Liquid Flow Rate Modulator for Uniform Irrigation Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems face challenges in achieving uniform water distribution, requiring complex setups with many sprinklers and valves, leading to inefficiencies and excessive water usage, especially in areas with drought conditions.
Innovation Solution
The Liquid Flow Rate Modulator varies water flow through irrigation systems by slowly rotating a specially designed rotor, driven by a geared motor, to adjust the throw distance of sprinklers from minimum to maximum, ensuring uniform coverage without the need for additional sprinklers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional irrigation systems use multiple sprinklers and valves to achieve uniform water distribution, then water distribution uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow rate adjustable and variable over time. The flow modulator allows the irrigation system to dynamically change water flow rates during operation, enabling a single sprinkler to achieve uniform water distribution by varying its output rather than relying on multiple fixed sprinklers. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining high water distribution uniformity while reducing system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional irrigation systems use more sprinklers to cover the entire area, then water coverage is improved, but water usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by cycling the flow rate between minimum and maximum values during the irrigation process. This periodic variation in flow rate allows a single sprinkler to systematically cover the entire target area over time, with different zones receiving water at different periods. This resolves the contradiction by achieving complete area coverage while eliminating the water waste associated with overlapping coverage from multiple continuously operating sprinklers.
3Device complexity
If traditional irrigation systems operate sprinklers at constant flow rate, then system simplicity is maintained, but water distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the flow rate parameter during operation. The flow modulator changes the water flow rate from minimum to maximum and back, creating a time-varying flow pattern that enables uniform water distribution across the entire area. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high water distribution uniformity through parameter variation while maintaining relative system simplicity, as the modification can be made to existing sprinkler systems.
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
This solution simplifies irrigation systems, achieving uniform water distribution greater than 90% and significantly reducing water usage, potentially saving large quantities of water, especially in drought-prone regions.
Implementation Method 1
a geared motor is employed to drive the rotor and has a driving voltage and current that is compatible with current valve controllers
Implementation Method 2
The rotor allows more or less water to pass depending on its position
Data Source
AI summary
This invention, through an arrangement of basic elements, has resulted in a new device for landscape irrigation which has not been previously available. This implementation is an electromechanical device which can potentially revolutionalize the entire landscape irrigation industry. During operation it cyclically varies the amount of water ejected from a sprinkler device and thereby provides a more uniform coverage than is ordinarily available. This obviates the necessity to have additional sprinklers fill in the under-watered areas. The device accomplishes this by utilizing a synchronous alternating current motor to drive a rotor which, as it rotates, varies the flow rate of the water to the sprinklers. The motor is powered by the same source that powers the valves feeding water to the sprinklers. Its use will drastically reduce the amount of irrigation water required, helping to save a precious resource.