Elbow Connector Pressure Regulator for Sprinkler Space Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinklers with pressure regulators inside the assembly face space constraints and increased costs due to the need for pressure regulation, leading to potential water waste from pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator assembly integrated into an elbow connector, featuring a stationary valve seat and a pressure-responsive member that moves based on upstream pressure, allowing for efficient pressure control without occupying internal sprinkler space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure regulator is included inside the sprinkler assembly, then pressure regulation is achieved, but it takes up space inside the sprinkler and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation function is segmented from the sprinkler assembly and placed in a separate elbow connector component. This allows the sprinkler to maintain its compact internal space while the elbow connector houses the pressure regulator mechanism externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator is extracted from the sprinkler assembly and relocated to the elbow connector. This extraction removes the space-consuming regulator from the sprinkler's internal volume while preserving the pressure regulation capability in the water supply line.
2Reliability
If a pressure regulator is included inside the sprinkler assembly, then pressure regulation is achieved, but it increases the cost of the sprinkler
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional components: a simple sprinkler assembly and a separate elbow connector with integrated pressure regulator. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently at lower costs, avoiding the need to produce expensive integrated assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive pressure regulator function is extracted from the sprinkler and placed in the elbow connector, which is a separate, lower-cost component. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the sprinkler itself while maintaining pressure regulation capability through the elbow connector.
3Productivity
If pressure variations occur in the irrigation system, then water flow changes, but excessive water waste results
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator incorporates a feedback mechanism where the movable pressure-responsive member responds to upstream pressure variations and automatically adjusts the valve opening to maintain constant downstream pressure, preventing water waste from pressure-induced flow variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator dynamically changes the flow parameter by adjusting the valve opening position based on upstream pressure conditions. When upstream pressure increases, the valve closes partially to maintain constant downstream pressure and prevent excessive water flow and waste.
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 effectively regulates pressure and prevents water waste by integrating the pressure regulator in the elbow connector, maintaining efficient water flow and reducing the complexity and cost associated with internal sprinkler components.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure responsive member mounted above the stationary valve seat and movable between an open position in which water flows through the stationary valve seat and a closed position in which the pressure responsive member blocks flow of water through the stationary valve seat; wherein the pressure responsive member is biased into the open position and movement of the pressure responsive member depends on prevailing pressure upstream of the pressure responsive member
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator for use in an elbow connector for use with a sprinkler assembly including a pressure responsive member, movably mounted in the elbow connector and movable from an open position allowing flow of water into the sprinkler assembly and a closed position where the bottom edge of the pressure responsive member blocks the flow of water into the sprinkler assembly. The pressure responsive member is biased in the open position and moves into the closed position when downstream water pressure exceeds a predetermined value.