Internal Flow Adjustment Valve for Sprinkler Riser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation sprinkler systems require shutting down the entire system to adjust or maintain individual sprinkler units, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially when trying to target specific areas or adjust for varying terrain and pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internal flow adjustment valve in pop-up rotor sprinklers allows for selective shut-off, adjustment, and throttling of water flow at the sprinkler head, enabling operators to manage flow rate and water radius without disrupting the entire system, even when the sprinkler is in its extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire irrigation system is shut down to adjust or maintain individual sprinkler units, then maintenance and adjustment can be performed, but system productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the irrigation system into independently controllable segments by equipping each sprinkler with an individual valve mechanism. This allows maintenance of one sprinkler without affecting others, as the valve isolates each unit's water supply while leaving the rest of the system operational.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary valve mechanism is introduced at each sprinkler to control water flow locally. This mediator component enables selective shut-off of individual sprinklers, allowing maintenance work without requiring system-wide shutdown and thereby maintaining overall productivity.
2Ease of operation
If the sprinkler is extended to enable access for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation or water discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to be activated before extending the sprinkler or immediately upon extension. This preliminary action ensures the water supply is controlled and ready, preventing accidental discharge while the sprinkler is in the extended position where access is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system incorporates self-contained valve controls that allow the operator to manage water flow independently at each unit. The self-service capability enables safe extension and adjustment without relying on external water control systems, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
3Device complexity
If water flow is not adjusted at the sprinkler level, then system simplicity is maintained, but precision in targeting specific areas and preventing overwatering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by placing individual valve mechanisms at each sprinkler unit. This allows each sprinkler to have customized flow rates and coverage characteristics tailored to specific local conditions, improving irrigation precision without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism enables adjustment of water flow parameters (flow rate, pressure) at each sprinkler individually. By changing these parameters locally, the system achieves precise targeting of specific areas and prevents overwatering while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler that includes an internal flow adjustment valve is provided. The valve enables an operator of the sprinkler to selectively shut off, turn back on, or adjust the flow of water through the sprinkler while a riser of the sprinkler is in its extended position. The valve includes a valve seat disposed on an internal flow tube and a valve plunger having an actuation shaft and a throttle nut. An outboard end of the actuation shaft can be accessed and rotated at a riser cap, which causes vertical movement of the valve plunger as threads on an inboard end of the actuation shaft engage a threaded passage disposed in the internal flow tube. Vertical movement of the valve plunger causes movement of the throttle nut relative to the valve seat and opening and closing of the valve. The throttle nut and the valve seat may have corresponding dual helical surfaces.