Drip Irrigation Emitter With Parallel Inlets for Silt Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drip irrigation hoses with standard filtration systems are ineffective in removing fine silts, leading to emitter plugging and reduced flow rates, as they are limited to a single set of parallel inlets which cannot adequately filter out silts.
Innovation Solution
A drip irrigation hose emitter design featuring additional parallel inlets and holes along its edges, an inverted funnel-shaped inlet support with a separating structure, and a zigzag labyrinth flow channel to enhance filtration and distribute silt load, thereby improving filtering capacity and reducing deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard filtration means are used in drip irrigation hoses, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but fine silts are not effectively filtered out leading to emitter plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is divided into multiple functional zones: a first inlet area, a flow regulating area with labyrinth flow channels, and an outlet zone. The flow regulating area is further segmented into multiple labyrinth flow channels that work together to enhance filtration. This segmentation allows the emitter to effectively filter fine silts while maintaining a manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a longitudinal dimension to filtration by creating multiple labyrinth flow channels that extend along the length of the emitter. Instead of relying solely on a single filtration plane, the silt-laden water must traverse multiple serpentine paths in three dimensions, significantly increasing the filtration path length and effectiveness without proportionally increasing the emitter's external dimensions.
2Reliability
If a single set of parallel inlets is used in the emitter, then the device complexity is low, but the filtering capacity is insufficient to handle silt loads
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet system is segmented into a first inlet area and multiple flow regulating areas, each with its own inlet openings. This segmentation allows water to enter through multiple distributed points rather than a single inlet, increasing the total filtration capacity and distributing the silt load across multiple labyrinth flow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane inlet configuration to a multi-dimensional inlet system. The first inlet area and additional inlet openings are positioned at different locations and orientations, creating a three-dimensional distribution of water entry points. This allows the emitter to handle higher silt loads by distributing flow across multiple parallel filtration paths.
3Ease of manufacture
If the emitter is designed without fluid storage, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the ability to maintain consistent flow rates under varying pressure conditions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter incorporates a flow regulating area with labyrinth flow channels that pre-condition the water flow before it reaches the outlet. The serpentine path of the labyrinth channels creates a consistent flow pattern and velocity profile in advance, ensuring stable flow rates at the outlet even when inlet pressure varies, without requiring fluid storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of using fluid storage tanks or reservoirs with a flow-regulating mechanical structure. The labyrinth flow channels use geometric design and flow dynamics rather than storage volume to maintain consistent flow rates, substituting a storage-based solution with a flow-control-based solution that is easier to manufacture.
4Productivity
If multiple labyrinth flow channels are created to distribute silt load, then the filtering capacity increases up to four times, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating area serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a filtration medium, a flow distributor, and a flow stabilizer. The labyrinth flow channels are designed with standardized geometric parameters that can be universally manufactured using conventional molding techniques. By making the flow channels multi-functional, the invention achieves high filtration throughput without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, as the same structure performs multiple critical functions.
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 enhanced filtration system improves filtering capacity up to four times, effectively reduces silt deposition, and ensures consistent water supply to plant roots by distributing silt load along the emitter's length.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter may comprise of a plurality of holes running along a first edge and a second edge, wherein the plurality of holes may enable filtration of slits
Implementation Method 2
The inlet support may have an inverted funnel shape. The inlet support may further comprise a separating structure extending from at least one corner of the inverted funnel
Implementation Method 3
The emitter may comprise of a first inlet, the first inlet may be positioned parallel to the plurality of holes and can be located along the first edge
Implementation Method 4
A drip irrigation hose emitter design featuring additional parallel inlets and holes along its edges, an inverted funnel-shaped inlet support with a separating structure, and a zigzag labyrinth flow channel to enhance filtration and distribute silt load
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a drip irrigation hose with an emitter, devoid of fluid storage, the emitter comprising, a plurality of holes, running along a first edge and a second edge of the emitter, wherein the plurality of holes enable filtration. An inlet support positioned at a first side of the emitter, wherein the inlet support has an inverted funnel shape, with a separating structure extending from at least one corner of the inverted funnel. A first inlet positioned parallel to the plurality of holes and located along the first edge. A second inlet positioned parallel to the plurality of holes and located along the second edge. Further an outlet support positioned at a second side of the emitter.