Dripper Movable Part Stabilizes Flow via Pressure-Responsive Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drippers in drip irrigation systems face assembly errors and material cost issues due to the use of multiple components and different materials, leading to variations in irrigation liquid ejection and increased pressure drop, which affects the stability of liquid supply and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A dripper design comprising only two members: a dripper body and a movable part that adjusts with liquid pressure, eliminating the need for a diaphragm and reducing the number of components and material costs, while maintaining stable liquid ejection by changing the cross-sectional area of the pressure reduction channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm is used to suppress variations in ejection amount, then ejection stability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diaphragm and the movable part into a single integrated movable part structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate diaphragm components while maintaining the pressure-responsive volume change function, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly steps without compromising ejection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the pressure-responsive element (replacing the diaphragm's function) and the flow control element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining reliable ejection performance
2Reliability
If multiple materials are used for different components, then functional performance is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a homogeneous material approach by using the same resin material for both the dripper body and the movable part. This eliminates the need for expensive elastic materials like silicone rubber while maintaining functional performance, significantly reducing material costs without sacrificing reliability
3Quantity of substance
If dripper size is increased to improve liquid supply capacity, then ejection amount is improved, but pressure drop in tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic pressure-responsive movable part that automatically adjusts the channel cross-sectional area based on liquid pressure. This dynamic adjustment allows the dripper to maintain adequate ejection capacity while minimizing pressure drop, as the channel area optimizes itself according to the actual pressure conditions rather than being fixed at a larger size
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 two-member dripper design stabilizes liquid ejection rates, reduces pressure drop, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for a diaphragm and using fewer components, making it suitable for longer drip irrigation tubes with consistent liquid supply.
Implementation Method 1
a channel allowing a space in the tube and a through hole to communicate with each other, the channel including a pressure reduction channel allowing liquid flowing into the dripper from the space to flow toward the through hole while depressurizing the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The movable part is disposed to cover the open part from a space side such that the movable part is capable of moving forward or backward in the open part in accordance with the pressure of the liquid in the space
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dripper (120) comprises a dripper main body (121) and a movable unit (122). The moveable unit (122) forms the ceiling of a pressure reducing flow path (125) that reduces the pressure of a liquid flowing in the dripper (120), and the moveable unit advances and retracts in accordance with the pressure of the fluid in a tube (110). If the pressure is high, the height of the pressure reducing flow path (125) becomes lower and the flow rate of the liquid in the dripper (120) is thereby restricted. As a result, the flow rate of liquid discharged from a through hole (130) in the tube (110) can be maintained at a substantially constant rate regardless of the aforementioned pressure.