Coiled Weight Sprinkler Assembly for Stable Inverted Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inverted sprinkler assemblies lack sufficient stabilization due to lightweight polymer components, leading to movement and misalignment caused by ambient air or operational changes, despite attempts to restrict movement with existing weight arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A coiled weight made from wire, adaptable to various shapes such as elongated, beehive, or pear shapes, is integrated with the sprinkler assembly to provide stabilization, which can be used singularly or in combination with other weights, and is designed to fit around pressure regulators or other components, offering a cost-effective and versatile solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lightweight polymer materials are used for pressure regulator and water distribution feature, then material cost is reduced and rust prevention is improved, but stability and resistance to movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A weight member is added to the inverted sprinkler assembly to counterbalance the lightweight polymer components. The weight member has a density greater than the polymer materials and is positioned to provide a stabilizing moment that resists movement of the pressure regulator and water distribution feature, thereby compensating for the reduced stability caused by using lightweight materials.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multi-pieced weight arrangement is used, then stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight member is integrated with the sprinkler assembly components rather than being a separate multi-pieced arrangement. The weight member may be combined with the drop hose assembly or directly attached to the pressure regulator housing, merging the stabilization function with existing structural elements to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
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 coiled weight effectively stabilizes the sprinkler assembly by distributing weight evenly, reducing movement and misalignment, while being tunable and adaptable to different applications without increasing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The coiled weight effectively stabilizes the sprinkler assembly by distributing weight evenly, reducing movement and misalignment
Data Source
AI summary
A weighted inverted sprinkler assembly adapted for use with a drop hose of an irrigation system is disclosed. The assembly comprises a coiled weight formed from a coiled wire, a sprinkler fluidly associated with the drop hose, and a coiled weight support structure. A pressure regulator may be provided in fluid associated with the irrigation drop hose and the sprinkler. The coiled weight has a shape that is selected for use with a particular sprinkler assembly. The shape may be an elongated shape for use with an elongated coiled weight support structure, a beehive shape for use with a pressure regulator having a collar to support the coiled weight, and a pear shape for use with a pressure regulator having a flared housing. The coiled weight is preferably formed from a single coiled wire although two or more weights may be used in combination in a given application.