Drip Irrigation Emitter Outlet Suspension Feature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drip irrigation emitters often clog due to debris and inconsistent water pressure, particularly in outlet sections with low flow rates, leading to reduced efficiency and functionality, as existing designs lack suspension features to prevent debris accumulation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating suspension features in the outlet section of drip irrigation emitters to keep debris in suspension, allowing it to flow out with the water rather than settling and causing clogs, while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the outlet aperture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If outlet section features are included to improve debris handling, then debris suspension capability is improved, but clogging risk increases due to additional features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris suspension capabilityVSAvoidclogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet suspension feature acts as an intermediary element between the pressure reducing section and the outlet aperture. It mediates the flow by providing a structured surface that suspends debris particles in the water stream, preventing them from settling while allowing continuous flow through the outlet aperture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet suspension feature introduces localized structural elements within the outlet section that create specific flow patterns and suspension zones. These local features modify the flow characteristics in the outlet region without affecting the overall emitter structure, providing targeted debris suspension capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of substance

If lower flow rates are used to conserve water, then water conservation is improved, but clogging resistance deteriorates in the outlet section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater conservationVSAvoidclogging resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet suspension feature changes the flow parameters in the outlet section by creating a distributed flow pattern across the suspension feature surface. This modifies the velocity distribution and flow characteristics, maintaining sufficient flow velocity to suspend debris even at lower overall flow rates, thereby preventing clogging while conserving water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If pressure reducing features are included to manage water pressure, then pressure control is improved, but clogging opportunities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidclogging opportunities

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet suspension feature extracts the debris suspension function from the pressure reducing section. By separating the pressure control function (in the pressure reducing section) from the debris handling function (in the outlet section), the design eliminates the need for complex features in the outlet that would create additional clogging opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 inclusion of suspension features in the outlet section significantly reduces clogging, maintains debris flow, and ensures consistent water dispensing without negatively affecting the emitter's operation, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of drip irrigation systems.

Implementation Method 1

The outlet section includes at least one suspension feature configured and arranged to keep any debris in suspension in the irrigation water so that it flows out the at least one outlet aperture with the irrigation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Implementation Method 2

The inlet section includes inlet features defining inlet apertures. The inlet features are configured and arranged to filter at least some debris from irrigation water entering the inlet apertures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The at least one pressure reducing section includes resistance features configured and arranged to reduce pressure in the irrigation water flowing through the at least one pressure reducing section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure reduction: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS20240381819A1Drip irrigation emitter with outlet suspension feature

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 THE TORO COMPANY

AI summary

An emitter (200B) comprises an inlet section, at least one pressure reducing section, and an outlet section. The inlet section includes inlet features defining inlet apertures in fluid communication with a lateral flow path. The at least one pressure reducing section is in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the at least one pressure reducing section includes resistance features configured and arranged to reduce pressure in irrigation water flowing through the at least one pressure reducing section. The outlet section is in fluid communication with the at least one pressure reducing section and an at least one outlet aperture in the lateral. The outlet section includes at least one suspension feature configured and arranged to keep any debris in suspension in the irrigation water so that it flows (221) out the at least one outlet aperture with the irrigation water.