Conversion Sleeve for Impact to Gear-Driven Sprinkler Upgrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impact sprinkler heads in existing systems are prone to malfunction due to dirt and grime accumulation, leading to operational issues, whereas gear-driven sprinkler heads are more reliable but require new installations, which is not feasible without digging up existing housings.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve designed to convert impact sprinkler systems to gear-driven systems within existing inground housings by removing the impact sprinkler head, inserting the sleeve, and screwing in a rotary gear-driven head, utilizing a cylindrical sleeve with internal and external threads to accommodate the gear-driven mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If impact sprinkler heads are used in existing systems, then installation is simple and compatible with existing housings, but they are prone to malfunction due to dirt and grime accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the existing impact sprinkler housing and the new gear-driven sprinkler head. The sleeve is installed into the existing housing, providing a sealed interface that protects the gear-driven mechanism from dirt and grime while maintaining compatibility with standard housings. This mediator approach allows upgrading to reliable gear-driven systems without replacing entire housings.
2Reliability
If gear-driven sprinkler heads are installed directly, then reliability is improved by sealing the mechanism, but new installation requires digging up existing housings
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is segmented into separate functional components: the existing housing remains in place, the conversion sleeve is a removable intermediate component, and the gear-driven sprinkler head is a separate unit. This segmentation allows the reliable gear-driven mechanism to be installed without disturbing the existing housing infrastructure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability benefits.
3Device complexity
If conversion sleeve is inserted into existing housing, then digging is avoided and installation is simplified, but the sleeve must accommodate both impact and gear-driven mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion sleeve is designed with universal adaptability to work with both impact sprinkler mechanisms and gear-driven sprinkler heads. It features internal threading and mounting structures that can accommodate different mechanism types, allowing a single sleeve design to serve multiple functions and maintain compatibility across different sprinkler system configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a sprinkler head conversion sleeve/base member made of durable plastic, it is comprised of a cylindrical sleeve having an opening at the upper end with an external thread for attachment to a gear driven sprinkler head. The lower end of said sleeve having an external thread for attachment to the internal threads of an in-ground sprinkler housing. The open bottom of the sleeve receives water from the lower chamber of the existing sprinkler housing with no direct connect to a pressurized water system, water enters from either the bottom or the side orifice with no additional plumbing. The sleeve also supports internal protrusions which facilitate the mechanical operation of a gear driven sprinkler head used in conjunction with my sleeve The gear driven head referenced numerous times in this application is not part of this application. The embodiment of this invention is a single sleeve with characteristics outlined above and in the claims and description.