Flexible Membrane Pop-Up Sprinkler for Debris Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pop-up sprinkler devices face issues with debris causing operational failures and are prone to damage due to their inflexible construction, requiring regular maintenance and being susceptible to damage from vehicles or foot traffic even when retracted.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler device featuring a flexible membrane that changes configuration under water pressure to extend and retract the sprayer head, made of materials like Arnitel with memory properties, and a housing constructed of flexible materials to minimize damage from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding piston is used in a rigid housing, then the sprinkler can pop up and retract reliably, but debris can cause operational failures and regular maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid sliding piston with a flexible membrane that can deform and recover. The membrane is secured to the housing and sprayer head, allowing it to flex upward when water pressure is applied and return to its original position when pressure is released. This flexible design eliminates sliding components that are susceptible to debris accumulation, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the membrane between compressed and expanded configurations. When water pressure is applied, the membrane compresses and then expands to push the sprayer head upward. When water pressure is released, the membrane returns to its original compressed state, automatically retracting the sprayer head. This parameter change mechanism eliminates the need for sliding components and reduces maintenance needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sprinkler is constructed of inflexible plastic material, then it can be manufactured with standard materials, but walking or driving over the sprinkler device can result in damage to the sprinkler head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible membrane that can deform under external forces such as foot traffic or vehicle passage. When the membrane is compressed by external forces, it can flex and recover, protecting the internal components including the sprayer head from damage. This flexible design allows the sprinkler to withstand external impacts while maintaining its functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as a cushioning element that absorbs external impacts before they can reach the internal components. When the sprinkler is subjected to external forces, the membrane deforms to absorb the impact energy, protecting the sprayer head and other internal parts from damage. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures the sprinkler can withstand various types of external impacts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid housing is used, then the structure is stable, but the sprinkler is susceptible to damage from external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid housing with a flexible membrane that can deform under external forces. The membrane is secured to the housing and sprayer head, creating a flexible enclosure that can absorb external impacts. When the sprinkler is subjected to foot traffic or vehicle passage, the membrane flexes to accommodate the external forces, protecting the internal components from damage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static rigid housing to a dynamic flexible membrane structure. The membrane can change its shape and deformation state in response to external forces, allowing the housing to adapt to various conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the sprinkler to withstand external impacts without compromising the stability of its internal components.
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 flexible membrane design eliminates the need for sliding components, reducing debris-related issues and allows the sprinkler to flex under impact, maintaining functionality and reducing maintenance needs while protecting against accidental damage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane that is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration
Implementation Method 2
The flexible membrane may be made of a material providing the membrane with a memory. The memory may define the first configuration as a neutral memory configuration.
Implementation Method 3
the supply of water via the inlet opening causes the flexible membrane to change configuration
Implementation Method 4
The device may include a spring for returning the flexible membrane from its second configuration to its first configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A pop up sprinkler having a membrane which has a neutral position mounted to a housing and a sprayer head which is able to expand or contract under water pressure which moves the sprinkler head up and down.