Adjustable Sprinkler Riser Telescopic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler risers are inflexible and require multiple lengths to be carried for installation, and existing adjustable risers are prone to damage and blockage due to their design.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable riser design featuring a stationary channel and a hollow sleeve with notches and pins allows for vertical adjustment by rotating the sleeve to lock into different positions, enabling the sprinkler to be raised without digging, using a fluid seal and set screws for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid risers with predetermined lengths are used, then installation is simple, but multiple lengths must be carried in inventory and digging is required to install different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The riser transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic adjustable-length structure. The telescopic mechanism allows the riser to extend and retract, providing multiple effective lengths from a single device, thereby eliminating the need to carry multiple predetermined lengths in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can extend and retract relative to each other. This segmentation enables the riser to achieve different effective lengths by extending or retracting the segments, providing adaptability without requiring multiple complete riser units in inventory.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rigid risers are used, then structural strength is maintained, but height adjustment requires digging and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The riser incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows dynamic height adjustment without requiring the riser to be replaced. The operator can simply extend or retract the telescopic segments to achieve the desired height, eliminating the need for digging and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the end user without requiring specialized tools or professional installation equipment. The operator can adjust the height by simply grasping and rotating the sprinkler, which drives the telescopic mechanism, making the system self-adjusting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible tubing is used for risers, then height adjustment is possible, but the tubing is susceptible to damage and blockage from kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is segmented into multiple rigid or semi-rigid telescopic sections that extend and retract in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, preventing the kinking that occurs in flexible tubing, as each segment maintains its shape during extension and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism provides dynamic height adjustment through controlled extension and retraction of rigid segments, rather than relying on the pliability of flexible tubing. This dynamic mechanical adjustment achieves height variability while maintaining resistance to kinking and blockage.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable riser connectable to a sprinkler includes a stationary channel and a hollow sleeve movable over the stationary channel. The hollow sleeve partially encloses the stationary channel to define an internal volume. Recessed columns each having a vertical slot connected to a plurality of notches are defined in the outer surface of the stationary channel. A collar engages the lower end of the hollow sleeve. One or more pins extend through the collar and hollow sleeve to contact the stationary channel to allow the sleeve to be moved vertically over the stationary channel and rotated into one of the notches to lock the sleeve into a set vertical position.