoltaic panels or external photovoltaic solar panel actuators, which control valve opening and closing through simple on / off switches. However, these systems suffer from several drawbacks: poor valve body durability (conventional plastic valve bodies are prone to scaling, wear, and corrosion; limited adaptability to different water qualities and application scenarios; short lifespan; and frequent maintenance). Power supply and installation are also limited (fixed photovoltaic panel angles result in low power generation efficiency in low-light environments; insufficient power supply in areas without electricity). Control and adaptability are also insufficient (low integration of actuators; lack of autonomous intelligent control modules makes it difficult to achieve precise zoned irrigation and remote linkage). Finally, environmental adaptability is weak (insufficient waterproofing and dustproofing in fields; high failure rates in sloping areas, saline-alkali land, and fertigation scenarios).

[0004] The shortcomings of existing technology are: I. Solar Power Supply and Structural Defects. As the core energy source for equipment operation in the field, the rationality of the solar power supply system directly determines the equipment's endurance and operational stability. Currently, this system and its supporting structure have many prominent problems, seriously affecting the equipment's practicality. First, the fixed angle of the solar panels results in extremely low light energy utilization. The fixed installation mode of the photovoltaic panels cannot be flexibly adjusted according to real-time changes in the angle of sunlight, seasonal changes, and differences in sunlight at different latitudes. In low-light environments or side-mounted scenarios, the power generation efficiency drops significantly, making it difficult to meet the long-term endurance needs of equipment in areas without electricity, often leading to equipment shutdowns due to insufficient power supply. Simultaneously, when the valve body is side-mounted, the solar panels require additional special brackets, which not only increases the complexity of the installation process but also makes the overall structure of the equipment less compact, occupying more installation space. Furthermore, the additional installation of brackets may also affect the overall stability of the equipment. Secondly, the positioning and protection performance is poor. The solar panels lack a dedicated storage and protection design, and when exposed to the outdoors for extended periods, they easily accumulate dust and debris, blocking sunlight and further reducing power generation efficiency. They are also susceptible to damage from bumps and impacts. Furthermore, the solar panels and their supporting structures lack reliable positioning and fixing devices, making them prone to swaying and sagging under their own weight and natural forces such as wind. This not only affects power generation but may also lead to loose wiring and connection failures. Finally, the integration of power supply is low. The solar modules, energy storage batteries, and actuators use separate wiring designs, leaving the wiring exposed. This not only increases the difficulty of waterproofing but also makes the equipment prone to short circuits and leakage in humid or rainy environments. It also reduces the overall stability of the power supply system, and the messy wiring makes later maintenance inconvenient.

[0005] II. Hardware Defects in Valve Body and Actuator. The valve body and actuator are key hardware components for achieving core control functions. Their quality and performance directly affect the equipment's lifespan and operational reliability. Currently, both have significant defects, making them unsuitable for complex outdoor applications. Firstly, the valve body has poor durability. Conventional valve bodies are made of ordinary plastic, which, during long-term use, is susceptible to impurities and acidic / alkaline substances in the water, leading to scaling, wear, and corrosion. They also have weak adaptability to different water qualities, especially in fertigation scenarios containing salt, alkali, or fertilizer residues, where corrosion accelerates, resulting in decreased valve body sealing performance, leakage, and a significantly shortened lifespan. This necessitates frequent disassembly, repair, and replacement, increasing maintenance costs and workload. Secondly, the sealing and environmental adaptability are insufficient. The overall protection level of the equipment is low, and the outer casing sealing design is inadequate, failing to effectively resist the effects of complex outdoor environments such as humidity, dust, and saline-alkali corrosion. Moisture, dust, and corrosive substances easily enter the equipment, causing aging and damage to internal components, leading to equipment failure and a high failure rate, severely impacting the continuous and stable operation of the equipment. Third, the drive and emergency functions are defective. The actuator is not equipped with a manual emergency mechanism for power failure. In the event of a sudden power outage, it is impossible to control the valve switch manually, which will force the interruption of irrigation, water supply and other operations, causing unnecessary losses. At the same time, the drive motor has high power consumption. In the case of limited solar power in the field, it will accelerate the consumption of energy storage battery power, further aggravating the problem of insufficient equipment endurance and failing to meet the needs of long-term outdoor operation.

[0006] III. Deficiencies in Intelligent Control and Communication. Intelligent control and communication systems are the core of achieving remote management and precise operation of equipment. Currently, these systems suffer from functional deficiencies and incomplete design, resulting in low levels of equipment intelligence, high maintenance costs, and an inability to meet modern management needs. Firstly, the lack of autonomous intelligent control functions means the equipment can only perform simple on / off control, lacking refined regulation capabilities. It cannot set timed irrigation or rotational irrigation modes according to actual application needs, nor does it have functions for valve opening adjustment, pressure regulation, or linkage with soil moisture data. It relies solely on manual on-site operation, increasing labor costs and failing to achieve precise control of irrigation and water supply, leading to waste of water and energy resources. Secondly, the lack of a closed-loop feedback mechanism means the equipment lacks real-time feedback on valve position and angle, making it impossible to accurately obtain the valve's operating status. This results in operators being unable to precisely control flow and pressure, easily leading to uneven irrigation, excessively high or low pressure, and affecting operational efficiency. Furthermore, it fails to promptly detect abnormalities such as valve jamming or misalignment. Secondly, the equipment lacks fault monitoring capabilities. It is not equipped with a self-diagnostic module, making it unable to automatically identify internal component damage, wiring faults, power supply anomalies, or other issues. Furthermore, it lacks offline reporting and remote alarm functions. Once a fault occurs, operators struggle to detect it promptly, requiring manual on-site troubleshooting. This not only increases maintenance difficulty and costs but may also exacerbate equipment damage due to delayed fault handling. Finally, the communication methods are limited. The equipment supports only a few communication methods, resulting in poor compatibility and inability to adapt to modern remote management tools such as mobile apps and cloud platforms. Operators cannot remotely view the equipment's operating status or issue control commands, requiring on-site operation, which severely reduces the efficiency and convenience of equipment management.

[0007] IV. Installation and Scene Adaptability Deficiencies. The ease of installation and scene adaptability of the equipment directly affect its application scope. Currently, the equipment has significant shortcomings in installation procedures and scene adaptability, failing to meet the installation and usage needs of different scenarios. On the one hand, the installation process is complex, requiring additional brackets and fixing accessories, some of which need to be purchased and adapted separately, increasing installation costs. Simultaneously, on-site debugging is cumbersome, requiring professional personnel to perform wiring connections and parameter adjustments, resulting in low efficiency. This not only prolongs the installation cycle but also raises the installation threshold, making it unsuitable for non-professionals. On the other hand, pipeline compatibility is poor. The equipment's pipeline connection methods are relatively simple, incompatible with mainstream agricultural pipes such as PE, PVC, and PPR. Additional adapters are required for installation in different scenarios, increasing installation difficulty and cost. Furthermore, the equipment only supports a single-channel design, unable to achieve multi-area zonal irrigation or integrated water and fertilizer operation simultaneously. Its limited scene adaptability makes it difficult to meet the diverse needs of different scenarios such as greenhouse cultivation, field irrigation, and orchard irrigation, restricting the equipment's application scope and practicality.

[0008] On May 12, 2025, a search was conducted in the China Patent Publication Database using "solar energy and valve and damping shaft and intelligent and control" as the abstract keywords and with the option to allow synonym expansion selected. No relevant literature was found. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: To provide an intelligent electric ball valve for agricultural irrigation systems that can dynamically adjust the angle and utilize solar energy for better results. Specific objectives are detailed in the specific implementation section for several substantial technical effects.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: Option 1: A flip-up structure for solar panels specifically designed for ball valves; the core of this option is the mechanical component. Option 2: No. 5; the core of this option is the methodology. in: Option 1 and Option 2 are closely related and belong to a tightly integrated technical whole, but each option has its own focus. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: Option 1: A special solar panel flipping structure for ball valves is characterized in that a battery compartment 4 is arranged between the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2, and a solar panel 5 capable of supplying power to the battery compartment 4 is also included. The wires of the solar panel are connected to the battery 8 in the battery compartment 4 through holes on the upper shell 2. A damping rotation shaft 6 is arranged along the edge of the upper shell 2, and the solar panel 5 can rotate around the damping rotation shaft 6. Furthermore, the solar panel 5 can be shaped around the damping rotation axis 6 to an angle of 0-90 degrees with the upper shell.

[0011] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the storage battery 8 is a lithium battery.

[0012] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the storage battery 8 can supply power to the actuator 9; the actuator 9 can control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0013] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the damping rotation shaft 6 has a built-in high-damping friction mechanism, which relies on mechanical friction resistance to achieve stable positioning of the solar panel 5 at any angle within the range of 0° to 90° without the need for additional locking components; when the solar panel 5 is at 0°, it is in a closed storage state, adhering to the surface of the upper shell 2 to form a dustproof and impact-proof protective structure; when it is at 90°, it is in a fully extended state, which can maximize the reception of sunlight; the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 are connected by a sealed connection, and the overall protection level reaches IP68 or above, which is suitable for outdoor humid and dusty irrigation scenarios.

[0014] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the upper shell 2 is provided with a display panel 3, which is electrically connected to the battery compartment 4 and the actuator 9, and is used to display the power supply status and valve working parameters.

[0015] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the bottom shell 1 is provided with a circuit board mounting position, the circuit board integrates the main control chip, drive circuit and communication module, and forms an integrated power supply and control structure with the solar panel 5 and the battery 8.

[0016] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the solar panel 5 is made of photovoltaic rigid plate material, the frame is reinforced with engineering plastic, and the connection part with the damping rotation shaft 6 is provided with reinforcing ribs to improve wind resistance and impact resistance.

[0017] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the battery compartment 4 is a sealed cavity, the battery 8 is installed in a detachable manner, the side wall of the battery compartment 4 is provided with a waterproof wiring hole, and the wire passes through the waterproof wiring hole to communicate with the solar panel 5.

[0018] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the actuator 9 is a low-power DC geared motor, which is located inside the bottom shell 1; in addition to being electrically powered, the valve can be manually operated to open and close in the absence of power.

[0019] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the damping rotation shaft 6 is a symmetrical dual-axis structure, which is respectively located on both sides of the solar panel 5 at the connection with the upper shell 2, to ensure that the flipping process is smooth and without jamming.

[0020] Option 2: An intelligent electric ball valve for an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy is characterized by comprising: a soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal, an intelligent execution control unit, and an energy supply unit; the soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal and the energy supply unit are both signal-connected to the intelligent execution control unit; The intelligent execution control unit is the core of the system, including a main control chip and a fault self-testing unit; the main control chip is configured with task control logic, used to execute switch control, opening degree adjustment, pressure adjustment, timing control and irrigation control commands; the fault self-testing unit is used to detect system faults and trigger offline reporting and remote alarms. The fault self-testing unit is connected to the main control chip, soil moisture / meteorological acquisition terminal, sensing feedback unit, drive and execution unit and energy supply unit respectively, and is used to monitor communication abnormalities, actuator failures and energy status abnormalities. The energy supply unit includes a lithium battery storage module and an angle-adjustable solar power supply component; the angle-adjustable solar power supply component includes a 0°~90° rotating bracket and a solar panel, used to charge the lithium battery storage module; The lithium battery energy storage module supplies power to the soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal, the intelligent execution control unit, the sensing feedback unit, and the drive and execution unit. The angle-adjustable solar power supply component can adjust the orientation of the solar panel according to the angle of sunlight. The soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal includes a LoRa module, a 4G module, and an RS485 communication interface. These modules are communicatively connected to the intelligent execution control unit, respectively, for transmitting soil moisture and / or meteorological data to the intelligent execution control unit. A further technical solution of the present invention is that it also includes a sensing feedback unit, which includes a magnetic encoder or a Hall sensor, for collecting valve position angle feedback signals and transmitting the valve opening position signal back to the intelligent execution control unit to form closed-loop control.

[0021] A further technical solution of the present invention is that it also includes a drive execution unit, wherein the drive and execution unit includes a drive circuit, a low-power DC geared motor, a power failure manual emergency mechanism, and a protection unit; the drive circuit receives instructions from the intelligent execution control unit to drive the low-power DC geared motor, and the protection unit is used to realize overvoltage, overcurrent, and overload protection.

[0022] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the manual emergency mechanism for power failure is linked with the low-power DC geared motor and is used to manually open and close the valve when the system is powered off; that is, the valve can be manually closed by turning the entire bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2.

[0023] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the intelligent irrigation ball valve is a high-performance valve body component. Its valve body material is: reinforced polypropylene valve body or ceramic sealing valve body, with smooth flow channels, low flow resistance, wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and scale resistance; the ball core is a ceramic ball core, modified polypropylene ball core, or copper ball core, paired with a fluororubber sealing seat, ensuring reliable sealing and smooth opening and closing; the intelligent irrigation ball valve is a straight-through ball valve structure or a three-way ball valve structure, adaptable to multi-channel / multi-remote pipeline layouts, meeting the needs of zoned irrigation and integrated water and fertilizer delivery; the valve and pipeline connection methods are: internal thread / external thread / quick-fit union, compatible with mainstream agricultural PE, PVC, and PPR irrigation pipes.

[0024] A method for controlling an intelligent electric ball valve in an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting its angle and utilizing solar energy, characterized by employing the intelligent electric ball valve in the agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting its angle and utilizing solar energy as described above, comprising the following steps: 1. Soil moisture / meteorological data collection terminal collects data and transmits it to intelligent execution control unit; 2. The intelligent execution control unit generates control commands based on the task control logic and sends them to the drive and execution unit; 3. The drive and actuation unit performs valve opening and closing or opening adjustment actions; 4. The sensing feedback unit transmits the valve position angle signal back to the intelligent execution control unit; 5. The fault self-test unit monitors the system status in real time and triggers offline reporting and remote alarms.

[0025] The present invention, employing the above technical solution, offers the following advantages over existing technologies: It utilizes a 0°~90° stepless flip-top solar panel, allowing the damping shaft to be stably positioned without locking components. The angle can be adjusted according to sunlight to improve photoelectric conversion efficiency, and it is dustproof and impact-resistant when closed. The integrated power supply design integrates the solar panel, lithium battery, and control module, with internal wiring and no exposed wiring. Overall protection reaches IP68, making it suitable for humid and dusty outdoor environments. Equipped with a low-power motor and a manual emergency mechanism for power outages, it can be manually operated even without power, ensuring long-lasting operation. The valve body is made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant material, with low flow resistance and anti-scaling properties, compatible with multi-pipeline connections and multi-channel layouts. The system, with an intelligent execution unit at its core, supports multi-mode communication, closed-loop feedback, fault self-diagnosis, and remote alarms. It can achieve precise irrigation based on timed, rotating, and soil moisture conditions, is easy to install, and is suitable for all scenarios including open fields and greenhouses, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To further illustrate the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A block diagram of the invention; Figure 2 A structural diagram of the actuator of the invention; Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the invention; Figure 4 The horizontal arrangement of the solar panels for the invention; Figure 5 A diagram showing the tilted arrangement of the solar panels for the invention; Figure 6 A three-dimensional diagram of the invention; Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the layout of the circuit boards in the bottom shell; Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the layout of the batteries in the battery compartment. The components are: 1. bottom shell; 2. top shell; 3. display panel; 4. battery compartment; 5. solar panel; 6. damping rotating shaft; 7. pipe; 8. battery; 9. actuator motor; 10. housing of the actuator motor body. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0029] This patent provides multiple parallel solutions; the different descriptions represent improved solutions or parallel solutions based on the basic solution. Each solution has its own unique characteristics. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. Fixing methods not described herein can be any type of fixing, such as threaded fixing, bolt fixing, or adhesive bonding.

[0030] The choice of materials used in an invention does not limit the scope of protection. Example 1

[0031] The embodiment described here, as an independent solution, is a solar panel flipping structure for ball valves. Its features include a battery compartment 4 arranged between the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2, and a solar panel 5 capable of supplying power to the battery compartment 4. The solar panel's wires are connected to a battery 8 in the battery compartment 4 through holes in the upper shell 2. A damping rotation shaft 6 is arranged along the edge of the upper shell 2, around which the solar panel 5 can rotate. Furthermore, the solar panel 5 can be shaped around the damping rotation shaft 6 to form an angle of 0-90 degrees with the upper shell.

[0032] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as fixed solar panel angles, low light energy utilization, the need for additional supports for side mounting, non-compact structure, low integration of power supply, exposed wiring, poor waterproofing, and inconvenient maintenance, this patent innovatively integrates the solar panel 5 with the damping rotation shaft 6 to form an adjustable angle structure from 0° to 90°. It can be adapted to the side-mounted valve body without additional supports, and the angle can be freely adjusted according to the light to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency. At the same time, the solar panel 5 and the battery 8 are integrated between the bottom shell 1 and the top shell 2, and the wiring is built-in and not exposed. This structurally solves the problems of insufficient power generation in low light scenarios and poor protection and difficult maintenance of the power supply system.

[0033] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a solar panel flip-top structure for an electric ball valve actuator. This structure enables stepless angle adjustment of the solar panel from 0° to 90°, achieves positioning without additional locking components by means of damping resistance, adapts to various valve body installation scenarios, maximizes the utilization rate of light energy, and improves the convenience of installation and debugging.

[0034] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A flip-top solar panel structure for an electric ball valve actuator is provided for use in an intelligent electric ball valve actuator. The structure includes a flip-top solar panel assembly, which is mounted on the electric ball valve actuator body via a damping shaft, forming a stepless flip-top mounting structure with a 0°~90° angle.

[0035] This flip-top solar panel module can be freely flipped between a 0° closed storage state and a 90° fully unfolded state. The damping shaft has a built-in damping mechanism, which forms a damping fixing mechanism through mechanical friction resistance. Without the need for additional locking components, the solar panel can be stably positioned at any angle within the range of 0° to 90°.

[0036] This flip-top structure is compatible with side-mounted valve body installation, eliminating the need for additional solar panel mounting brackets. The solar panels can be flexibly adjusted to various light-receiving postures, such as vertical or tilted, depending on the on-site lighting conditions and valve body installation structure.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Flexible angle adjustment maximizes solar energy utilization: The solar panel of this invention adopts a stepless flip-top design from 0° to 90°, which can be freely adjusted to the optimal angle of light reception according to the sun's orientation and the on-site installation location, adapting to different seasons and time of day lighting conditions. Related simulation studies show that the tilt angle of the solar panel is a crucial factor affecting energy conversion efficiency. By adjusting the tilt angle to best match solar radiation, energy conversion efficiency can be maximized. Therefore, this design effectively improves solar photovoltaic conversion efficiency, providing stable power support for the electric ball valve actuator.

[0038] The positioning structure is simple and the operation is stable and reliable: the damping mechanism built into the damping shaft achieves stable positioning at any angle by relying on mechanical friction resistance. The adjustment process is smooth and without jamming. After adjustment, there will be no shaking or sagging due to the weight of the solar panel or outdoor wind, ensuring that the solar panel is always in a stable light-receiving posture.

[0039] Easy to install and debug, with strong adaptability: angle adjustment can be completed by hand without special tools, greatly improving the efficiency of on-site installation and debugging; at the same time, it is compatible with various installation structures such as side-mounted valve bodies, without the need for additional solar panel accessories, optimizing the overall structural layout and improving the product's adaptability to different outdoor installation scenarios.

[0040] The embodiment describes a solar panel flip-top structure for an electric ball valve actuator, applicable to intelligent irrigation electric ball valve actuators in outdoor settings such as farmland, orchards, and green spaces. The entire structure is integrated into the top of the electric ball valve actuator control box. The solar panel assembly is connected to the actuator body via a damping shaft, forming an integrated flip-top structure. This damping shaft incorporates a high-damping friction mechanism, providing stable mechanical friction resistance.

[0041] In practical use, operators can manually flip the solar panel cover to quickly and accurately adjust the light-gathering angle and switch between closed protection, achieving flexible function switching and efficient application. Stepless adjustment within the 0°~90° range: When the cover is flipped to 0°, it is in a closed, stowed state, with the solar panel adhering to the actuator body, providing dust and impact protection; when the cover is flipped to 90°, it is in a fully extended state, allowing adjustment to any angle according to lighting requirements. After releasing the cover, the frictional resistance of the damping shaft counteracts the weight of the solar panel and external wind load, ensuring the cover remains stably fixed at the current angle.

[0042] For side-mounted electric ball valve bodies, this flip-top structure allows for direct adjustment of the solar panel angle without the need for additional solar panel mounting brackets, simplifying the installation process. It is compatible with various valve body installation methods, ensuring that the solar panel always maintains the optimal angle of sunlight, providing continuous and stable power to the drive mechanism and control module of the electric ball valve actuator, and ensuring the stable operation of functions such as automatic valve opening and closing and remote control.

[0043] The solar panel assembly is adjusted by hand without tools. The damping shaft adjustment process is smooth. After positioning, it can withstand its own weight and external wind force, and will not sway or droop.

[0044] This flip-top structure is suitable for outdoor smart irrigation scenarios in farmland, orchards, and green spaces. When the solar panel assembly is closed, it can protect the actuator and itself. When unfolded, it can efficiently collect solar energy to power the electric ball valve actuator. Example 2

[0045] In this embodiment: as a further improvement, the storage battery 8 is a lithium battery.

[0046] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, energy storage devices are heavy, have short battery life, and poor adaptability, making them unsuitable for long-term outdoor use without external power. This patent innovatively and non-obviously selects lithium batteries for the storage battery 8. Relying on the high energy density, small size, and long cycle life of lithium batteries, it adapts to the compact installation space of ball valves and the low power consumption requirements, providing stable and long-lasting energy storage support for outdoor irrigation scenarios and solving the defects of insufficient battery life and limited installation of traditional energy storage devices. Example 3

[0047] In this embodiment: as a further improvement, the battery 8 can power the actuator 9; the actuator 9 can control the opening and closing of the valve.

[0048] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the separation of power supply and actuator, complex wiring, poor coordination, and the inability of valves to operate independently due to reliance on external power, this patent innovatively and non-obviously connects the battery 8 and the actuator 9 directly to provide power, forming an integrated power supply link where the solar panel 5 charges, the battery 8 stores electricity, and the actuator 9 uses electricity. This allows the valve to open and close independently without an external power source, solving the problem of valves being unable to be automatically controlled in outdoor scenarios without mains power. Example 4

[0049] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the damping rotation shaft 6 incorporates a high-damping friction mechanism, relying on mechanical friction resistance to achieve stable positioning of the solar panel 5 at any angle within the range of 0° to 90°, without the need for additional locking components; when the solar panel 5 is at 0°, it is in a closed storage state, adhering to the surface of the upper shell 2 to form a dustproof and impact-resistant protective structure; when it is at 90°, it is in a fully extended state, maximizing the reception of sunlight; the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 are connected in a sealed manner, achieving an overall protection level of IP68 or higher, suitable for outdoor humid and dusty irrigation scenarios.

[0050] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the lack of storage and protection for solar panels, easy accumulation of dust and damage, poor positioning leading to wobbling and sagging, low equipment protection level, and susceptibility to failure in humid and dusty environments, this patent innovatively and non-obviously incorporates a high-damping friction mechanism on the damping rotating shaft 6 to achieve stable positioning without locking parts. Simultaneously, it designs a 50° closed protection and 90° unfolded light-receiving structure for the solar panel, combined with a sealed connection between the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 to achieve IP68 protection. This not only resists wind loads and its own weight to prevent wobbling but also blocks moisture and dust, solving the defects of easily damaged solar panels and prone to equipment failure in complex outdoor environments. Example 5

[0051] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the upper shell 2 is provided with a display panel 3, which is electrically connected to the battery compartment 4 and the actuator 9, and is used to display the power supply status and valve operating parameters.

[0052] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the lack of intuitive display of equipment operating status and the need for additional tools for on-site debugging and troubleshooting, resulting in low operational efficiency, this patent innovatively integrates the display panel 3 into the upper shell 2, directly connecting it to the battery compartment 4 and the actuator motor 9. This provides real-time visual display of power supply status and valve operating parameters, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly read equipment information without the need for external testing equipment, thus solving the problems of inconvenient on-site maintenance and unintuitive status monitoring. Example 6

[0053] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the bottom shell 1 is provided with a circuit board mounting position. The circuit board integrates the main control chip, drive circuit and communication module, forming an integrated power supply and control structure with the solar panel 5 and the battery 8.

[0054] Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as scattered control modules, low integration, complex and faulty wiring connections, and poor signal transmission stability, this patent innovatively integrates the main control chip, drive circuit, and communication module into a circuit board inside the bottom shell 1, and integrates it with the solar panel 5 and battery 8 into a single structure. This simplifies the internal wiring layout, improves the stability of signal transmission and power supply control, and solves the defects of high failure risk and slow control response caused by scattered modules. Example 7

[0055] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the solar panel 5 is made of photovoltaic rigid material, the frame is reinforced with engineering plastic, and the connection with the damping rotation shaft 6 is provided with reinforcing ribs to improve wind resistance and impact resistance.

[0056] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, solar panels have low structural strength, are easily damaged by strong winds and impacts outdoors, and have a short service life. This patent innovatively and non-obviously selects photovoltaic rigid panels for the solar panel 5 and reinforces the frame with engineering plastics. Reinforcing ribs are added at the connection position of the damping rotation shaft 6 to enhance the structural mechanical properties, which can resist outdoor wind loads and physical impacts, and solve the defects of solar panels being easily damaged and having poor durability in harsh outdoor environments. Example 8

[0057] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the battery compartment 4 is a sealed cavity, the battery 8 is detachably installed, and the side wall of the battery compartment 4 is provided with a waterproof wiring hole, through which the wire passes and connects to the solar panel 5.

[0058] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as poor waterproofing of the battery compartment, easy intrusion and damage to the battery by moisture, messy wiring, and inconvenience in battery replacement, this patent innovatively and non-obviously designs the battery compartment 4 as a sealed cavity, with waterproof wiring holes to achieve airtight wiring. At the same time, it adopts a removable battery 8, which not only blocks moisture to protect the energy storage components, but also facilitates battery replacement and maintenance, solving the defects of easy battery damage and complicated operation and maintenance in outdoor humid environments. Example 9

[0059] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the actuator 9 is a low-power DC geared motor located inside the bottom shell 1; in addition to being electrically powered, the valve can be manually operated to open and close in the absence of power.

[0060] Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as high power consumption of the drive motor, insufficient battery life, lack of emergency power failure mechanism, and inability to control the valve after power failure, this patent innovatively and non-obviously selects a low-power DC geared motor for the actuator 9, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life. At the same time, it integrates a manual control structure for power failure, which allows manual opening and closing of the valve when there is no power, solving the defects of insufficient power supply in the field and equipment paralysis after power failure. Example 10

[0061] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the damping rotation shaft 6 is a symmetrical dual-axis structure, which is respectively located on both sides of the solar panel 5 at the connection with the upper shell 2, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flipping process.

[0062] Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the solar panel being subjected to force on one side during flipping, being prone to tilting and jamming, and having poor angle adjustment accuracy, this patent innovatively and non-obviously sets the damping rotation axis 6 as a symmetrical dual-axis structure, so that the solar panel 5 is subjected to force on both sides, the flipping process is smooth and without jamming, the stability and accuracy of angle adjustment are improved, and the defects of unsmooth flipping and positioning deviation are solved. Example 11

[0063] The embodiment described here, as an independent solution, is an intelligent electric ball valve for an agricultural irrigation system that can dynamically adjust its angle and utilize solar energy. Its features include: a soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal, an intelligent execution control unit, and an energy supply unit; both the soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal and the energy supply unit are signal-connected to the intelligent execution control unit; the intelligent execution control unit is the core of the system, including a main control chip and a fault self-checking unit; the main control chip is configured with task control logic for executing switch control, opening adjustment, pressure adjustment, timing control, and rotational irrigation control commands; the fault self-checking unit is used to detect system faults and trigger offline reporting and remote alarms; the fault self-checking unit is signal-connected to the main control chip, the soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal, the sensing feedback unit, the drive and execution unit, and the energy supply unit, respectively, for monitoring... Communication anomalies, actuator malfunctions, and abnormal energy status are detected. The energy supply unit includes a lithium battery storage module and an angle-adjustable solar power supply component. The angle-adjustable solar power supply component includes a 0°~90° rotating bracket and a solar panel for charging the lithium battery storage module. The lithium battery storage module supplies power to the soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal, the intelligent execution control unit, the sensing feedback unit, and the drive and execution unit. The angle-adjustable solar power supply component can adjust the orientation of the solar panel according to the angle of sunlight. The soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal includes a LoRa module, a 4G module, and an RS485 communication interface. The LoRa module, 4G module, and RS485 communication interface are respectively connected to the intelligent execution control unit for transmitting soil moisture and / or meteorological data to the intelligent execution control unit.

[0064] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as lack of autonomous intelligent control, simple switching, lack of fine-grained regulation, lack of fault self-testing, lack of offline reporting and remote alarm, difficult operation and maintenance, single communication method, inability to remotely manage, and low solar power efficiency, this patent innovatively and non-obviously incorporates an intelligent execution control unit as the core, integrating a main control chip, a fault self-testing unit, and a multi-mode communication module, and paired with a 0°~90° angle adjustable solar power supply component, to achieve automated irrigation control, full-state fault monitoring, and remote communication, solving the defects of extensive irrigation regulation, difficult operation and maintenance, and unstable power supply. Example 12

[0065] The embodiment described here, as a further improvement, also includes a sensing feedback unit, which includes a magnetic encoder or a Hall sensor, for acquiring valve position angle feedback signals and transmitting the valve opening position signal back to the intelligent execution control unit to form closed-loop control.

[0066] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as lack of closed-loop feedback, inability to obtain valve status in real time, inaccurate regulation, and low accuracy in flow and pressure control, this patent innovatively and non-obviously uses a magnetic encoder or Hall sensor as a sensing feedback unit to collect valve position and angle in real time and transmit it back, forming a closed-loop control with the intelligent execution control unit to accurately regulate the valve opening, thus solving the defects of large deviations in irrigation flow and pressure regulation and the inability to monitor equipment status in real time. Example 13

[0067] The embodiment described here, as a further improvement, also includes a drive execution unit, which includes a drive circuit, a low-power DC geared motor, a manual emergency mechanism for power failure, and a protection unit; the drive circuit receives instructions from the intelligent execution control unit to drive the low-power DC geared motor, and the protection unit is used to implement overvoltage, overcurrent, and overload protection.

[0068] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as high power consumption of drive motors, lack of protection mechanisms, susceptibility to damage due to circuit abnormalities, and poor equipment operation safety, this patent innovatively integrates drive circuits, low-power motors, power failure emergency mechanisms, and protection units in a non-obvious manner. This not only reduces energy consumption and extends battery life but also provides overvoltage, overcurrent, and overload protection, preventing circuit failures from damaging components and solving the defects of equipment being easily burned out and operating unsafely under outdoor power fluctuations. Example 14

[0069] In this embodiment: As a further improvement, the manual emergency mechanism for power failure is linked to the low-power DC geared motor to manually open and close the valve when the system is powered off; that is, turning the entire bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 can manually close the valve.

[0070] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the lack of an emergency operation structure for power outages, which prevents valves from opening and closing after a power outage and can easily cause water accumulation or interruption in irrigation pipelines, this patent innovatively links a manual emergency power outage mechanism with a low-power DC geared motor. By turning the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2, the valves can be manually controlled, solving the defects of equipment loss of control and inability to regulate irrigation pipelines in an emergency after a power outage. Example 15

[0071] The embodiment described here, as a further improvement, features a high-performance valve body assembly. The valve body material is made of reinforced polypropylene or ceramic sealing, resulting in a smooth flow path, low flow resistance, wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and scale resistance. The ball core is made of ceramic, modified polypropylene, or copper, paired with a fluororubber sealing seat for reliable sealing and smooth opening and closing. This intelligent irrigation ball valve is a straight-through or three-way ball valve structure, adaptable to multi-channel / multi-remote pipeline layouts, meeting the needs of zoned irrigation and integrated water and fertilizer delivery. The valve and pipeline connection methods include internal thread / external thread / quick-connect unions, compatible with mainstream agricultural PE, PVC, and PPR irrigation pipes.

[0072] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as poor valve body durability, easy scaling, wear and corrosion, weak water quality adaptability, single pipeline connection, poor compatibility, and inability to adapt to multiple scenarios and multiple channels, this patent innovatively adopts wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant valve body and ball core material in a non-obvious way, combined with a multi-structure and multi-connection design, to improve the valve body's anti-scaling and acid and alkali resistance performance, and is compatible with mainstream agricultural pipe materials and multi-channel layouts, solving the defects of easy valve body damage and poor adaptability in poor water quality and complex irrigation scenarios. Example 16

[0073] The embodiment here: As an independent solution, the intelligent electric ball valve control method for an agricultural irrigation system that can dynamically adjust the angle and utilize solar energy is characterized by adopting any of the intelligent electric ball valves for an agricultural irrigation system that can dynamically adjust the angle and utilize solar energy as described above, including the following steps: (1) Soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal collects data and transmits it to the intelligent execution control unit; (2) The intelligent execution control unit generates control instructions according to the task control logic and sends them to the drive and execution unit; (3) The drive and execution unit executes the valve opening and closing or opening degree adjustment action; (4) The sensing feedback unit transmits the valve position angle signal back to the intelligent execution control unit; (5) The fault self-checking unit monitors the system status in real time and triggers offline reporting and remote alarm.

[0074] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as crude irrigation control processes, lack of data linkage, lack of feedback loops, lack of fault monitoring, and low efficiency due to reliance on manual operation, this patent innovatively constructs a full-process control method of "data acquisition-instruction generation-execution-feedback-self-testing" in a non-obvious manner. It combines soil moisture and meteorological data linkage with closed-loop feedback to monitor faults and issue alarms in real time, thereby achieving precise and automated irrigation and solving the defects of low efficiency, inaccurate control, and untimely fault detection of manual operation. More specific implementation methods Intelligent electric ball valve for field drip irrigation

[0075] Valve body: Reinforced polypropylene horizontal omnidirectional valve body, DN80, one-piece molded ball core.

[0076] Actuator: Autonomous intelligent control module, 5V / 12V low power consumption, 5W solar panel, adjustable angle 0°–90°, 6000Ah lithium battery.

[0077] Control: Supports multiple communication methods including 4G, LoRa, and RS485, with timed cyclic irrigation and soil moisture-linked start / stop.

[0078] Features: ≥90 days of continuous operation, IP68 waterproof rating, valve body lifespan ≥5 years, suitable for drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation of field crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, and orchards. Intelligent electric ball valve for integrated water and fertilizer application in greenhouses

[0079] Valve body: Reinforced polypropylene valve body, copper ball core, DN80, quick-connect, corrosion resistant and scale resistant.

[0080] Actuator: Adjustable angle solar panel to adapt to greenhouse lighting conditions, NB-IoT remote control.

[0081] Applications: Water and fertilizer mixing and transportation, precise opening adjustment, and prevention of pipeline pressure fluctuations.

[0082] I. Addressing the first defect in existing technology: solar power supply and structural defects Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as fixed solar panel angle, low light energy utilization, and the need for additional supports and non-compact structure for side mounting, this patent innovatively integrates the solar panel 5 with the damping rotation shaft 6 to form a stepless flip-top structure from 0° to 90°. It can be adapted to the side-mounted valve body without additional supports and can be freely adjusted according to light intensity, season, and latitude to maximize photoelectric conversion efficiency and solve the problem of insufficient power generation in low light and side-mounted scenarios.

[0083] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, solar panels lack storage and protection, are prone to dust accumulation and damage, and are easily shaken and drooped due to poor positioning. This patent innovatively and non-obviously designs the solar panel 5 as a structure that can be closed for storage at 0° and unfolded for receiving light at 90°. When closed, it fits against the upper shell 2 to form dustproof and impact-proof protection. At the same time, relying on the damping rotation shaft 6, which has a built-in high-damping friction mechanism, it can be stably positioned without additional locking parts, resisting its own weight and wind load, and preventing shaking and drooping.

[0084] Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as low integration of power supply, exposed wiring, poor waterproofing, and inconvenient maintenance, this patent innovatively integrates the solar panel 5, battery 8, and main control circuit board inside the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 in a non-obvious manner. The battery compartment 4 is sealed and waterproof for wiring, with an overall protection level of IP68 or higher. The wiring is built-in and not exposed, which improves power supply stability and waterproofing performance and simplifies later maintenance.

[0085] II. Addressing the second defect in existing technology: hardware defects in the valve body and actuator Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as poor valve body durability, easy scaling, wear and corrosion, and weak water quality adaptability, this patent innovatively and non-obviously adopts reinforced polypropylene or ceramic sealing material for the valve body, and uses ceramic, modified polypropylene or copper material for the ball core, combined with fluororubber sealing seat. The flow channel is smooth with low flow resistance, wear-resistant, acid and alkali resistant, and anti-scaling, making it suitable for water and fertilizer integration and poor water quality, thus improving valve body life and sealing reliability.

[0086] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as low equipment protection level and susceptibility to failure in humid, dusty, and saline-alkali environments, this patent innovatively and non-obviously seals the bottom shell 1 and the upper shell 2 together, achieving an overall protection level of IP68 or higher. The battery compartment 4 is a sealed cavity, effectively blocking moisture, dust, and saline-alkali corrosion, ensuring the stable operation of internal components, and reducing the failure rate in complex outdoor environments.

[0087] Compared with the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the lack of a manual emergency mechanism for power outages, high power consumption of the drive motor, and insufficient battery life, this patent innovatively and non-obviously links the manual emergency mechanism for power outages with a low-power DC geared motor 9, allowing manual control of valve opening and closing during power outages. At the same time, the use of a low-power motor, combined with energy storage by a lithium battery pack 8 and efficient power supply by a solar panel 5, reduces power consumption and ensures long-term battery life in the field.

[0088] III. Addressing the third deficiency in existing technologies: deficiencies in intelligent control and communication Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as lack of autonomous intelligent control, simple switching, and lack of fine-grained regulation, this patent innovatively and non-obviously incorporates an intelligent execution control unit as its core, with a built-in main control chip and task control logic, to achieve automated control of switching, opening degree, pressure, timing, and rotational irrigation. It can be linked with soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminals to complete precise irrigation regulation and replace manual on-site operation.

[0089] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as lack of closed-loop feedback, inability to obtain valve status in real time, and inaccurate control, this patent innovatively and non-obviously uses a magnetic encoder / Hall sensor as a sensing feedback unit to collect valve position and angle signals in real time and transmit them back to the intelligent execution control unit, forming a closed-loop control, accurately regulating flow and pressure, and promptly detecting valve abnormalities.

[0090] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as lack of fault self-inspection, lack of offline reporting and remote alarms, and difficulty in operation and maintenance, this patent innovatively integrates a fault self-inspection unit into the system in a non-obvious way. It monitors communication, actuators, and energy status anomalies in real time, triggering offline reporting and remote alarms, eliminating the need for manual on-site troubleshooting and reducing the difficulty and cost of operation and maintenance.

[0091] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as limited communication methods and inability to remotely control devices, this patent innovatively integrates a LoRa module, a 4G module, and an RS485 communication interface, supporting remote control and data transmission via mobile app and cloud platform. This enables remote viewing of device status and issuance of commands, thereby improving management efficiency.

[0092] IV. Addressing the fourth defect in existing technology: installation and scenario adaptation defects Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as complex installation processes, the need for additional brackets and accessories, and cumbersome debugging, this patent innovatively integrates the solar panel 5 with the actuator body in a non-obvious manner. The damping rotation shaft 6 supports manual angle adjustment without tools, eliminating the need for additional brackets and professional debugging, thus simplifying the installation process, shortening the cycle, and lowering the installation threshold.

[0093] Compared to the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as single pipeline connection, poor compatibility, and inability to adapt to multiple scenarios and multiple channels, this patent innovatively designs the valve body with an internal thread / external thread / union quick-connection method, which is compatible with mainstream agricultural pipe materials such as PE, PVC, and PPR. At the same time, it provides straight-through / three-way valve body structures, which are suitable for multi-channel, zoned irrigation, and integrated water and fertilizer operation, covering all scenarios such as open fields, greenhouses, orchards, and slopes.

[0094] The intelligent electric ball valve is composed of two integrated parts: a high-performance valve body assembly and an intelligent actuator control unit. The valve body and actuator are sealed together, and the whole system meets IP68 or higher protection standards, making it suitable for DN50–DN100 irrigation pipelines.

[0095] Intelligent Control Module: Integrates main control chip, drive circuit, wireless communication unit, position feedback unit, and protection unit; supports switch control, opening degree adjustment, pressure regulation, timed tasks, rotational irrigation tasks, fault self-diagnosis, offline reporting, and remote alarm. Angle-Adjustable Solar Power Supply Component: The solar panel is connected to the actuator housing via a rotating bracket, allowing for free angle adjustment from 0° to 90°, adapting to different latitudes, seasons, and installation orientations, improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. Energy Storage and Drive: Equipped with a lithium battery pack for energy storage; driven by a low-power DC geared motor, offering high torque and low power consumption, supporting manual emergency operation in case of power failure. Communication and Control: Supports LoRa / 4G / RS485 optional, enabling remote control via mobile APP / cloud, and automatic irrigation linked to soil moisture / weather conditions. Position Feedback: Employs a magnetic encoder or Hall sensor to achieve precise angle feedback from 0° to 90°, enabling closed-loop control of flow and pressure.

[0096] The control module receives commands → the drive motor rotates the valve stem → the ball core is in place → position signal feedback → the module holds / stops; the solar panel charges as needed to ensure continuous power supply in the field; it can be automatically opened and closed and adjusted by timer, remotely, and in linkage.

[0097] Improve the valve body's wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and scale resistance to adapt to irrigation networks with various water qualities and scenarios.

[0098] The solar panel angle can be freely adjusted up to 90°, improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and ensuring stable low-power operation in the field.

[0099] It integrates an autonomous intelligent control module to achieve remote / timed / linked control, reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0100] Improve the overall environmental adaptability of valves to meet the long-term use requirements of complex agricultural scenarios such as open fields, greenhouses, slopes, and integrated water and fertilizer systems.

[0101] Valve lifespan is significantly extended: wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and scale-resistant, suitable for water fertilizers and poor water quality, reducing replacement and maintenance.

[0102] Higher power supply efficiency: The solar panels are 90° adjustable, generating more power in low light conditions and operating stably in areas without electricity.

[0103] Higher level of intelligence: Autonomous modules enable remote / timed / linked operation, achieving precise water saving and labor saving.

[0104] Wider application scenarios: High protection, multiple apertures, and multiple connection methods, covering fields, orchards, greenhouses, and slopes.

[0105] Lower operating costs: Low power consumption, long lifespan, and maintenance-free operation reduce the total lifespan cost of irrigation systems.

[0106] Alternatives and Extensions The valve body can be replaced with wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials such as UPVC or stainless steel lined with plastic.

[0107] The solar panel adjustment bracket can be set with locking positions, stepless adjustment, or electric adjustment.

[0108] Communication methods can be expanded to include WiFi, Bluetooth, and RS485 wired connection.

[0109] Flow sensors and pressure sensors can be added to achieve closed-loop flow and pressure stabilization control.

[0110] I. Intelligent Execution Control Unit (Core) 1. Main control chip Model: STM32L431RCT6 Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics Applications: Low-power main controller, running switch / opening / pressure / timer / irrigation logic, interfacing with all peripherals, supporting sleep and wake-up, suitable for low-power solar energy scenarios.

[0111] 2. Fault Self-Check Unit Model: Built-in MCU + peripheral detection circuit Compatible chips: TIINA219 (voltage / current monitoring), DS18B20 (temperature monitoring) Manufacturers: TI, Maxim Applications: Real-time monitoring of power supply, communication, actuators, and sensor anomalies, triggering offline reporting and remote alarms.

[0112] 3. Display panel (local status) Model: 0.96-inch OLED I2C Manufacturer: Visionox / Zhongjingyuan Application: Displays power supply voltage, valve angle, communication status, and fault codes.

[0113] II. Communication Module (Soil Moisture / Weather Data Acquisition Terminal + Remote) 1. LoRa module (field short-range self-organizing network) Model: E32-433T30D (433MHz) Manufacturer: Chengdu Ebyte Applications: Collects soil moisture and meteorological sensor data; low power consumption, long range, and anti-interference.

[0114] 2.4GCAT1 module (remote upload to cloud / APP) Model: Air724UG (Hezhou) Manufacturer: Luat Communications Applications: Connect to cloud platforms and mobile apps for remote control, data reporting, and alarm push notifications.

[0115] 3. RS485 communication interface (wired connection to sensors / controllers) Model: MAX485 Manufacturer: Maxim Application: Modbus-RTU communication, interface with soil moisture, temperature, conductivity, and rainfall sensors.

[0116] III. Sensing and Feedback Unit (Closed-Loop Valve Position from 0 to 90°) Option A: Magnetic encoder (high precision) Model: AS5047D Manufacturer: amsOSRAM Applications: 14-bit absolute angle, 0.02° resolution, non-contact, vibration resistant, wide temperature range, and precise feedback of valve opening.

[0117] Option B: Hall effect sensor (high cost-performance ratio) Model: TLE4999C8 Manufacturer: Infineon Applications: Dual-channel linear Hall effect sensor, suitable for valve angle detection, with lower cost and higher stability.

[0118] IV. Drive and Execution Unit 1. Low-power DC geared motor Model: FF-130SH-09230 (DC12V / 24V) Manufacturer: WANZIDA Applications: Low power consumption, high torque, long lifespan, drives ball valves to rotate 90°, supports sleep mode and low standby mode.

[0119] 2. Drive circuit Model: DRV8833 Manufacturer: TI (Texas Instruments) Application: Dual-channel H-bridge drive motor, with forward and reverse rotation, current limiting, and overcurrent protection.

[0120] 3. Protection Unit (Overvoltage / Overcurrent / Overload) Overvoltage: SMF05C electrostatic discharge / surge protection Overcurrent: PTTC0805 resettable fuse Manufacturers: Littelfuse, SEMTECH Applications: Lightning protection, reverse connection protection, and protection against stalling and burnout; suitable for harsh electrical environments in the field.

[0121] 4. Manual emergency response mechanism in case of power failure Structure: Damped clutch shaft + manual knob Application: The valve can be manually opened or closed by rotating the housing when the power is off, according to the patented structure.

[0122] V. Energy Supply Unit (Solar Energy + Lithium Battery) 1. Adjustable angle solar panel (0~90° flip cover) Model: 6V / 5W monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panel Manufacturers: Trina Solar / Jinko Solar Applications: The damping shaft is adjustable from 0 to 90 degrees, improving the efficiency of low-light power generation, and providing dust and impact protection when closed.

[0123] 2. Energy storage lithium battery pack Model: 18650 Lithium Iron Phosphate 3.2V 6Ah / 12.8V 10Ah Manufacturers: CATL / BYD Application: Integrated energy storage, supporting continuous operation for ≥30 days in cloudy and rainy weather, with overcharge and over-discharge protection.

[0124] 3. Solar charging management Model: TP4056 / CN3791 (MPPT) Manufacturer: Toppin Micro / Ruyun Electronics Applications: MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) improves charging efficiency and is compatible with solar panels.

[0125] VI. Valve body assembly (high performance, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant) 1. Valve body Material: Reinforced polypropylene (FRPP) / ceramic-sealed valve body Model: DN50 / DN65 / DN80 / DN100 Manufacturer: Shandong Zhongtian Yuxin / Shanghai Huquan Valve Applications: Smooth flow channels, low flow resistance, wear-resistant, acid and alkali resistant, anti-scaling, suitable for integrated water and fertilizer systems.

[0126] 2. Core Material: Ceramic / Modified PP / Brass HPb59-1 Seal: Fluororubber (FKM) valve seat Applications: Reliable sealing, smooth opening and closing, lifespan ≥ 50,000 cycles.

[0127] 3. Connection method Internal thread / external thread / quick-fit union Compatible with: PE, PVC, PPR mainstream agricultural pipes.

[0128] VII. Structural and Protective Components 1. Damped rotating shaft (for solar panel positioning from 0 to 90 degrees) Model: M3-M5 damping shaft, 0~90° arbitrary positioning Manufacturer: Dongguan Tuoer Damping Applications: No locking parts are needed; it relies on friction for stable positioning, and is wind-resistant, does not wobble, and does not sag.

[0129] 2. Shell (bottom shell + top shell) Material: PA66 + fiberglass flame retardant and UV resistant Protection: IP68 Manufacturer: Custom Injection Molding Applications: Waterproof, dustproof, and corrosion-resistant; suitable for fields, greenhouses, and saline-alkali land.

[0130] 3. Battery compartment Structure: Sealed cavity + waterproof wiring hole Application: Protects lithium batteries; waterproof, moisture-proof, and easy to disassemble.

[0131] 8. Soil moisture / weather data acquisition sensor (optional, can be directly connected) Soil temperature and humidity sensor: JD-1802 (Jingxun Changtong) Soil EC conductivity: RS-ECROHS Rain gauge: YL-81 Air temperature and humidity: SHT30 All connections to the system are via RS485 / Modbus.

[0132] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent electric ball valve for agricultural irrigation systems capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy, characterized in that: include: The system includes a soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal, an intelligent execution control unit, and an energy supply unit; both the soil moisture / weather data acquisition terminal and the energy supply unit are signal-connected to the intelligent execution control unit. The intelligent execution control unit is the core of the system, including a main control chip and a fault self-testing unit; the main control chip is configured with task control logic, used to execute switch control, opening degree adjustment, pressure adjustment, timing control and irrigation control commands; the fault self-testing unit is used to detect system faults and trigger offline reporting and remote alarms. The fault self-testing unit is connected to the main control chip, soil moisture / meteorological acquisition terminal, sensing feedback unit, drive and execution unit and energy supply unit respectively, and is used to monitor communication abnormalities, actuator failures and energy status abnormalities. The energy supply unit includes a lithium battery storage module and an angle-adjustable solar power supply component; the angle-adjustable solar power supply component includes a 0°~90° rotating bracket and a solar panel, used to charge the lithium battery storage module; The lithium battery energy storage module supplies power to the soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal, the intelligent execution control unit, the sensing feedback unit, and the drive and execution unit. The angle-adjustable solar power supply component can adjust the orientation of the solar panel according to the angle of sunlight. The soil moisture / meteorological data acquisition terminal includes a LoRa module, a 4G module, and an RS485 communication interface. The LoRa module, 4G module, and RS485 communication interface are respectively connected to the intelligent execution control unit for transmitting soil moisture and / or meteorological data to the intelligent execution control unit.

2. The intelligent electric ball valve for an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sensing feedback unit, which includes a magnetic encoder or a Hall sensor, for collecting valve position angle feedback signals and transmitting the valve opening position signal back to the intelligent execution control unit to form closed-loop control.

3. The intelligent electric ball valve for an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive and execution unit, which includes a drive circuit, a low-power DC geared motor, a manual emergency mechanism for power failure, and a protection unit; the drive circuit receives instructions from the intelligent execution control unit to drive the low-power DC geared motor, and the protection unit is used to implement overvoltage, overcurrent, and overload protection.

4. The intelligent electric ball valve of the agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The manual emergency mechanism for power failure is linked to the low-power DC geared motor and is used to manually open and close the valve when the system is powered off; that is, by turning the entire bottom shell (1) and the upper shell (2), the valve can be manually closed.

5. The intelligent electric ball valve for an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting angle and utilizing solar energy as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The intelligent irrigation ball valve is a high-performance valve body assembly. Its valve body material is made of reinforced polypropylene or ceramic sealing, featuring a smooth flow path, low flow resistance, wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and scale resistance. The ball core is made of ceramic, modified polypropylene, or copper, paired with a fluororubber sealing seat, ensuring reliable sealing and smooth opening and closing. This intelligent irrigation ball valve has a straight-through or three-way ball valve structure, adaptable to multi-channel / multi-remote pipeline layouts, meeting the needs of zoned irrigation and integrated water and fertilizer delivery. The valve and pipeline connection methods include internal thread / external thread / quick-connect union, compatible with mainstream agricultural PE, PVC, and PPR irrigation pipes.

6. A method for controlling an intelligent electric ball valve in an agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamically adjusting its angle and utilizing solar energy, characterized in that: The intelligent electric ball valve of the agricultural irrigation system capable of dynamic angle adjustment and solar energy utilization according to any one of claims 1-5 includes the following steps: (1) Soil moisture / meteorological data collection terminal collects data and transmits it to intelligent execution control unit; (2) The intelligent execution control unit generates control commands based on the task control logic and sends them to the drive and execution unit; (3) The drive and execution unit performs valve opening and closing or opening adjustment actions; (4) The sensing feedback unit transmits the valve position angle signal back to the intelligent execution control unit; (5) The fault self-test unit monitors the system status in real time and triggers offline reporting and remote alarm.

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