Hydraulic Irrigation Valve Control With In-Line Water Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently controlling water flow and conducting in-line water quality testing, as manual or motor-driven valves are costly and traditional sensors are ineffective at high pressures, making it difficult to manage water resources efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation management system with in-line fluid control valves using hydraulic actuators and sensors, and a sample collection tank for testing, which allows for automated and remote operation with low power consumption, enabling precise control and quality analysis without excessive operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motor driven valves are used for automated irrigation control, then automation capability is improved, but power consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a hydraulic actuation system that uses water pressure from the irrigation system itself to operate valves. The hydraulic actuator converts water pressure into mechanical motion to open and close valves, eliminating the need for external electric motors and batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator is designed to be self-powered by the irrigation water pressure, requiring no external power source. The system uses its own operating fluid (water under pressure) to drive the actuation mechanism, making it self-sufficient and eliminating operational power costs.
2Measurement precision
If traditional water quality sensors are used, then measurement capability is limited, but they cannot function effectively at high irrigation pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample collection tank as an intermediary device between the high-pressure irrigation line and the water quality sensors. Water is diverted into the tank where pressure is equalized, creating a safe environment for sensor measurement while maintaining the ability to analyze water quality from the original high-pressure source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the water quality measurement function from the main high-pressure irrigation flow. By creating a separate sampling pathway with pressure equalization, the measurement process is isolated from the high-pressure environment, allowing standard sensors to function reliably.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-line water quality testing is implemented, then water quality monitoring capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection tank serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure equalization chamber, a sample collection reservoir, and a platform for mounting multiple water quality sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several functions into the single sample collection tank component: pressure equalization, sample storage, and sensor mounting platform. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies installation and maintenance.
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 system provides cost-effective, automated, and energy-efficient irrigation management by controlling water flow and enabling in-line water quality testing, optimizing water use and reducing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator in mechanical communication with the main valve for selectively moving the main valve between open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
At least one fluid sensor is positioned within the sample collection tank and configured for monitoring the fluid flowing through the irrigation pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation management system is disclosed and positionable in-line with an irrigation pipe for monitoring and controlling a flow of fluid therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the system provides an inlet pipe and an opposing outlet pipe in serial fluid communication with the irrigation pipe. At least one fluid control valve is in serial fluid communication between the inlet pipe and outlet pipe for selectively controlling the flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid control valve provides a main valve and a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving the main valve between open and closed positions. The hydraulic actuator is also in serial fluid communication between a pair of actuator valves for moving the hydraulic actuator between open and closed positions. The system also provides at least one sample collection tank configured for temporarily storing a volume of fluid diverted from the irrigation pipe in order to be tested.