IoT Irrigation Control via MCU and Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems face challenges such as high installation and maintenance costs, bulky and expensive gates, and inefficient water usage due to manual operation and reliance on programmable logic controllers with independent power sources.

Innovation Solution

An IoT-based irrigation system that uses a microcontroller unit (MCU) to automatically adjust water flow based on environmental data from sensors, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing power consumption with green energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If programmable logic controllers with independent wired power sources are used, then automation control is achieved, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation controlVSAvoidinstallation cost and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate components (controller, power supply, communication module, sensor interface) into a single integrated control unit. This merging eliminates the need for independent wired power sources for each module, reducing both installation complexity and maintenance costs while preserving full automation control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: processing sensor data, controlling irrigation valves, wireless communication, and power management. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If traditional automatic irrigation gates are used, then irrigation automation is achieved, but the gates become bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation automationVSAvoidgate size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional bulky mechanical irrigation gates with a lighter electronic control valve system actuated by the microcontroller. The valve uses electromagnetic or electrostatic actuation instead of heavy mechanical components, achieving the same irrigation automation function with significantly reduced weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual operation of irrigation gates is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but personnel safety risk increases and water control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpersonnel safety and water control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation system is designed to operate autonomously by automatically reading sensor data, processing this information through the control unit, and actuating valves accordingly. The system serves itself without human intervention, eliminating personnel safety risks while maintaining simple overall system architecture. The automation precisely controls water flow based on real-time sensor feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12302803B2Apparatus, systems and methods for irrigating lands

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods for irrigating lands are disclosed. In one example, an irrigation system is disclosed. The irrigation system includes a gate and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The gate is configured for adjusting a water flow for irrigating a piece of land. The MCU is configured for controlling the gate to adjust the water flow based on environmental information related to the piece of land.