Flood Irrigation Valve Stem Mount for Retrofit Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flood irrigation systems require manual operation of valves, which is tedious and time-consuming, and replacing existing valves with automated systems is cost-prohibitive, leading to inefficiencies and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitted flood irrigation valve actuating apparatus that includes a motor to automate existing valves, using solar power or other energy sources, with a wheel mechanism to actuate the valves, and optional manual operation via a hand crank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of flood irrigation valves is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but labor time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated valve operation through float-based mechanisms that self-regulate water flow based on water level, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical valve operation is replaced with automated mechanical systems including float mechanisms, pulleys, and linkages that automatically control valve opening and closing based on water level conditions
2Extent of automation
If existing flood irrigation valves are replaced with automated systems, then automation level is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines automated control mechanisms with existing manual valve bodies, merging new automated components (float, pulley, linkage) with legacy infrastructure to achieve automation without complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofittable automated actuator mechanism is designed to work with multiple valve types and configurations, providing universal automation capability that reduces overall implementation cost across diverse existing installations
3Reliability
If complete valve replacement with automated systems is performed, then automation reliability is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses existing functional valve bodies and infrastructure components, discarding only the obsolete manual operation method while retaining valuable existing assets
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-configured to automatically respond to water level changes before manual intervention is needed, ensuring reliable automated control without wasting existing resources
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
Enables cost-effective automation of flood irrigation by retrofitting existing valves, reducing resource waste and operational inefficiencies, while allowing for precise water management.
Implementation Method 1
A float, which responds to water level changes, is coupled to a pulley
Implementation Method 2
A retrofitted flood irrigation valve actuating apparatus includes a motor
Implementation Method 3
using solar power or other energy sources
Data Source
AI summary
A flood irrigation valve apparatus includes a motor coupled to a stem of a flood irrigation valve by a mounting system, wherein the mounting system includes a stem top mount including a first attachment point for a drive shaft of the motor and a second attachment point for the stem of the flood irrigation valve and a bracket to couple the motor to a support structure.