Adjustable Valved Coupler for Drip Irrigation Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drip irrigation systems face inefficiencies due to the need for manual trial and error in selecting and installing drip emitters with appropriate flow rates, leading to waste and inefficiency in water distribution.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable flow valve, or adjustable valved coupler, is introduced, which allows users to select from multiple flow rates by rotating a selector switch, aligning an eccentric aperture with different outlet apertures or a baffle, enabling customizable flow rates between a drip irrigation feeder line and emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual trial and error method is used to select drip emitters, then the system can be installed, but it leads to waste of parts and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the emitter dynamic by incorporating an adjustable valve mechanism that allows the flow rate to be changed after installation. The valve body with movable plug or adjustable orifice enables the emitter to adapt to different flow requirements without replacement, transforming a static component into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of the emitter through an adjustable valve mechanism. By modifying the valve opening degree or orifice size, the emitter can deliver different flow rates (e.g., 0.5 GPH to 2.0 GPH) without changing the emitter itself, allowing optimization during installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual trial and error method is used to select drip emitters, then the system can be installed, but it creates waste of unneeded parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single emitter type universal by equipping it with an adjustable valve that can provide multiple flow rates. Instead of needing different emitter models for different flow requirements, one emitter with an adjustable valve can replace multiple fixed-flow emitters, eliminating the waste of unused specialized emitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable valve mechanism allows the emitter to adapt to different flow requirements dynamically. The movable plug or adjustable orifice enables the same emitter to serve multiple flow rate needs (low flow, medium flow, high flow), preventing the disposal of emitters that don't match the required flow rate.
3Ease of operation
If fixed flow rate emitters are used, then installation is straightforward, but the system lacks adaptability to different water distribution needs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static fixed-flow emitter into a dynamic adjustable-flow emitter. The valve mechanism with movable plug or adjustable orifice allows the emitter to change its flow characteristics in response to different installation requirements, maintaining ease of operation while gaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables change in the flow rate parameter of the emitter through the adjustable valve. Users can modify the valve setting to achieve different flow rates without changing the emitter location or configuration, combining operational simplicity with parameter adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable valved coupler for drip irrigation line includes a valve body having a first end connected to a selector switch assembly and a second end having multiple outlets of differing sizes positioned eccentrically about the perimeter of the second end. The selector switch assembly has an inlet cap defining a main port for connecting an upstream feeder line to an internal volume of the valve body, a manually operable dial, and a circular seat mechanically linked to the dial by a shaft. The circular seat defines an eccentrically positioned aperture. Rotation of the dial moves the aperture into and out of alignment with the outlets to adjust flow rate. The selector switch assembly may also include an exit port to allow serial coupling to a downstream feeder line.