Expandable Irrigation Controller With Continuous Plug-In Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular expandable irrigation controllers lack flexibility in accommodating modules of varying sizes, leading to limited expansion capabilities and increased costs, as smaller modules do not fit properly into pre-designed slots, requiring the purchase of additional modules to control more watering stations.
Innovation Solution
An expandable irrigation controller with a continuous plug-in area that allows station expansion modules of different sizes to be installed in any order, featuring a removable front panel with manual controls, memory for storing watering programs, and a processor that executes these programs, enabling connection of modules at any desired location via control connectors positioned in a continuous line across the inner housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-designed slots of fixed sizes are used for modules, then module installation is simplified, but flexibility in accommodating modules of varying sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal slot design where all slots have the same dimensions and can accommodate any module size. The slot structure includes universal electrical connectors that automatically align with corresponding connectors on modules of any size, allowing a single slot type to serve multiple module configurations without requiring size-specific adapters or modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms within the slots that automatically adjust to accommodate modules of different sizes. This includes movable electrical connectors and adjustable mounting positions that adapt their configuration based on the inserted module's dimensions, enabling the system to dynamically reconfigure for optimal module placement regardless of size variations.
2Quantity of substance
If smaller modules are installed into pre-designed slots, then cost is reduced, but proper fit and mounting are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates local adjustment mechanisms within each slot that provide customized fit and electrical connection for modules of any size. This includes locally adjustable electrical connectors, positioning pins, and mounting features that can be individually configured to match the specific dimensions of the installed module, ensuring proper fit and electrical connectivity regardless of module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot design includes dynamic elements such as spring-loaded electrical connectors and adjustable positioning mechanisms that automatically adapt to the size of the inserted module. These dynamic features ensure that smaller modules achieve proper electrical contact and mechanical mounting without requiring precision matching between module size and slot size, maintaining manufacturing precision across all module configurations.
3Device complexity
If fixed-size slots are used, then controller structure is simplified, but expansion capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs a universal slot architecture where all slots share the same structural design and electrical interface specifications. This universal design allows any module to be installed in any slot, enabling flexible system expansion without requiring complex slot configurations or structural modifications. The simplified universal structure maintains low device complexity while maximizing expansion capabilities through consistent, interchangeable slot-module interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller structure is segmented into independent, identical slot units that can be individually configured and populated with modules of any size. This segmentation allows the system to be expanded by simply adding or reconfiguring individual slots without affecting the overall controller structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling flexible expansion to accommodate varying numbers and sizes of modules based on system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of watering stations in an irrigation system includes a removable front panel and an inner housing, connected to the front panel. The inner housing includes a circuit board including control connectors which are connected electrically to the controller and a station module operable to provide an ON/OFF signal to at least one watering station of the irrigation system. The station module is electrically connected to the circuit board via the control connectors and the ON/OFF signal is provided based on instructions from the controller in accordance with the watering program. The control connectors are positioned in a substantially continuous line extending across the inner housing such that the station module is connectable to the control connectors at substantially any desired location. Multiple modules of different sizes may be mounted in the inner housing as desired.