Subsurface Irrigation Using Capillary Porous Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface irrigation systems for sports fields are complex, costly, and face challenges in achieving uniform water distribution and efficient water use, with significant maintenance issues and high water loss due to evaporation.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface irrigation system comprising a water impermeable layer, water distribution boards with feeders, a porous layer using cement and particulate stone material for capillary action, and a sports field layer, along with a water control basin and pump system for automated moisture control, allowing for efficient water distribution and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional subsurface irrigation systems with pipes and drippers are used, then water can be distributed to the sports field, but the system becomes complicated and costly with significant maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex pipe and dripper network from the irrigation system, retaining only the essential water distribution function through a simplified porous layer that allows water to rise naturally via capillary action, thereby reducing maintenance needs while maintaining irrigation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The porous layer automatically distributes water through capillary action without requiring mechanical pumps or complex control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and significantly reducing maintenance requirements
2Ease of operation
If traditional subsurface irrigation systems with extensive pipes are used, then water distribution is achieved, but the system becomes troublesome for maintenance and repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the extensive pipe network by using a porous layer that distributes water across the entire sports field surface area, removing the need for long pipes and associated maintenance troubles
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system transitions from a linear pipe-based distribution approach to a planar porous layer approach, allowing water to distribute across the two-dimensional field area without requiring extensive one-dimensional pipe lengths
3Loss of energy
If water is distributed through traditional irrigation systems, then the sports field receives water, but significant water loss occurs due to evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spray or flood irrigation systems that expose water to air and evaporation with a subsurface porous layer system that delivers water directly to the root zone through capillary action, minimizing evaporation losses and improving water use efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves uniform water distribution, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances water use efficiency by utilizing capillary action to move water from distribution boards to the sports field layer, while allowing for automated moisture control and adaptation to varying field slopes.
Implementation Method 1
The porous layer is configured to move water from the plurality of water distribution boards upwards to the sports field layer using capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface irrigation system for a sports field includes a substantially water impermeable layer, a compacted subgrade below the water impermeable layer, a plurality of water distribution boards positioned on top of the water impermeable layer, a porous layer overlaying the plurality of water distribution boards, and a sports field layer on top of the porous layer. The porous layer is configured to move water from the plurality of water distribution boards upwards to the sports field layer using capillary action to keep it damp. The sports field layer may be sand, dirt, clay, or a combination thereof. In addition, the system may include a water control basin in fluid communication with at least one water distribution board of the plurality of water distribution boards and configured to control the flow of water to the plurality of water distribution boards.