Enhanced irrigation system

Abstract

An enhanced irrigation system, comprising a flow drivetrain configured to control water flow within a housing, a hydraulic damping system configured to suppress hydraulic transients within the housing, a flow meter, and a rotatable nozzle assembly configured to deliver water at a variable angle and flow rate. The drivetrain further comprising a rolling ball valve seated against a valve seat; and an axle pin configured to allow proportional fluid flow through the valve seat by pushing the rolling ball valve off the valve seat, and a NiTi wire configured to contract and exert torque on a valve paddle in the presence of heat. The flow meter comprising a turbine with a magnet mounted thereon, and at least two Hall sensors positioned orthogonally to one another, configured to detect a magnetic field associated with the rotating turbine.

Description

ENHANCED IRRIGATION SYSTEMCross-Reference To Related Application

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 623,132 filed January 19, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Background

[0002] Irrigation systems face challenges in meeting the diverse water needs of different plants due to variations in watering depth, foliage wetness preferences, and watering frequency. These challenges are compounded when dealing with different weather conditions and soil types. Conventional irrigation systems have limitations in addressing diverse environmental and agricultural conditions. These systems often require a mix of manual adjustments, specialized components, and multiple circuit arrangements to cater to varied soil types, plant water needs, and local weather patterns. Furthermore, transient hydraulic events, contaminants in water, and system failures during power outages pose additional challenges.Brief Summary

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to an enhanced irrigation system, comprising a flow drivetrain configured to control water flow within a housing, a hydraulic damping system configured to suppress hydraulic transients within the housing, a flow meter, and a rotatable nozzle assembly configured to deliver water at a variable angle and flow rate. The drivetrain further comprising a rolling ball valve seated against a valve seat; and an axle pin configured to allow proportional fluid flow through the valve seat by pushing the rolling ball valve off the valve seat, and a NiTi wire configured to contract and exert torque on a valve paddle in the presence of heat. The flow metercomprising a turbine with a magnet mounted thereon, and at least two Hall sensors positioned orthogonally to one another, configured to detect a magnetic field associated with the rotating turbine..

[0004] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures.Description of the Drawings

[0005] Fig. la illustrates a side view of the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment;

[0006] Fig. lb illustrates a bottom perspective view of the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment;

[0007] Fig. lc illustrates a top perspective view of the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment;

[0008] Fig. 2a illustrates a side view of the enhanced irrigation system with the cover removed, according to an embodiment;

[0009] Fig. 2b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the enhance irrigation system with the cover removed, according to an embodiment;

[0010] Fig. 2c illustrates a top perspective view of the enhanced irrigation system with the cover removed, according to an embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 3 illustrates a view of the flow drivetrain, according to an embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrates an alternate view of the flow drivetrain, according to an embodiment;

[0013] Fig. 5 a illustrates a view of the water flow through the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment;

[0014] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternate view of the water flow through the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 7a illustrates a view of the volumetric flow regulator, according to an embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 7b illustrates an alternate view of the volumetric flow regulator, according to an embodiment; and

[0017] Fig. 8 illustrates a view of the water flow through the enhanced irrigation system, according to an embodiment.Detailed Description

[0018] The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific percentages, components, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present design can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a block diagram to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present design. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Also, the features implemented in one embodiment may be implemented in another embodiment where logically possible. The specific details can be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present design. The term coupled is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIGs. la-lc depict various views of the enhanced irrigation system 100, according to one embodiment. The system 100 includes a nozzle assembly 102, a housing 104, and a mounting point 106. The mounting point 106 is designed to connect to a water source (e.g.,hose, piping, etc.), supplying water to the system 100. The nozzle assembly 102 is engineered to rotate freely and without obstruction by the housing 104.

[0021] FIGs. 2a-2c show various views of the enhanced irrigation system 100 with the housing 104 (Fig. la) removed, according to one embodiment. The system 100 consists of a first portion 110, a second portion 120, a third portion 130, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 140. In one embodiment, compression gaskets are positioned between the three portions 110, 120, and 130. These gaskets are secured in place by molded channels within each respective portion. The composition, thickness, and applied pressure of the gaskets are selected to prevent leaks between the portions.

[0022] In another embodiment, a motor controlled by the PCB 140 drives a series of gears 142 attached to the motor shaft. The gears 142 are designed to rotate the nozzle 102 assembly, thereby adjusting the rotational angle of the water jet emitted from the system 100.

[0023] The ability to deliver water precisely to any location in a region described by polar coordinates requires precise measurement of the azimuth angle of the nozzle assembly 102. In an embodiment the nozzle assembly 102 is rotated by stepper motor through the series of gears 142. In an embodiment the nozzle assembly 102 employs a toroidal magnet 146 near two hall sensors 148 (Fig. 2a). The magnetic field at any point close to the perimeter of said magnet 146 is proportional to the sine of the angle of rotation of the nozzle assembly 102. Utilizing two hall sensors 148 set 90° apart, the exact instantaneous angle of the nozzle assembly 102 may be computed by evaluating the arctangent of the ratio of the hall sensors' output.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates a view of the flow drivetrain 200, according to an embodiment. The flow drivetrain 200 resides within the first portion 110 of the enhanced irrigation system 100. Fig. 4 illustrates an alternate view of the flow drivetrain 200 with the first portion 110 removed for clarity. The drivetrain 200 comprises a valve seat 202, rolling ball valve 204, axel pin 206, axel shaft 208, valve paddle 210, valve paddle torsion spring 212, nitinol (NiTi) wire 214, a set of horizontal pulleys 216, a vertical pulley 218, and safety spring assembly 220.

[0025] When incoming water is pressurized within the irrigation system 100, the rolling ball valve 204 is forced against the valve seat 202. To actuate the rolling ball valve 204, the axel pin 206 applies a force to the rolling ball valve 204, pushing it off the valve seat 202. In an embodiment the volume of water passing through the valve seat 202 is proportionally controlled by the amount of rotation of the axel pin 206. In this configuration, the rolling ball valve 204 is highly responsive, controllable, and enables water contaminants to pass through the irrigation system 100 without accumulation and / or impact on the rolling ball valve 204.

[0026] In one embodiment, if power to the enhanced irrigation system 100 is lost during an irrigation event, the axle pin 206 ceases to apply force, allowing water pressure to push the rolling ball valve 204 against the valve seat 202, thereby shutting off water flow. Additionally, when water pressure is turned off, the rolling ball valve 204 moves away from the valve seat 202. This configuration permits freezing water in an unpressurized system 100 to bypass the rolling ball valve 204 and exit the enhanced irrigation system 100, preventing damage from ice expansion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the NiTi wire 214 is mechanically linked to the valve paddle 210. The NiTi wire 214 forms a loop, which is routed along the set of horizontal pulleys 216 and around the vertical pulley 218. The PCB 140 (Fig. 2a) provides an electrical current to the NiTi wire 214, generating heat to energize the wire. The applied current produces a controlled contraction of the NiTi wire 214, enabling it to retract by a precise and predetermined distance. For example, in one embodiment, the NiTi wire 214 is configured to contract by approximately four percent (4%) when subjected to controlled heating. When the current is reduced or stopped, the NiTi wire 214 cools to ambient temperature, expanding back to its original elongated form. This expansion is aided by the valve paddle torsion spring 212.

[0028] The contraction and expansion of the NiTi wire 214 cause the valve paddle 210 to pivot about the hinge axis of the valve axle shaft 208. As the valve axle shaft 208 rotates, the axle pin 206 displaces the rolling ball valve 204 from the valve seat 202, allowing a controlled volume of water to flow through the system. The water is then directed through the nozzle 102 (Fig. 1).

[0029] In another embodiment, the safety spring assembly 220 is designed to protect the NiTi wire 214 from excessive stress that could render it unresponsive or inoperable. To achieve this, the safety spring assembly 220 retracts under a lower force than the maximum allowable force exerted on the NiTi wire 214.

[0030] The enhanced irrigation system 100 may also include a feedback mechanism to continuously monitor instantaneous fluid flow and the temperature of the NiTi wire 214. This feedback allows precise adjustments tothe wire's temperature, enabling the system to maintain a steady-state flow rate or achieve a gradual change in flow rate as required.

[0031] In one embodiment, the enhanced irrigation system 100 incorporates a variable pulse-width proportional-derivative (PD) controller with temperature compensation. This configuration enables precise temperature regulation of the NiTi wire 214 using pulse-width voltage control provided by the PCB 140 (Fig. 2a). Since the performance of the NiTi wire 214 is temperature-dependent, the ambient temperature of the system can influence its operation. To address this, a thermistor is positioned near the NiTi wire 214 to measure ambient temperature and provide data for compensation.

[0032] In alternative embodiments, causing paddle 210 to pivot about the hinge axis of the valve axle shaft 208 may be accomplished by servo motor, induction motor, stepper motor, direct current (DC) motor, or other mechanisms known in the arts.

[0033] Fig. 5a illustrates the water flow 300 through the enhanced irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, water flow 300 enters the irrigation system 100 at the mounting point 106, passes through the first portion 110, and is guided by internal channels. The water flow 300 is then directed to the flow drivetrain 200, specifically to the rolling ball valve 204.

[0034] Fig. 6 provides an alternate, top-down view of the water flow 300 through the enhanced irrigation system 100, with the PCB 140 and third portion 130 removed for clarity. After exiting the flow drivetrain 200 via the rolling ball valve 204 and valve seat 202, the water flow 300 splits into twodistinct directions: a first direction 302 leading to a turbine flow meter 122, and a second direction 304 leading to a hydraulic damping system 124.

[0035] Referring to the hydraulic damping system 124, in one embodiment, it consists of an expandable or contractable rubber tube functioning as a hydraulic transient suppressor. Sudden surges of water into the rigid structure of the enhanced irrigation system 100 can create transients, i.e., a water hammer effect. Similarly, cavitation can occur when the water valve fully closes. In severe cases, high water pressure can exacerbate these effects, leading to damage or oscillations within the system. The hydraulic damping system 124, as a flexible, closed volume of water, is designed to absorb sudden water surges when the valve opens or to supply a small amount of water to the downstream system when the valve fully closes. In this configuration the hydraulic damping system acts as a hydraulic capacitor, mitigating pressure spikes and ensuring system stability.

[0036] As the water flow 300 is diverted to the first direction 302, towards the turbine flow meter 122. The turbine 122 spins in the water channel at a speed directly proportional to the flow of water. The amount of water passing through the enhanced irrigation system 100 during one full revolution of the turbine 122 can be empirically measured. In one embodiment, the turbine 122 incorporates a magnet system 126 (Fig. 7a). Two hall sensors mounted ninety degrees (90°) apart are positioned on a second PCB 144 (Fig. 7b) in close proximity to the turbine 122 and magnet 126. The detected magnetic field by either hall sensor on the PCB 144 is sinusoidal.

[0037] In an embodiment, a flow calibration process is achieved by opening the rolling ball valve 204 at half maximum flow for several seconds andacquiring data from more than one hundred (100) turbine 124 revolutions. This calibration enables the the enhanced irrigation system 100 to establish a minimum and maximum of each sinusoidal signal from the PCB 144 mounted hall sensors.

[0038] In one embodiment, the hall sensors are separated by ninety degrees (90°), allowing for calculation of the instantaneous turbine 124 angle using the arctangent of the ratio of the two hall sensors' normalized sine and cosine signals. By subtracting previous turbine 124 angle from the current turbine 124 angle, the turbine's angular speed in the time interval is calculated. In one embodiment, a maximum angular speed for the enhanced irrigation system 100 is approximately fifty revolutions per second, yielding a typical maximum flow rate of about 40 ml / second.

[0039] Fig. 8 illustrates a view of the water flow 302 through the enhanced irrigation system 100, according to an embodiment. In Fig. 8, water flow 302 passes the turbine flow meter 122 and is directed through an internal channel to the nozzle assembly 102.

[0040] The shape and angle of the nozzle assembly 102 are critical to the performance of enhanced irrigation system 100. In an embodiment a slight amount of turbulent water flow is desirable such that the water jet exiting the nozzle assembly 102 dissipates at longer distances. This effect produces a gentler landing with less horizontal momentum at long water spray distances. Combining nozzle assembly 102 shape with angle of delivery, the relationship between landing distance and rate of flow approaches a linear relationship throughout its entire range (i.e., Distance = Flow * K). This linear relationship is desired to deliver water at constant depth over a large area.

[0041] In an embodiment, the nozzle assembly 102 incorporates a twist mechanism at its tip. This configuration enables a jet of water to be manipulated for a desired exit angle of between seven to twenty-two degrees (7-22°) depending on the amount of twist applied. This configuration enables desirable deployment of irrigation systems 100 in certain cases where the system may be required to send a jet of water over a plant or under a low hanging branch. The waterjet's egress of the nozzle's 102 angle with respect to the ground depends on the amount of twist.

[0042] Moreover, the speed of traverse for a jet of water as it strikes a desired zone is critical. Water moving too fast results in inaccurate watering and excess wear, while too slow results in a "hydraulic mining" effect as the lingering jet digs a hole. Thus, careful consideration and calculation is required for the optimum rate of traverse and delivery. In an embodiment the dimension of the water channel is a key factor in optimized speed of traverse.

[0043] During watering zone programming, the user defines a set of vertices by directing the enhanced irrigation system's 100 water jet to each vertex sequentially. These vertices are then saved as part of a "zone," along with the user's choice of a name, watering depth, and schedule. The mechanics of the enhanced irrigation system 100 are based on a polar coordinate model, where watering a zone involves up to 256 "rays" of water. These rays extend outward and then return inward as the nozzle assembly 102 rotates through a full circle. The water jet traverses each ray at a constant speed, with the limits of the traverse defined by artificial lines connecting the programmed vertices. Before watering a zone, the system's 100 internal logic executes analgorithm to translate the user-defined vertices into traversal limits for each ray.

[0044] Since the length of each ray depends on its defined start and end points, the time required to complete each ray at a constant traverse speed varies. However, the angle of rotation for each ray remains constant. Each ray corresponds to one "Rotational Degree," with the system dividing a full circle into 256 Rotational Degrees (rather than the conventional 360 degrees). Each Rotational Degree is further subdivided into eight steps, corresponding to the stepper motor's movement (totaling 2,048 steps for a full rotation). Before each ray traversal, the system calculates the required traversal time and determines the step time interval based on the ray's length. This embodiment allows the motor to continuously step at variable time intervals during ray traversal.

[0045] The enhanced irrigation system 100 is designed to operate in multiunit configurations. Each unit functions as a WiFi access point (AP), but when multiple systems are used together, the presence of numerous active APs can clutter the programming device's network display. To mitigate this, the irrigation systems automatically turn off their APs after programming concludes. However, this creates a challenge when a user needs to reactivate a specific unit for programming. Since programming requires visual confirmation of the water jet's position, the user must be physically near the sprinkler. To address this, an accelerometer-based activation scheme is employed: the user can tap the sprinkler to enable its AP. Upon detecting a tap, the system acknowledges by sending out a short water jet burst (e.g., three seconds) and activating its AP for a predetermined period. If no programming is initiated during this interval, the AP automatically turns off.

[0046] A similar accelerometer-based mechanism protects the system's password when operating in "cloud control" mode. In this mode, the irrigation system connects to the user's WiFi network and utilizes the internet for weather reports, email-based watering updates, firmware updates, and database backups. This mode requires the user to provide the system with their network SSID and password. To ensure security, access to the irrigation system is password-protected. If the user needs the system's password, shaking the sprinkler for several seconds triggers the accelerometer to detect a "password send" event. The system 100 then sends the password to the user's registered device or email.

[0047] If a user is locked out of the irrigation system 100, the accelerometer can also initiate a factory reset as a last resort. This reset erases all stored data and returns the system to its factory default state, removing any WiFi passwords. Since the system 100 is designed to operate in a vertical position (with the nozzle upright), an inverted position is considered unnatural. If the accelerometer detects that the system remains inverted for a predetermined period (e.g., one minute, to prevent accidental resets), it initiates the factory reset process.

[0048] It should be noted that the described accelerometer-based features could be implemented using physical switches or buttons. However, in outdoor environments, switches and buttons are prone to failure and provide entry points for water and insects. The accelerometer-based solutions achieve these functions in a more durable and environmentally resistant manner, while also simplifying the system's 100 design and reducing implementation costs.

[0049] As detailed earlier, zone programming involves positioning the system's water jet at vertices of a polygon that defines a zone to be watered at a constant depth. The success of this method depends on both the user's ability to accurately direct the water jet and the system's capability to represent the defined zone in polar coordinates and deliver water accordingly.

[0050] In one embodiment, after connecting to the irrigation system's 100 AP, the user logs into the system's embedded website and accesses a zone configuration interface. The interface displays a circular representation of the irrigation system's watering area. The user can touch a point on the display to direct the water jet to the corresponding terrain location. By dragging the water jet's graphical avatar, the user can fine-tune its position.

[0051] This near-instantaneous positioning allows the user to define a polygonal area quickly by marking its vertices with the water jet. After positioning the jet at the desired location for the first vertex, the user lifts their finger, and the jet remains in place. The user then selects the second vertex, prompting the system to create a new graphical circle and move the water jet to the corresponding location. The previous vertex remains visible but changes in appearance (e.g., color or emphasis). This process repeats for subsequent vertices. When three or more vertices are defined, lines connecting them appear, visually indicating that a zone is complete. A "Close / Schedule" button allows the user to finalize the zone by connecting the first and last vertices, forming a closed polygon displayed in a distinct color. The system then stores the zone's coordinates, and the user can proceed to define its name, watering depth, and schedule. This iterative process fully supports the creation of detailed watering maps.

[0052] The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0053] References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the abovedescribed exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step for."

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An enhanced irrigation system, comprising: a flow drivetrain configured to control water flow within a housing; a flow meter; and a rotatable nozzle assembly configured to deliver water at a variable angle and flow rate.

2. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 1, the flow drivetrain comprising: a rolling ball valve seated against a valve seat; and an axle pin configured to allow proportional fluid flow through the valve seat by pushing the rolling ball valve off the valve seat.

3. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 2, the flow drivetrain further comprising: a NiTi wire configured to contract and exert torque on a valve paddle in the presence of heat; and an axel shaft configured to rotate in response to torque exerted on the valve paddle, wherein the axel shaft is connected to the axel pin.

4. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 3, the flow drivetrain further comprising: a torsion spring configured to return the valve paddle to a closed position in the absence of heat.

5. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 4, wherein temperature of the NiTi wire is modulated to achieve a desired flow rate.

6. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 1, the flow meter comprising: a turbine configured to rotate as water flows through a channel in the housing; a magnet mounted to the turbine; and at least two Hall sensors positioned orthogonally to one another, configured to detect a magnetic field associated with a rotating turbine.

7. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 6, the Hall sensors detect turbine flow rate by calculating an angular speed and flow volume based on a magnetic field generated by the turbine's rotation.

8. The enhanced irrigation system of claim 1, further comprising: a hydraulic damping system configured to suppress hydraulic transients within the housing.

9. A method for controlling water flow using an enhanced irrigation system, comprising: engaging a flow drivetrain to control water flow within a housing; suppressing hydraulic transients within a housing; and rotating a nozzle assembly to deliver water at a variable angle and flow rate.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: seating a rolling ball valve against a valve seat; and configuring an axle pin to allow proportional fluid flow through the valve seat by pushing the rolling ball valve off the valve seat.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: contracting a NiTi wire to exert torque on a valve paddle in the presence of heat; and rotating an axel shaft in response to torque exerted on the valve paddle, wherein the axel shaft is connected to the axel pin.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: employing a torsion spring to return the valve paddle to a closed position in the absence of heat.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: modulating temperature of the NiTi wire to achieve a desired flow rate through the housing.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: rotating a turbine as water flows through a channel in the housing; anddetecting a magnetic field associated with a magnet mounted to the rotating turbine by employing at least two Hall sensors positions orthogonally to one another.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: calculating an angular speed and flow volume based on a magnetic field generated by the turbine's rotation and detected by the Hall sensors.

16. An enhanced irrigation system, comprising: a flow drivetrain, comprising: a rolling ball valve seated against a valve seat; an axle pin configured to allow proportional fluid flow through the valve seat by pushing the rolling ball valve off the valve seat; a NiTi wire configured to contract and exert torque on a valve paddle in the presence of heat; and an axel shaft configured to rotate in response to torque exerted on the valve paddle, wherein the axel shaft is connected to the axel pin; and a flow meter, comprising: a turbine configured to rotate as water flows through a channel in the housing; a magnet mounted to the turbine; and at least two Hall sensors positioned orthogonally to one another, configured to detect a magnetic field associated with a rotating turbine;wherein the Hall sensors detect turbine flow rate by calculating an angular speed and flow volume based on a magnetic field generated by the turbine's rotation.

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