Irrigation Adapter with Tangential Nozzle and Flow Regulator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation and ventilation devices for trees often suffer from clogged water inlets due to surplus water, water spraying over covers which can be annoying for pedestrians, and the need for large irrigation systems to be placed in pedestrian zones.

Innovation Solution

An adapter for irrigation and ventilation devices that includes a pipe with a connection nozzle holder and a flow rate regulator, allowing for precise control of water supply, direction, and angle to prevent clogging and spraying, while enabling efficient water use and automatic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple water inlet connection is used, then the device structure is simple, but the water inlet becomes clogged with excess water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidwater inlet clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the water supply system and the irrigation device. It includes a connection nozzle holder part with flow rate regulator that controls water entry, preventing excess water from clogging the inlet while maintaining simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow rate regulator allows dynamic adjustment of water flow parameters. By changing the flow rate from high to controlled levels, the system prevents clogging at the water inlet while maintaining adequate irrigation supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If water is supplied at high flow rate, then irrigation efficiency is high, but water splashes over the cover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirrigation efficiencyVSAvoidwater splashing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow rate regulator controls the water flow parameters, reducing the flow velocity and directing water at appropriate angles. This prevents water from splashing over the cover while maintaining sufficient irrigation efficiency for the plants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection nozzle holder part is designed with specific directional nozzles that locally control water delivery. The water is directed precisely where needed (into the adapter and distribution system) rather than allowing omnidirectional splashing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If large irrigation tanks are used, then water supply capacity is sufficient, but they are heavy and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply capacityVSAvoidtank weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the water supply function into multiple components: the adapter with flow rate regulator, the distribution system, and connected tanks positioned away from pedestrian zones. This eliminates the need to transport large heavy tanks into pedestrian areas while maintaining adequate water supply capacity through the distributed system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary that enables connection to distant water sources or multiple smaller tanks. This allows water supply capacity to be maintained without requiring large tanks to be physically moved into pedestrian zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If precise water flow control is added, then water distribution precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow control precisionVSAvoidadapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow rate regulator acts as a specialized intermediary component that provides precise flow control. While it adds some complexity to the adapter, it is a standalone element that can be adjusted independently, enabling precise water distribution without requiring complex integrated control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adapter provides precise and efficient water supply to trees, preventing clogging and spraying issues, reducing the need for large irrigation systems in pedestrian zones, and allowing for automatic control of water distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a flow rate regulator (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate regulation:

Implementation Method 2

a vortex supply (16) of the irrigation and aeration device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP4014721B1Adapter for an irrigation and ventilation device for woody plants and an irrigation and ventilation device with the adapter
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 FABRITZ THORSTEN A
  • EP4014721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4014721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The adapter for an irrigation and aeration device for woody plants, wherein the adapter comprises a pipe section (1) with a connecting nozzle holder (2) with a flow regulator, is characterized in that the flow regulator (6) is replaceable and that the connecting nozzle holder (2) has an installation direction which – with respect to the vertically oriented pipe section (1) – is tangential to the pipe section (1) and inclined obliquely downwards. Figure 2 is proposed as a summary drawing.