Elastomeric Duckbill Valve for Low-Flow Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems face challenges in delivering ultra-low flow rates efficiently, leading to water waste and erosion, as they either reduce flow rate at the cost of pressure or are prone to clogging due to small orifices and narrow passages, making it difficult to maintain a consistent low flow over a small wetted area without clogging.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric flow control valve with a duckbill-shaped flow path that adapts to pressure gradients, allowing for self-cleaning and maintaining a constant low flow rate of less than 2 gallons per hour over a small contiguous wetted area, using a larger orifice to prevent clogging and accommodate particulate matter, while directing the high-velocity water jet tangentially to maintain uniform droplet size and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional irrigation systems reduce flow rate to achieve ultra-low flow delivery, then water waste and erosion are reduced, but the systems become prone to clogging due to small orifices and narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the flow control mechanism by using an elastomeric material that transitions between flexible and rigid states. This allows the system to maintain small flow rates through a larger effective orifice area when needed, preventing clogging while achieving ultra-low flow delivery when required. The elastomeric body's ability to change its flow passage geometry based on pressure conditions resolves the contradiction between low flow delivery and clogging resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic flow control mechanism where the elastomeric body continuously adjusts its internal geometry in response to pressure gradients. The flow passage transitions from a constricted state during normal operation to a more open state during flushing, allowing the system to adapt between low flow delivery and self-cleaning modes. This dynamic behavior eliminates the static small orifice design that causes clogging while maintaining ultra-low flow capabilities.
2Loss of substance
If conventional systems use small orifices to reduce flow rate, then water delivery is reduced to prevent waste, but the systems lose self-cleaning capability and become prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric flow control body performs self-cleaning through its inherent elastic properties. When water pressure increases, the elastomeric body automatically expands and opens its flow passage, creating a flushing action that removes debris without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems while maintaining the ability to deliver controlled low flows through the same component.
3Area of stationary object
If spray heads deliver water at high velocity to increase wetted area, then coverage is improved, but droplet size becomes inconsistent and wind affects spray distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curved surfaces and rounded geometries in the flow passage design of the elastomeric body. These curved pathways guide the water flow smoothly, creating a more uniform spray pattern while maintaining consistent droplet size. The curved exit geometry helps atomize the water into uniform droplets that are less susceptible to wind displacement, improving both wetted area coverage and spray consistency.
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 solution enables efficient, consistent delivery of ultra-low flow rates over a small wetted area, reducing water waste and erosion, while maintaining self-cleanability and uniform spray patterns, suitable for point source irrigation and other agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
The flow control body is formed from an elastomeric material and has a flow passage formed therein. The flow control body is flexible and may flex to constrict or open the flow passage in response to pressure gradients.
Implementation Method 2
The stream of fluid is directed tangentially along the ground from the device, causing the fluid to follow the contour of the ground surface. The high velocity of the stream causes the fluid to break into droplets, which increases the wetted surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra low volume pressure independent spray head is disclosed whereby low flow characteristics of point source devices can be applied to larger wetted areas. Device uses elastomeric flow control where the emission channel is large enough to purge particulate matter from it's channels and the spray head has large enough orifices to allow the particulate to pass unimpeded through the discharge arena. This device is designed to utilize flow rates of less than 2 gallons per hour and can compensate for pressures between 10 and 60 pounds per square inch. Construction of this device is through the use of polymers, but other materials can be used as the design is such as to allow for a large variety of applications. This device can be used in the agricultural or horticultural application and is adapted for use in vineyards and can be used singularly or in multiple head arrangements. Design of inlet portion allows for use with flexible or rigid water supply means.