Adjustable Pressure Regulator Sprinkler for Nozzle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation sprinkler pressure regulators are typically fixed and require replacement to adjust to different pressure settings, limiting flexibility and efficiency in optimizing water pressure for various nozzle types.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pressure regulator system that allows manual adjustment of water pressure within a range (e.g., 35 psi to 45 psi) using a mechanism involving a retainer, flow tube, shroud, and seat, where the annular gap between the flow tube and seat is adjusted to control pressure, ensuring optimal water discharge without misting or overwatering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed pressure regulator is used, then the pressure is regulated to a predetermined value, but the flexibility to adjust pressure for different nozzle types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic adjustable design. The flow tube can be positioned at different locations along the seat, allowing the regulation pressure to be changed by moving the flow tube to different positions. This enables the same regulator to adapt to different nozzle types (e.g., spray nozzles at 30 psi, rotary nozzles at 45 psi) while maintaining reliable pressure regulation.
2Reliability
If the sprinkler is replaced to change pressure regulation, then the desired pressure is achieved, but time and effort are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the entire sprinkler or regulator assembly to change pressure settings, the flow tube can be adjusted to different positions along the seat. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows operators to change pressure settings quickly without time-consuming replacement operations, while maintaining accurate pressure regulation for different irrigation requirements.
3Reliability
If pressure is increased for rotary nozzles, then optimal operation is achieved, but misting and overwatering occur with spray nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator provides localized pressure optimization for different nozzle types by allowing the flow tube to be positioned at different locations. Spray nozzles can be paired with a flow tube position that regulates to 30 psi for optimal performance without misting, while rotary nozzles can be paired with a position that regulates to 45 psi for optimal operation. This local customization of pressure settings eliminates the harmful effects of mismatched pressure-nozzle combinations.
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 flexible and efficient adjustment of water pressure to suit different nozzle types, preventing misting and overwatering by optimizing pressure for each nozzle, thereby improving irrigation effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A spring extends between a first retainer portion and an upper flange of the flow tube to bias the flow tube downstream toward the shroud and away from the seat
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation device having an adjustable pressure regulator is provided. The irrigation device includes a housing having an inlet and a riser movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. A retainer is secured in the riser. A flow tube extends through the retainer and is configured to move relative to the retainer. The irrigation device includes a valve coupled to the riser with the valve closing the inlet when the riser is in the retracted position. The valve is spaced from the retainer in the riser by an axial gap. The irrigation device includes a seat positioned in the axial gap. The seat is adjustably mounted to the valve such that an axial position of the seat relative to the flow tube is adjustable to adjust a regulation pressure of the irrigation device.