Flexible Stem Pop-Up Sprinkler Resists Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pop-up irrigation sprayers and sprinklers have rigid stems that are prone to breaking under external forces, leading to water loss and potential system failure due to the high flow rates required to operate them.
Innovation Solution
A flexible stem design for pop-up irrigation systems, incorporating a rigid housing, a flexible stem with elastic components, and a spring, which allows the stem to bend instead of breaking when impacted, maintaining system functionality and reducing water wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid stem is used in pop-up irrigation sprayers, then the stem can maintain structural stability and support the spraying device, but the stem is susceptible to breaking from outside forces such as being stepped on or driven over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid stem with a flexible stem that can bend and deform under external forces without breaking. The flexible stem is made of elastomeric material that allows the irrigation device to withstand being stepped on or driven over while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with an inner rigid insert providing structural support and an outer elastomeric layer providing flexibility and impact resistance. This combination allows the stem to maintain structural stability while resisting breakage from external forces.
2Ease of operation
If a large inlet port with diameter of 1.0 cm to 1.5 cm is used to force the rigid stem to a popped-up position, then the stem can be reliably positioned, but a large amount of water is wasted when the rigid stem breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the inlet port diameter from 1.0-1.5 cm to a smaller size, changing the flow parameters. This reduction in port size decreases the amount of water wasted when the flexible stem is impacted, while the flexible stem's ability to bend ensures it doesn't break and maintain positioning capability.
3Ease of operation
If high flow rates are used to force the stem to a popped-up position, then the stem can be reliably positioned, but water resources are wasted and localized flooding occurs when the stem breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the inlet port diameter to decrease the flow rate of water entering the system. This parameter change reduces the harmful effects of localized flooding when the flexible stem is impacted, while the flexible stem's ability to bend ensures it maintains positioning without breaking.
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 stem design enhances the robustness of pop-up irrigation systems, minimizing the risk of breakage and allowing continued operation even if impacted, while reducing water loss and maintaining efficient water flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic hollow member having a channel and coupled to and in fluid communication with the lower rigid segment outlet and the upper rigid segment inlet
Implementation Method 2
a spring coiled around the flexible stem and disposed within the rigid housing
Implementation Method 3
an elastic hollow member having a channel and coupled to and in fluid communication with the lower rigid segment outlet and the upper rigid segment inlet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide an irrigation pop-up with a flexible stem which may be a pulsating or conventional (i.e., non-pulsating) irrigation sprayer or sprinkler. The flexible stem enables an extended stem to be bent instead of being severed, as experienced by traditional irrigation systems, if impacted by an outside force. In one embodiment, the flexible stem contains a lower rigid segment and an upper rigid segment, each having a passageway extending from an inlet, through the segment, to an outlet. An elastic hollow member, such as a rubber tube, is coupled to and in fluid communication with the passageways of the lower and upper rigid segments. Therefore, a water flow path extends from the water inlet, through the passageway within the lower rigid segment, through the channel of the elastic hollow member, through the passageway within the upper rigid segment, and out through the nozzle, such as a sprayer or sprinkler.