Irrigation Controller Using Catch Cup Feedback for Watering Schedules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing global population has led to increased strain on water supply systems, necessitating more efficient irrigation management to conserve water, as traditional irrigation controllers often fail to optimize water usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
An advanced irrigation controller system that utilizes catch cups to measure water distribution, calculates an estimated irrigation rate, and formulates a watering schedule based on forecast evapotranspiration and precipitation data, adjusting for inconsistencies in weather patterns and soil type, while also compressing watering times to adhere to permissible periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional irrigation controllers are used, then the system is simple to operate, but water usage is not optimized effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation controller implements feedback mechanisms by using catch cups to measure actual water application, comparing it against scheduled amounts, and adjusting future watering schedules based on measured distribution uniformity and soil moisture conditions. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes water usage by preventing both overwatering and underwatering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating irrigation rates, determining distribution uniformity, and modifying watering schedules without requiring manual intervention. The controller self-regulates water application based on measured conditions, eliminating the need for user expertise in irrigation management.
2Reliability
If watering schedules are extended to provide adequate water, then plant water needs are met, but total permissible watering time is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting watering duration and intensity based on calculated distribution uniformity and soil infiltration rates. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system delivers adequate water within restricted time windows, optimizing both plant water supply reliability and compliance with watering restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary calculations of irrigation rates and distribution uniformity before executing watering schedules. This advance planning allows the system to optimize water application efficiency, ensuring that the maximum effective water delivery is achieved within the permissible watering time window.
3Productivity
If water is applied rapidly to meet plant needs, then irrigation efficiency improves, but distribution uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water application rates based on real-time or near-real-time measurements from catch cups. By transitioning from static scheduling to dynamic control, the system optimizes the balance between delivery rate and distribution uniformity, adapting to varying soil conditions, infiltration rates, and plant water needs throughout the irrigation season.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual irrigation scheduling with automated electronic control that uses measured data to calculate and adjust watering parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated computational control enables precise optimization of both delivery rate and distribution uniformity based on actual field conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation controller is disclosed together with associated methods and computer program products. The watering schedule may be formulated based on catch cup data for one or more watering zones of a property to be watered.