Electromagnetic Drive Rotary Irrigation Sprinkler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary irrigation sprinklers with water-driven motors face issues due to exposure to dirt and debris, leading to potential damage and difficulty in maintenance, while electric motors require complex wiring and risk of water ingress.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic drive system using a power generator and magnetic forces to rotate the sprinkler outlet, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex wiring, and reducing the risk of water damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a water-driven motor is used to rotate the turret, then the sprinkler can be powered by the incoming water flow, but the motor and gear train become exposed to dirt and debris in the water, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the water flow path by placing it in the stationary body upstream, separating the motor housing from the direct water stream. This allows the motor to be protected from dirt and debris while still utilizing water pressure to drive the turbine and rotate the turret through the gear train mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear train as an intermediary mechanism between the water-driven turbine and the turret rotation. The gear train acts as a mediator that converts the high-speed rotation of the turbine into the required low-speed turret rotation, while the motor is positioned in the stationary body to avoid direct exposure to contaminated water.
2Volume of stationary object
If the motor is placed in the lower stationary portion upstream of the turret, then there is space to accommodate the motor and gear train, but the entire drive system becomes inaccessible for field repairs when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sprinkler system into distinct accessible components: the stationary body containing the motor and gear train, and the rotatable turret. This segmentation allows the motor to be housed in the stationary portion while maintaining accessibility through the modular design, enabling field repairs without replacing the entire assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electric motor is used instead of a water-driven motor, then the sprinkler can be powered electrically, but complex wiring is required and water can enter the motor causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the incoming water flow itself generates the electrical power needed to operate the motor. The water-driven turbine converts water pressure into electrical energy through an electromagnetic generator, eliminating the need for external wiring and power sources while avoiding water ingress issues associated with electric motors.
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
Provides a reliable and maintainable irrigation system with an internal power source, avoiding the drawbacks of water-driven and electric motors by using magnetic forces for rotation, thus enhancing system durability and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic drive system includes a power generator and a drive unit or drive mechanism operable to rotate the fluid outlet of an irrigation sprinkler
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically driven irrigation sprinkler is disclosed with a magnetic drive mechanism for rotating a fluid outlet relative to a fluid inlet. In one form, the drive mechanism includes a permanently polarized magnet and an electromagnet.