Diaphragm Irrigation Valve Actuation for Wireless Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural water flow control systems face challenges due to manual operation, reliability issues with existing automated valves, and tampering risks, leading to inefficiencies and crop damage from overwatering or underwatering, especially in large fields where wiring is prone to damage and maintenance is costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Electric Motor Driven Mechanical Actuation (EMDMA) system for diaphragm valves, which uses a small DC electric motor to toggle the diverter valve, reducing power consumption and incorporating sensors for position detection, along with a tamper-proof flow regulation mechanism and wireless communication for remote control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of irrigation valves is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but operational reliability deteriorates due to human error and forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation valve system performs automatic control without requiring continuous human intervention. The controller automatically activates and deactivates valves based on pre-programmed schedules, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating reliance on manual operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect valve position and system status, communicating this information back to the controller. This feedback loop ensures the system operates reliably by confirming actual valve states match commanded states and enabling corrective action if discrepancies occur.
2Reliability
If wiring is used to power irrigation valves and control devices, then electrical power can be delivered, but system reliability deteriorates due to wiring damage and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Control signals and status information are transmitted wirelessly between the controller and valve actuators, eliminating the need for physical electrical wiring in the irrigation field and thereby improving reliability by removing the vulnerable wiring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If flow control knobs are made accessible on valves, then flow adjustment is easy, but security deteriorates due to tampering risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an electronic control intermediary between the user and the flow control mechanism. Flow adjustments are made through the wireless controller rather than direct manual manipulation of mechanical knobs, allowing authorized users to adjust flow rates while preventing unauthorized tampering through authentication and controlled access protocols.
4Loss of energy
If night watering is implemented, then water loss from evaporation is reduced, but operational capability deteriorates due to lack of manual monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors and status indicators to provide remote monitoring capability. Controllers can transmit operational status, valve positions, and system alerts wirelessly to remote locations, enabling operators to monitor night watering operations without being physically present and maintaining oversight despite the lack of visual inspection.
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
This solution enables reliable, efficient, and accountable water flow control, allowing for night watering and reducing operational costs by minimizing manual labor, preventing tampering, and ensuring precise irrigation schedules, thereby improving crop management and reducing energy expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a small DC electric motor to toggle the diverter valve
Implementation Method 2
incorporating sensors for position detection
Data Source
AI summary
A water control device includes a valve pipe section with an inlet, an outlet and a lower diaphragm valve housing with an internally disposed fluid aperture. An upper diaphragm valve housing includes an extension with an adjustment screw opening for a flow adjustment screw. A diaphragm valve assembly seals and unseals to the fluid aperture by an electric motor driven mechanical actuation fluid pressure diverter assembly. The flow adjustment screw includes a tamper proof surface that can be engaged by a flow adjustment tool. A base structure and cover protect sensitive components and are removable via a cover nut that also has a tamper proof surface. A flow turbine assembly is also removably disposed within the valve pipe section. The entire water control device can be removed and replaced through the use of pipe stub fittings using connecting nuts to engage the inlet and outlet of the valve pipe section.