Chemigation Control Using Existing Irrigation Wiring

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chemigation systems are difficult and expensive to install in existing residential or commercial irrigation systems, as they require invasive excavation and damage to landscaping or structures.

Innovation Solution

A chemigation system that integrates a primary controller near the irrigation controller and a secondary controller near the valve assembly, using existing irrigation wire to intercommunicate and control chemical injection and valve actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a chemigation system is installed into an existing irrigation system, then chemigation functionality is achieved, but excavation and damage to landscaping or structures is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemigation functionalityVSAvoiddamage to landscaping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses power line communication technology to transmit control signals through the existing electrical wiring of the irrigation system, acting as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical excavation. The chemigation controller communicates with irrigation valves through the existing power lines, allowing integration without damaging landscaping or structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical installation process (excavation and physical connection of components) with an electrical/electronic communication system. By using power line communication, the system substitutes physical wiring installation with signal transmission through existing electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for excavation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a chemigation system is installed into an existing irrigation system, then chemigation functionality is achieved, but installation cost increases due to excavation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemigation functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses power line communication technology to transmit control signals through the existing electrical wiring of the irrigation system, acting as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical excavation. The chemigation controller communicates with irrigation valves through the existing power lines, allowing integration without damaging landscaping or structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical installation process (excavation and physical connection of components) with an electrical/electronic communication system. By using power line communication, the system substitutes physical wiring installation with signal transmission through existing electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for excavation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional chemigation systems are installed, then chemical injection control is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical injection controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing electrical wiring serve multiple functions: it continues to power the irrigation valves while simultaneously transmitting chemigation control signals through power line communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wiring systems and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses power line communication technology to transmit control signals through the existing electrical wiring of the irrigation system, acting as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical excavation. The chemigation controller communicates with irrigation valves through the existing power lines, allowing integration without damaging landscaping or structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables easy integration of chemigation into existing irrigation systems without damaging landscaping or structures, making it more accessible and cost-effective for homeowners and commercial landowners.

Implementation Method 1

a first powerline modem that is configured to transmit the relay control signals to a secondary controller via a station wire of a sprinkler wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPowerline communication: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12336530B2Chemigation system

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 BLUBERRY LLC

AI summary

A chemigation system can be easily integrated into existing irrigation systems. The chemigation system can include a primary controller that can be installed near the irrigation controller of the irrigation system. The chemigation system can also include a secondary controller that can be installed near a valve assembly of the irrigation system. The primary controller and secondary controller can leverage the existing irrigation wire of the irrigation system to intercommunicate for purposes of controlling the injection of chemicals into the irrigation water and controlling an actuator for a valve of the valve assembly.