Copper Sleeve Root Barrier for Irrigation Sprinklers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Underground irrigation systems, particularly pop-up style sprinkler heads, are vulnerable to damage from tree roots, shrubs, and grass roots, which can lead to costly repairs and reduce the efficiency and convenience of lawn watering systems.

Innovation Solution

A copper sleeve designed to fit over pop-up style sprinkler heads, made from durable and rust-resistant copper material that naturally repels tree roots by inhibiting root elongation, allowing easy installation in both new and existing systems, and adaptable to fit side-mounted sprinkler heads with a cutout provision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective device is installed to prevent root damage, then the reliability of irrigation equipment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against root damageVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is segmented into a modular assembly comprising a protective collar and a root barrier component that can be installed separately around the sprinkler head assembly, allowing for easier installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A root barrier material (such as copper or chemical barrier) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the tree roots and the irrigation equipment, preventing direct contact and damage while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If copper material is used to repel roots, then the effectiveness of root protection is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroot repelling effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Copper material is applied locally only in the critical areas where root contact with the sprinkler head is most likely to occur, such as the collar and barrier sections, rather than throughout the entire assembly, reducing material costs while maintaining protective effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The root barrier component is designed as a replaceable element that can be easily installed and replaced if needed, using cost-effective materials that provide sufficient protection for the intended service life of the sprinkler head

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the protective device is designed to fit various sprinkler heads, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with sprinkler headsVSAvoidfitting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective collar is designed with universal dimensions and features that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of pop-up sprinkler heads commonly used in residential irrigation systems, allowing a single design to serve multiple applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The root barrier component incorporates flexible or adjustable elements that can adapt to slight variations in sprinkler head dimensions and configurations, maintaining effective protection without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances for every possible variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 copper sleeve effectively deflects tree roots away from irrigation equipment, preventing damage and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of sprinkler systems, while being cost-effective and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

copper ions inhibit plant root elongation at the root tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCopper ion inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS12102042B2Protective device for underground irrigation systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 GOLDSBERRY STUART G

AI summary

The protective sleeve device is intended to prevent damage to irrigation equipment caused by trees, shrubs, and grass roots. The device is a copper sleeve designed to naturally repel plant roots. The profile shape of the device enables it to fit around any pop-up style sprinkler head. Preferably, the device is made of rectangular panel that is rolled into a cylinder and held in shape by curved edges of the panel. Due to the unique one-piece construction, the device easily installs on both new and existing irrigation systems. Thus, as tree roots expand, the copper material in the device naturally deflects the tree roots away from the sensitive irrigation equipment. In addition, the device can be adapted to fit side-mounted pop-up sprinkler heads with the help of a cutout provision, wherein the user can insert the side-mounted pop-up sprinkler inlet tube into the groove of the cutout.