Garden Watering Controller Light Sensor Dawn Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden watering controllers are complex and time-consuming to program, and they do not optimize watering times based on varying daylight hours throughout the year, leading to inefficient watering schedules.

Innovation Solution

A tap-mountable garden watering controller unit that uses light level sensors to determine dawn and dusk times for flexible and efficient watering, featuring a user-friendly interface with control knobs for programming watering at desired times and intervals, and includes a central unit that calculates rolling averages to accurately detect light changes and prevent false detections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If programmable timer-based operation is used, then watering can be scheduled at specific times, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of programmingVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines dawn and dusk times by sensing ambient light levels, eliminating the need for users to manually program these times. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting to seasonal changes in daylight hours, while still allowing simple user programming of watering preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the watering schedule parameters based on sensed light levels, automatically modifying the timing to match actual dawn and dusk occurrences. This allows the controller to adapt to seasonal variations without requiring complex reprogramming by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed programmed watering times are used, then watering schedule is simple to set, but it does not optimize for varying daylight hours throughout the year

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to daylight variationsVSAvoidprogramming flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors ambient light levels and uses this feedback to automatically determine when dawn and dusk occur. This closed-loop system adjusts watering times based on actual environmental conditions, ensuring optimal watering schedules that adapt to seasonal changes without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical programming with electronic light sensing and automatic calculation of dawn and dusk times. The photodetector-based light sensing system substitutes for complex manual scheduling, providing adaptive timing through electronic measurement and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If watering occurs during the middle of the day, then watering can be done at any time, but evaporation increases and plants may be scorched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaporation and plant scorchingVSAvoidlight sensing and timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller proactively prevents harmful midday watering by scheduling irrigation to occur only during optimal times (dawn or dusk) determined through light sensing. This preliminary action avoids the harmful effects of evaporation and plant scorching before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Electronic light sensing replaces simple timer-based mechanical scheduling, enabling the system to intelligently determine optimal watering times based on actual light conditions rather than fixed predetermined schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for easy programming and flexible watering schedules optimized for dawn and dusk times, reducing evaporation and plant scorching, while ensuring reliable watering operations with a user-friendly interface and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a light level sensor to provide a signal indicative of ambient light levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3297422B1Garden watering controllers

Publication Date: 2022.07.06 EXEL INDUSTRIES SA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A garden watering controller (1) for operating a valve (33) for controlling a supply of water into a garden watering arrangement. The controller (1) comprises a light sensor (21) for sensing ambient light levels and a central unit (22) for receiving sensed light level signals from the light sensor (21) and for outputting control signals for operating the valve (33) in dependence on the sensed light level signals. The central unit may be arranged to determine the occurrence of dawn and dusk.