Drip Emitter Dynamic Pressure Regulator Grit Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip emitters with tortuous paths upstream of pressure regulation zones are unable to pass large grit due to reduced cross-sections, which restricts water flow and grit tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A drip emitter design featuring a dynamic pressure regulator downstream of the water inlet and upstream of the pressure-reducing segment, allowing for adjustments in flow rate and grit passage by increasing the size of the pressure regulation zone when grit blocks the inlet, ensuring a constant flow rate and improved grit tolerance through a larger minimum cross-sectional flow area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a tortuous path is placed upstream of the pressure regulation zone to reduce pressure, then pressure control is improved, but the cross section of the flow path is reduced preventing large grit from passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a dynamic pressure regulator that can adjust its opening degree in response to pressure changes. When grit blocks the inlet, the pressure downstream increases, causing the diaphragm to move and increase the opening degree of the pressure regulator, thereby maintaining flow despite the blockage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain pressure control while adapting to varying flow conditions caused by grit accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the opening degree of the pressure regulator as a variable parameter. The regulator's opening degree changes in response to pressure differential across the diaphragm, allowing the flow cross-section to dynamically increase when grit blockage occurs. This parameter change enables the system to maintain adequate flow area for grit passage while still providing pressure regulation under normal conditions.
2Stress or pressure
If the cross section of the flow path is reduced to control pressure, then pressure regulation is improved, but the rate of flow through the emitter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pressure regulator continuously adjusts its opening degree based on the pressure differential across the diaphragm. When flow rate decreases due to grit blockage, the downstream pressure increases, causing the diaphragm to move and increase the opening degree, thereby restoring flow rate. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain pressure regulation while automatically compensating for flow rate reductions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the diaphragm mechanism that senses pressure changes downstream of the tortuous path and adjusts the pressure regulator opening accordingly. The feedback loop detects when flow rate decreases (indicated by pressure changes) and automatically increases the opening degree to restore flow, resolving the contradiction between pressure regulation and flow rate maintenance.
3Productivity
If a dynamic pressure regulator is added upstream of the tortuous path to maintain constant flow rate, then flow rate stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pressure regulator is designed to automatically adjust itself based on pressure differential across the diaphragm without requiring external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the pressure changes caused by grit blockage or flow variations to automatically modulate the opening degree, thereby maintaining constant flow rate without adding complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure regulation function with the flow control function in a single integrated component. The dynamic pressure regulator combines the diaphragm pressure sensing mechanism with the flow modulation capability, eliminating the need for separate pressure regulation and flow control devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flow rate stability.
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 dynamic pressure regulator maintains a constant water flow rate and allows larger grit to pass through the emitter, enhancing overall grit tolerance and preventing blockages during pressure surges or grit accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The dynamic pressure regulator is configured such that a decrease in pressure in the pressure-reducing segment of the flow path causes the dynamic pressure regulator to adjust to maintain a generally constant rate of flow through the water inlet
Implementation Method 2
the check valve for substantially or completely blocking the flow path upstream of the pressure-reducing segment of the flow path and downstream of the water inlet in response to the pressure on the one side of the diaphragm facing the flow path being less than the pressure on the opposite side of the diaphragm that is exposed to the environment external to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A drip emitter is described herein that is advantageously configured to allow large grit to pass through the drip emitter when in use. The drip emitter includes a housing containing a flow path extending between a water inlet and a water outlet, a pressure-reducing segment, such as a tortuous path, of the flow path downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet, and a dynamic pressure regulator downstream of the water inlet and upstream of the pressure-reducing segment of the flow path. The dynamic pressure regulator is configured such that a decrease in pressure in the pressure-reducing segment of the flow path causes the dynamic pressure regulator to adjust to maintain a generally constant rate of flow through the water inlet as compared to the rate of flow when there is no decrease in pressure in the pressure-reducing segment of the flow path.