Interrupt Controller for Dynamic Irrigation Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust water supply based on real-time soil and weather conditions, leading to inefficiencies, potential damage, and water waste.
Innovation Solution
An interrupt controller that receives data from wireless sensors to modify or interrupt control signals to irrigation devices, optimizing water supply by responding to conditions such as soil moisture, weather, and system anomalies, and allowing for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If programmable irrigation controllers are used to schedule watering for multiple zones, then irrigation timing can be controlled, but the system cannot dynamically adjust to real-time soil and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interrupt controller as an intermediary device between the main programmable irrigation controller and the irrigation valves. This interrupt controller receives control signals from the main controller, monitors sensor data from soil moisture and weather sensors, and intelligently interrupts or modifies control signals based on real-time conditions. This intermediary approach enables dynamic adaptation without requiring complete system replacement, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor soil moisture levels and weather conditions, and this information is fed back to the interrupt controller. The interrupt controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust irrigation control signals, enabling the system to respond to real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism bridges the gap between static scheduling and dynamic adaptation.
2Loss of energy
If continuous monitoring of soil and weather conditions is implemented, then water waste can be reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing continuous monitoring across the entire irrigation system, the patent uses an interrupt controller that selectively monitors specific zones based on control signals. The system performs partial monitoring by focusing resources on zones that are currently scheduled for irrigation or showing abnormal conditions, rather than continuously monitoring all zones. This reduces overall system complexity while still achieving water waste reduction through targeted intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt controller autonomously processes sensor data and makes decisions about interrupting control signals without requiring constant human intervention or complex centralized processing. The system essentially monitors itself and self-regulates irrigation based on sensor feedback, reducing the need for additional complex monitoring infrastructure while still achieving water conservation goals.
3Productivity
If interrupt controller is added to modify control signals based on sensor data, then water supply optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt controller is designed as a multi-functional device that combines several capabilities: receiving control signals from the main controller, monitoring multiple sensor inputs (soil moisture, weather conditions), processing this data, and generating modified control signals to irrigation valves. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single device, the system achieves water supply optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The universal design allows one component to perform multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt controller serves as an intermediary layer between the simple programmable controller and the irrigation execution layer. It adds intelligence and optimization capabilities without requiring complete system replacement. This intermediary approach allows water supply efficiency improvement while managing complexity by building upon existing infrastructure rather than replacing it entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for controlling water flow in a water distribution system (e.g., irrigation system). In an irrigation system, an interrupt controller receives control signals from an irrigation controller and data from sensors disposed in the irrigation system, and modifies operations of components in the irrigation system based on the sensor data. The sensor data is analyzed to determine conditions in the irrigation system. Based on the analysis, the operation of the irrigation system is interrupted or modified to optimize the supply of water. The interruption or modification of the operation of the irrigation system allows detected abnormal conditions to be investigated and corrected.