Wireless Adapter Access for Remote Irrigation Controller Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional irrigation controllers require users to be present for scheduling and interaction, which is inconvenient and burdensome.

Innovation Solution

A wireless adapter that allows mobile devices to communicate with irrigation controllers, enabling remote interaction and control through direct or indirect communication modes, including the use of access points and remote servers, providing additional functionality and configuration options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control panel with buttons, dials, and switches is used for user interaction, then the irrigation controller can be operated and configured, but the user must be physically present at the controller location which is inconvenient and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser convenienceVSAvoidTime required for user presence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless adapter is introduced as an intermediary device between the irrigation controller and the user's mobile device. The adapter includes a wireless transceiver that enables remote communication, allowing users to interact with the irrigation controller from any location without needing to be physically present at the controller panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical interaction system (buttons, dials, switches requiring physical presence) is replaced with an electronic wireless communication system. Users can send commands and receive information through a mobile device application that communicates with the irrigation controller via the wireless adapter, eliminating the need for physical interaction with the control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication capability is added to enable remote control, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional wireless adapter and communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRemote accessibilityVSAvoidSystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication functionality is segmented into a separate modular wireless adapter component that interfaces with the irrigation controller. This allows the core irrigation controller to remain relatively simple while the wireless adapter handles all communication protocols and wireless connectivity, isolating complexity to a dedicated module that can be added or removed independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11089746B2Wireless remote irrigation control

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein related to irrigation control systems. In some embodiments, an irrigation control system includes a router, an access point, and irrigation controller, a wireless adapter, and a mobile device. The mobile device can communicate with the wireless adapter in a direct communication mode in which the wireless adapter creates a wireless network, a first indirect communication mode in which the mobile device and the wireless adapter communicate via the access point while the mobile device is within range of the access point, and a second indirect communication mode in which the mobile device and the wireless adapter communicate via the access point while the mobile device is out of range of the access point.