Emitter Coupler Housing for Replaceable Dripline Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation drip emitters often separate from driplines due to mishandling, and in-line emitters within the dripline can become clogged or obstructed, making it difficult to replace them without affecting the entire dripline.
Innovation Solution
The emitter coupler is designed to be securely attached in-line with the supply tubes and dripline, featuring a coupling portion at both ends to connect to separate supply tubes, and includes a housing that protects the emitter from external damage and facilitates easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If emitters are mounted on the outside of the dripline, then installation is simplified, but emitters may separate from the dripline due to mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is mounted within the dripline rather than on the outside, nesting the emitter inside the tubular structure. This internal mounting protects the emitter from external forces and prevents separation while maintaining installation simplicity through the puncture and insert process.
2Reliability
If emitters are disposed within the dripline, then emitter protection is improved, but replacement becomes difficult when emitters become inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular segments where individual emitters can be independently accessed and replaced. The emitter is a separate component that can be removed from the dripline and replaced without affecting other emitters or requiring replacement of the entire dripline system.
3Device complexity
If conventional emitters are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but entire dripline replacement is required when emitters fail
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is designed as a separate, replaceable component from the dripline, allowing individual emitter replacement rather than replacing the entire dripline. This segmentation enables maintenance of system simplicity while reducing material waste through selective component replacement.
4Reliability
If emitters are mounted within the dripline, then emitter protection from external damage is improved, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter can be extracted from the dripline for maintenance or replacement. The internal mounting allows the emitter to be pulled out through the same puncture opening it was installed through, providing easy access for maintenance while maintaining protection during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An emitter coupler is provided, such as for use in an irrigation dripline. The emitter coupler includes a body with two portions for coupling to two supply tubes. The emitter coupler also includes a conduit defined by the body that receives fluid from a supply tube. The emitter coupler also has an emitter including: an emitter inlet that receives fluid from the conduit; an emitter outlet downstream of the emitter inlet with the inlet receiving fluid at a certain pressure and the outlet emitting fluid at a reduced pressure; and a pressure reducing flow channel disposed in the emitter between the inlet and the outlet. The emitter coupler further includes a housing that encloses the emitter. The housing is in fluid communication with the conduit and defines an outlet of the emitter coupler. A dripline with at least one emitter coupler is also provided.