Drip Irrigation Emitter Echelon Teeth for Low-Flow Anti-Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drip irrigation emitters face clogging issues due to the accumulation of small particles in microscopic openings, leading to disrupted flow and rendering them unusable, as methods to reduce flow path cross-sectional area increase the likelihood of clogging.
Innovation Solution
The emitter features echelon-shaped teeth that extend between sides, creating a larger cross-sectional area and disrupting fluid flow, thereby reducing the flow rate and minimizing clogging chances by increasing the distance between teeth and raising the flow path ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cross sectional area of the flow path is minimized to achieve low flow, then the flow rate is reduced, but the likelihood of clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional flow path reduction to a three-dimensional echelon-shaped teeth structure. The teeth are arranged in multiple levels (first, second, and third levels) that extend into the flow path, creating a stepped configuration that reduces flow rate through vertical and horizontal obstruction rather than simply minimizing cross-sectional area. This multi-dimensional approach maintains a larger overall flow path opening while achieving low flow rates, thereby reducing clogging susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented by dividing it into multiple levels using echelon-shaped teeth. The teeth create separate flow zones at different heights and positions, with each level contributing to flow reduction. This segmentation allows the flow path to maintain a larger effective opening while still achieving low flow rates through the combined effect of multiple teeth structures, thus preventing clogging that would occur in fully constricted single-path designs.
2Productivity
If teeth are inserted to disrupt flow and reduce flow rate, then the flow is controlled, but the flow path becomes more prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using conventional single-level teeth that create narrow gaps prone to clogging, the patent employs echelon-shaped teeth arranged in multiple vertical levels. This multi-dimensional arrangement disrupts flow through a stepped configuration that maintains larger effective flow areas while still achieving flow rate control, thereby reducing the formation of microscopic openings where particles accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth are designed with asymmetric echelon shapes where each subsequent level has different dimensions and positioning compared to the previous level. This asymmetric multi-level configuration creates varied flow disruption patterns that prevent uniform particle accumulation, reducing clogging risk while maintaining effective flow rate control through the irregular, stepped geometry.
3Productivity
If the cross sectional area is reduced by lowering the ceiling or minimizing teeth gap, then low flow is achieved, but microscopic openings are created that facilitate clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids reducing flow rate through simple ceiling lowering or minimal tooth gaps that create microscopic openings. Instead, it uses echelon-shaped teeth extending in multiple levels, creating a three-dimensional flow disruption structure. This approach achieves low flow rates through volumetric obstruction rather than planar constriction, maintaining larger effective flow areas that prevent particle accumulation in microscopic spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is divided into multiple segmented levels by the echelon teeth, creating distinct flow zones at different heights. This segmentation distributes flow control across multiple larger openings rather than relying on single microscopic gaps, thereby achieving flow rate reduction while maintaining sufficient opening sizes that resist particle accumulation and clogging.
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
This design allows for a lower flow rate while reducing the likelihood of clogging, as the echelon-shaped teeth provide a larger flow path and act as additional filters, ensuring consistent water flow even with potential inlet clogs.
Implementation Method 1
The flow in the flow path is disrupted by inserting teeth
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an emitter comprising a plurality of holes 106, running along a first edge 102 and a second edge 104 of the emitter. The emitter 100 may further comprise of an echelon shaped teeth portion 114. The echelon shaped teeth portion may run parallel to the first edge 102 and the second edge 104. Further the echelon shaped teeth portion 114 at least partially extends between the first side 110 and the second side 112.