Automated Gate Valve for Open Ditch Drainage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional open ditch drainage systems face challenges such as time-consuming and hazardous manual management of flash board risers, leakage issues, and inefficient water control, leading to crop yield reduction and nutrient loss.

Innovation Solution

An automated gate valve system with a controllable gate valve and seal structure is introduced, allowing for efficient water level management in drainage ditches, either manually, electronically, or automatically, to optimize water retention during growing seasons and reduce water and nutrient loss during fallow periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flash board risers are used for controlled drainage, then water level control is improved, but operation time and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater level controlVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of flash board risers with an automated gate valve system controlled by a programmable controller. The gate valve can be automatically actuated based on pre-programmed schedules or real-time water level sensor data, eliminating the need for manual board installation and removal while maintaining precise water level control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation through automatic gate valve actuation that responds to water level conditions without human intervention. The programmable controller automatically adjusts the gate valve position based on stored drainage schedules or real-time sensor feedback, allowing the drainage system to manage itself according to crop needs and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If flash board risers are used for controlled drainage, then water level control is improved, but safety risks increase due to water pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater level controlVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hazardous manual handling of pressurized flash boards with an automated gate valve system. The gate valve is actuated remotely or automatically, eliminating direct human exposure to high water pressure zones. This substitution removes the safety risk of sudden board failure while maintaining effective water level control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gate valve acts as an intermediary device between the water pressure system and the control mechanism. It provides a safer interface for water level control by allowing adjustment of water flow through a controlled opening rather than relying on the insertion and removal of solid boards that could fail under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional free drainage is used, then drainage efficiency is improved, but water and nutrient loss increase during fallow periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage efficiencyVSAvoidnutrient loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic water level control that adapts to different seasonal conditions. During the growing season, the gate valve maintains higher water levels to supply crops. During fallow periods, it automatically lowers water levels to minimize nutrient leaching while preventing complete drainage. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both drainage efficiency and nutrient conservation based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic action through pre-programmed drainage schedules that change water level targets according to the season and crop growth stage. The programmable controller automatically adjusts gate valve operation to maintain optimal water levels during growing periods and reduce levels during fallow periods, creating a rhythmic pattern of drainage control that balances productivity and conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Device complexity

If manual board management is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple but operationally complex flash board system with an automated gate valve mechanism. While the gate valve itself is a more complex mechanical component, its automatic actuation through a programmable controller eliminates the operational complexity of manual board handling. The system trades mechanical simplicity for operational simplicity, allowing farmers to set drainage parameters once and have the system self-regulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10458085B2Automatic water control system for open ditch drainage

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 CUSTOM WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

An automatic water control system for open ditch drainage includes a drainage control apparatus that is designed to be disposed in a drainage ditch and to control the water level in the drainage ditch, as well as the water table level in the field.