Irrigation Liquid Diffuser Stem Spherical Contact Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid diffuser devices for irrigation systems are complex, costly, and require frequent maintenance due to wear and oscillatory vibrations, leading to inefficiencies and downtime in irrigation processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid diffuser device with a support structure and a spherical member that reduces specific pressure and wear through a concave bottom surface on the stem, allowing for rotation and nutation without excessive vibrations, and utilizing materials like ceramic for the spherical member and polymeric materials for the stem to minimize friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an intermediate contact member is provided to prevent downward translation of the stem, then the distance of the plate from the nozzle is maintained unchanged, but the construction and assembly become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by providing a spherical recess in the bottom wall of the tubular body and a corresponding spherical protrusion on the stem. This spherical geometry simplifies the support structure compared to flat contact surfaces, while maintaining the plate distance through the defined spherical geometry. The spherical interface allows for easier assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving the required positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If the stem is allowed to rotate and oscillate relative to the vertical axis, then uniform distribution of liquid jet is achieved, but wear of the contact surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical interface between the stem's protrusion and the tubular body's recess allows the stem to rotate and oscillate smoothly while maintaining continuous contact. This curved geometry distributes the wear across the spherical surface area rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby reducing wear rate and extending the component's service life while preserving the desired rotational freedom for uniform liquid distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second sphere is manually inserted into the concave seat, then rotation and nutation of the stem are enabled, but assembly time increases and manual dexterity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical protrusion on the stem and spherical recess in the tubular body are designed to fit together like a ball and socket joint. This geometry allows the components to be assembled by simple insertion and automatic alignment, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or precision positioning during assembly. The spherical shapes guide the components into their correct relative positions automatically, reducing both assembly time and the skill level required.
4Reliability
If the side wall of the concave seat undergoes wear, then the diffuser member must be periodically replaced, but this increases maintenance costs and causes irrigation downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical interface provides a wear-distributing contact surface that significantly extends the service life of the diffuser device. The continuous curved contact between the spherical protrusion and recess allows for self-lubrication and even wear distribution, reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions. This design minimizes irrigation system downtime and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable operation over extended periods.
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 device is more efficient, cost-effective, and requires less maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the life of the irrigation system while ensuring uniform liquid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom surface of the stem proximate to the second axis is concave and comprises a first portion with a first radius of curvature substantially equal to the average radius of curvature of the spherical member to define therewith a relatively broad and uniform mutual contact surface thereby reducing specific pressure, wear and vibrations between the stem and the spherical member during operation.
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a deflector member for obstructing and radially deflecting the liquid jet that flows out of the tubular passageway, for uniform distribution thereof over the soil portion to be irrigated. The deflector member is typically removably coupled to the tubular body to allow rotation of the stem and the plate relative to a vertical axis, due to the pressure exerted by the jet.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid diffuser device for irrigation systems includes a support structure defining a first longitudinal axis with an upper passageway for a liquid jet and a lower tubular body having a bottom wall, a spherical member associated therewith having an outer surface with a predetermined average radius of curvature, a liquid jet deflecting member having an upper plate and a lower stem designed to be introduced into the tubular body and defining a second longitudinal axis. The stem interacts with the outer surface of the spherical member, to allow rotation of the stem relative to the body and nutation of the second axis relative to the first axis. The bottom surface is concave to define with the spherical member a relatively broad and substantially uniform contact surface, to reduce the local specific pressure, thereby decreasing friction, wear and vibrations on the stem and the spherical member during operation.