Elastic Strip Profiles for Drip Irrigation Pressure Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems, particularly continuous emitters in drip irrigation, face challenges in maintaining consistent water pressure and flow rate over short distances, leading to inefficient water distribution and higher production costs due to complex designs and pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-compensating, elastic strip with a regulating section featuring a combination of rectangular and wedge-shaped profiles allows for fine-tuning of water flow rate and pressure, enabling efficient water distribution in shorter distances without affecting flow rate, and is made from elastomeric materials for lower production costs and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a flexible tunnel-like emitter is used to reduce water pressure, then water pressure is reduced, but water outflow fluctuates and fine-tuning fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic regulating section with movable profiles that can shift positions based on water pressure. The profiles are arranged to create variable flow paths that automatically adjust to pressure changes, maintaining stable outflow. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the emitter to respond to pressure variations while keeping water distribution consistent.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow path by using profiles with different heights and positions. The regulating section contains profiles that create variable cross-sectional areas along the flow path, allowing fine-tuning of water flow characteristics. This parameter variation enables precise control over water distribution while maintaining stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete emitters are used for larger distances between outlets, then production cost is reduced, but water outlets cannot be placed in shorter distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the emitter into multiple functional segments: an input section, a regulating section with multiple profiles, and an output section. Each segment performs a specific function, and the modular design allows for efficient manufacturing. The segmented structure enables the creation of multiple outlet points along the elongated emitter body.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it regulates water pressure, controls flow rate, and distributes water to multiple outlets. The profiles in the regulating section create a multi-functional flow control system that can serve both pressure compensation and flow distribution purposes within a single integrated structure.
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used in discrete emitters, then water distribution is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated emitter body. The input section, regulating section with profiles, and output section are merged into one continuous structure. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining all necessary water distribution functions, thereby reducing production cost and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter is constructed using composite material structures, particularly in the regulating section where profiles of different heights and configurations are integrated. The use of composite design allows for complex flow control geometries to be manufactured as a single piece, reducing the need for multiple components while achieving sophisticated water distribution functionality.
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 strip effectively regulates water pressure and flow rate, allowing for more repetitive outlets in a shorter distance, ensuring even water distribution and reducing production costs while maintaining flexibility in hose positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure-compensating, elastic strip with a regulating section featuring a combination of rectangular and wedge-shaped profiles allows for fine-tuning of water flow rate and pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention discloses a strip (1) for distributing water that is provided at an inner surface of a drip irrigation hose (9). Said strip (1) for distributing water having a repetitive labyrinth segment (2, 2'), wherein a plurality of profiles (21, 24, 25, 26) are provided at the base (15) of the strip (1), said labyrinth segment (2, 2') comprises: a water input section (3, 3'); a regulating section (4, 4') arranged downstream from the water input section, wherein said regulating section (4, 4') is provided to regulate water flow rate of the strip (1) in response to water pressure of a hose (9); a discharge section (5, 5') arranged downstream from the regulating section (4, 4'), wherein said discharge section (5, 5') is provided with deflection-resistant reinforcement means (26).