Emitter Locator Thermal Detection for Drip Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drip irrigation emitter manufacturing processes are inefficient due to complex assembly requirements, turbulence issues, and difficulty in detecting and confirming the proper placement of elastomeric emitters within tubing, leading to inconsistent water distribution and potential damage to vegetation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting the location of elastomeric emitters within tubing using a thermal camera to identify heat signatures, and a system for inserting and bonding emitters with reduced friction, including a vibratory feeder and pneumatic conveyor to facilitate easier handling and alignment, along with a bonding mechanism to ensure proper emitter placement and bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If elastomeric emitters are inserted into tubing manually, then placement precision can be achieved, but manufacturing productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated system using a thermal camera to detect emitter heat signatures and a robotic or automated mechanism to insert emitters into the tubing at precise locations, thereby maintaining placement precision while significantly increasing manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the emitter's own thermal properties (heat signature) to automatically identify and locate the emitter position, eliminating the need for external marking or complex positioning mechanisms, thus improving both precision and efficiency
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to locate emitters, then detection simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or visual detection methods with thermal imaging technology, using a thermal camera to detect the heat signature emitted by the elastomeric emitter. This provides precise location detection without requiring complex mechanical positioning or marking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects emitters by monitoring thermal parameters (heat signature) rather than physical position or visual markers. This parameter change enables precise detection of emitter location and orientation without adding mechanical complexity to the system
3Reliability
If emitters are bonded firmly to tubing, then reliability of water distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the thermal signature of the emitter to automatically guide the bonding process, where the heat detection system simultaneously locates the emitter and controls the bonding mechanism, ensuring reliable bonding without requiring complex external positioning or alignment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and bonding systems with a thermal-guided automated bonding process, where the thermal camera provides real-time feedback for positioning and applying bond adhesive, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable emitter-to-tubing bonding
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 faster, more efficient manufacturing of drip irrigation systems with consistent emitter placement, reducing turbulence and ensuring uniform water distribution, thus preventing damage to vegetation and improving the overall efficiency of the irrigation process.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus for detecting the location of elastomeric emitters within tubing using a thermal camera to identify heat signatures
Implementation Method 2
including a vibratory feeder and pneumatic conveyor to facilitate easier handling and alignment
Implementation Method 3
reduced friction, including a vibratory feeder
Implementation Method 4
pneumatic conveyor to facilitate easier handling and alignment
Implementation Method 5
along with a bonding mechanism to ensure proper emitter placement and bonding
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Various systems, methods and apparatus for locating emitters embedded in tubing are disclosed herein, as well as forming outlets in said tubing and confirming the placement accuracy of such outlets. In one form, an emitter locator is disclosed having: a housing defining a generally enclosed space and having an inlet located in a first side of the housing and an outlet located in a second side of the housing positioned opposite the inlet; a cutter positioned within the generally enclosed space between the inlet and outlet; a first optical instrument located proximate the inlet; a second optical instrument located proximate the outlet; and a controller connected to the cutter and first and second optical instruments, the controller configured to detect a tubing target area desired for placement of an outlet opening in tubing that passes through the inlet and cut the tubing target area to form the outlet opening therein.