Agile Irrigation Controller Dynamic Program Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation controllers face challenges in managing both simple and complex irrigation systems due to inflexible program architectures, which complicates programming and sequencing of valves and ancillary devices, especially in wireless irrigation networks.
Innovation Solution
An agile irrigation controller featuring a microprocessor, memory, and transceiver that allows for flexible programming through user-defined program parameters, including group pointers, next program pointers, and schedule parameters, enabling the control of a wide range of valves and devices in a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing irrigation controllers use inflexible program architectures, then they can control simple systems, but they cannot adapt to complex irrigation networks with many valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic program architecture where the controller can adapt its programming structure based on system complexity. The controller uses a hierarchical program organization with master programs that can call sub-programs, allowing the system to scale from simple to complex configurations. This dynamic structure enables the same controller to handle both simple irrigation systems and complex networks with numerous valves and ancillary devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the irrigation control program into segmented, modular components. Instead of a monolithic program structure, the controller uses separate program modules that can be independently configured and linked. This segmentation allows users to create complex irrigation sequences by combining simpler program modules, making the controller adaptable to various system complexities without requiring complete program redesign.
2Ease of operation
If controllers are designed for specific applications, then they are simple to program, but they are cumbersome when used in alternate applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller design that can function across multiple applications. The controller uses a standardized interface and program structure that remains consistent regardless of the specific irrigation application. Whether controlling a simple residential system or a complex commercial network, the same basic programming paradigm applies, making the controller easy to operate across different applications while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-based configuration where the same program structure adapts to different applications through parameter changes rather than structural changes. Users can configure the controller for different applications by modifying parameters such as valve counts, timing schedules, and device types, while the underlying program architecture remains consistent. This approach maintains programming simplicity while enabling broad application flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless networks control more valves, then coverage area increases, but programming and sequencing complexity increases beyond controller capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of large numbers of valves into hierarchical program structures. Master programs manage high-level sequencing and can call subordinate sub-programs for specific valve groups or functions. This segmentation breaks down the complexity of controlling numerous valves into manageable program modules, allowing the controller to handle expanded wireless networks without being overwhelmed by programming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate program layers that act as mediators between the controller and large numbers of valves. These intermediate programs manage groups of valves and coordinate their operation, reducing the direct programming complexity at the controller level. The hierarchical structure with master programs, sub-programs, and valve groups creates intermediate management layers that simplify control of extensive wireless irrigation networks.
Data Source
AI summary
An agile irrigation controller enables any number of programs to be added, limited only by available memory, and is similarly adaptable to control any number of valves or similar irrigation devices in a network. Stored programs within the memory include pointers to next programs in memory, linking the programs together. The memory further stores groups of valves, with links to additional groups of valves.