Garden Watering Flow Meter With Sensor-Based Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden watering flow meters only provide information on instantaneous and accumulated water flow, failing to effectively influence water usage and limit their ability to save water.
Innovation Solution
A garden watering flow meter with a control arrangement that includes a valve, drive arrangement, and control unit, which uses a flow sensor to control water delivery based on user-defined volumes and flow rates, allowing for precise control and optimization of water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow sensor is used to provide information on water flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the addition of control arrangement components
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter integrates multiple functions into a single device: it measures flow (flow sensor), stores data (memory), processes control logic (control unit), and provides user interface (display/controls). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would otherwise be separate components into one unified device, maintaining measurement precision while managing complexity through integration rather than addition of separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control arrangement automatically controls water delivery based on flow sensor data without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing measured flow against target values and automatically adjusting delivery, eliminating the need for separate manual monitoring and control systems, thus improving measurement utility while containing complexity within the self-contained control unit
2Loss of substance
If water delivery is controlled based on flow sensor output, then water savings are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control where users can select different delivery modes (automatic control based on flow measurement, or manual override). The control arrangement adapts to user needs by allowing switching between automated water-saving operation and manual control, thus achieving water savings while maintaining operational flexibility and ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the flow sensor that continuously monitors water delivery and provides data to the control unit. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of water delivery to match target amounts, achieving precise water savings while the display provides users with real-time information about delivery status, maintaining ease of operation through transparency and user awareness
3Productivity
If automatic control based on volume measurement is implemented, then productivity is improved through optimized water delivery, but device complexity increases due to control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-set target delivery volumes and parameters before water delivery begins. The control unit stores these predetermined values in memory and uses them to automatically control the water delivery process. This preliminary configuration enables efficient automated operation without requiring complex real-time decision-making mechanisms, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through pre-planning
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control with electronic control based on flow sensor data and digital processing. The control unit uses electronic signals and software logic to manage water delivery instead of mechanical linkages or manual valves, improving delivery efficiency and precision while containing complexity within integrated electronic circuits and software rather than mechanical 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 solution enables users to control water delivery accurately, enhancing water savings and improving efficiency by allowing for delayed or staggered watering based on available flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the flow communication path
Data Source
AI summary
A garden watering flow meter having an inlet for accepting water, an outlet for outputting water, a flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow sensor for sensing flow into, in, or out of, the flow communication path. The flow meter includes a control arrangement for controlling the flow between the inlet and the outlet. The control arrangement has a valve moveable between an open state which allows flow in the flow communication path between the inlet and the outlet and a closed state which obstructs flow between the inlet and the outlet, a drive arrangement for driving the valve between the open and closed states, and a control unit for controlling operation of the drive arrangement in dependence on an output from the flow sensor.