Buriable Well Support Structure for Irrigation Apparatus Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Buriable wells for irrigation systems often fail to prevent electrohydraulic apparatuses, such as solenoid valves, from coming into contact with dirt and detritus on the ground, leading to potential operational issues and frequent maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A buriable well system with a support structure made of interconnected longitudinal and transverse ribs, featuring snap-fit support means with stems and forks, which securely hold the apparatuses above the ground, preventing contact with dirt and allowing for variable configurations and easy maintenance access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If apparatuses are rested directly on the ground through the lower opening, then the well structure is simple, but the apparatuses come into contact with detritus and dirt compromising correct operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell structureVSAvoidapparatus operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate support structure (grate or grid) positioned between the ground and the apparatuses. This intermediary element elevates the apparatuses above the ground level, preventing direct contact with detritus and dirt while maintaining the simplicity of the well structure. The support structure acts as a mediator that solves the contamination problem without adding significant complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If apparatuses are arranged resting on a support structure, then contact with detritus is reduced, but undesired movements of apparatuses cannot be excluded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact with detritusVSAvoidapparatus positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple support points (legs or elements) distributed across the grate or grid surface. This segmentation allows for the incorporation of retaining means at specific locations to prevent apparatus movement while maintaining elevation across the entire structure. The segmented design enables localized stabilization without compromising the overall elevating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Retaining means are introduced as intermediary elements between the support structure and the apparatuses. These retaining features (such as ledges, clips, or positioning elements) act as mediators that prevent undesired movements of the apparatuses while allowing the support structure to continue its function of elevating apparatuses above the ground level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If retaining means are added to prevent apparatus movements, then stability is improved, but the support structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus positioningVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means are merged with the support structure as integrated features rather than separate added components. For example, retaining ledges are formed as part of the support legs, or positioning features are incorporated into the grate design itself. This merging approach provides the necessary stability to prevent apparatus movement while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3118957B1System comprising a buriable well for housing and protecting electrohydraulic apparatuses of irrigation systems and a plurality of support means
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 STIATTI ANNA
  • EP3118957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3118957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3118957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Herein described is a support structure (22) of electrohydraulic apparatuses (A), in particular of electrical and hydraulic apparatuses of irrigation systems. The support structure (22) is configured to be applied to a buriable well (10) for housing and protecting such electrohydraulic apparatuses (A). On predetermined portions of the support structure (22) a plurality of holes (30) are formed, adapted for receiving a corresponding plurality of support means (32) configured to hold, preferably in a releasable manner, one or more electrohydraulic apparatuses (A). Also described is a buriable well (10) for housing and protecting electrohydraulic apparatuses (A) comprising at least one such support structure (22) of electrohydraulic apparatuses (A).