Drop Hose Support Bracket for Adjustable Snap-Fit Rod Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges with liquid emitters being close to the soil, prone to oscillations, unable to be moved, and requiring complex and rigid connections to supporting rods, which complicates installation and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A drop hose irrigation device with a connecting support featuring a U-shaped bracket and curved appendages allowing snap-fit locking and rotation for easy pipeline connection and adjustment along a supporting rod, enabling quick and durable attachment without specialized skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid threaded appendages and elongate members are used to connect pipeline to rod, then connection durability is improved, but ease of installation and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support incorporates a flexible element that can deform to allow easy insertion of the pipeline into the support, and then locks into position to provide a durable connection. The flexibility enables simple installation while the locked position ensures connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the flexible element can deform during installation and then lock into a stable position. This dynamic behavior allows easy installation followed by secure, durable connection.
2Reliability
If complex supports with multiple components are used to connect pipelines to rods, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple components (retention mechanism, locking mechanism, and mounting structure) into a single integrated support element. The flexible element with lock features combines what would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is designed as a universal component that can connect pipelines of different sizes to rods, eliminating the need for multiple specialized supports. The flexible element adapts to different pipeline dimensions while providing reliable connection, reducing the variety of components needed.
3Strength
If rigid threaded appendages are used for connection, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult insertion and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element can deform to accommodate the insertion of the pipeline without requiring forceful threading or complex locking operations. After insertion, the flexible element locks into position to provide strong connection, combining ease of operation with connection strength.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-position supports are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as pipeline spacing cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The support incorporates a movable or adjustable component that allows the pipeline position to be changed along the rod while maintaining a simple manufactured structure. The flexible element with lock features enables positioning adjustments without complicating the basic support design.
Data Source
AI summary
A drop base irrigation device includes a substantially vertical pipeline section, which is adapted to be secured to a truss of an irrigation system by a substantially horizontal supporting rod, and a support having a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket includes a pair of side walls and a curved connecting wall extending along a substantially horizontal axis. The side and connecting walls have substantially cylindrical smooth inner surfaces with substantially parallel opposed projections for snap-fit locking engagement of the rod in the bracket. A pair of curved appendages extend from one of the side walls and define a pair of substantially vertical seats with oppositely directed concavities for receiving the substantially vertical pipeline section and locking it by rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. A method of mounting a drop base irrigation device to a supporting rod of an irrigation system.