Adjustable Irrigation Coupling for Variable Valve-to-Hose Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for irrigation systems require additional hose or tubing lengths to adapt to varying conditions caused by ground shifting and freeze-thaw cycles, leading to time-consuming adjustments and potential leaks during repairs.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable irrigation-system-coupling device with a first-end-coupling member featuring helical threads and a second-end-coupler member with parallel annular ridges, incorporating a length-adjusting assembly with a rotatable flange and lead-screw threads that allow for easy extension or shortening without splicing additional tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing couplers are used in irrigation systems, then they can connect hoses/tubing to water-supply valves, but they require additional hose/tubing length adjustments and splicing work due to varying gaps caused by ground shifting and freeze-thaw cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a telescopic mechanism with adjustable length, allowing it to dynamically adapt to varying gap conditions. The inner tube can extend or retract relative to the outer tube, enabling the coupler to accommodate different distances between valves and hose ends without requiring additional splicing work.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler's length parameter is made variable through the telescopic adjustment mechanism. Users can change the effective length of the coupler on-site to match the specific gap conditions, eliminating the need for fixed-length couplers and additional hose splicing.
2Ease of operation
If existing couplers are used in irrigation systems, then they can provide basic coupling functionality, but they require time-consuming splicing of additional hose/tubing lengths to adapt to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism allows for quick length adjustments by simply extending or retracting the inner tube, eliminating the time-consuming splicing process required by traditional fixed-length couplers.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed to be self-adjusting, where the installation personnel can directly adjust the length without requiring additional tools or splicing materials, making the installation process faster and simpler.
3Reliability
If existing couplers are used in irrigation systems, then they can connect components, but they introduce additional points of system failures/leaks due to required splicing and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable-length design eliminates the need for multiple splicing connections by providing a single coupler that can adapt to varying lengths, thereby reducing the number of potential leak points and improving system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hose/tubing length is manipulated to fit existing couplers, then connections can be made, but it requires additional work and introduction of additional points of system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler's length is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing it to adapt to any hose length within its adjustment range without requiring the hose to be cut or spliced, thereby simplifying the installation process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and leak-free installation by allowing on-site length adjustment of the coupler to match varying conditions, reducing installation time and minimizing system failures.
Implementation Method 1
some exterior 'lead-screw' type of threads that are engaged by a rotatable length-adjustment flange that has interior gear teeth adapted to engage with the lead-screw threads and convert rotating movement into linear movement
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable length-adjustment flange that has interior gear teeth adapted to engage with the lead-screw threads and convert rotating movement into linear movement
Implementation Method 3
a first-end-coupling member featuring helical threads for coupling with a supply valve
Implementation Method 4
a second-end-coupler member that has a plurality of parallel annular ridges that are typically saw-toothed or barbed in shape adapted to be inserted into a polymeric hose or tube
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is an improved irrigation-system-coupling device, with a length-adjustment feature, that is designed to provide a coupling between polymeric irrigation-system hosing/tubing and a water-supply valve, such as solenoid-operated control/supply valves commonly used in automated irrigation systems. The length-adjustment configuration allows for easy installation in the field without the need to splice additional lengths of hosing/tubing in situations where various environmental conditions and/or necessitated repairs to or removal of sections of hoses/tubing has caused an extra gap between a supply-valve manifold housing and the end of the existing hose/tubing.