Integrated Irrigation Valve Coil Assembly With Built-In Decoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation control systems require complex installations with multiple wires, leading to increased complexity, space usage, and labor costs due to separate decoder and coil modules that need to be connected.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve actuator coil and control module that combines the coil and decoder circuitry into a single unit, reducing the number of wires needed for installation and providing a streamlined design by integrating the decoder circuitry and coil housing into a single body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate decoder and coil modules are used in conventional irrigation control systems, then the system provides functional separation and ease of manufacturing, but the installation complexity and wiring requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decoder module and coil module into a single integrated valve actuator unit. The decoder circuitry is housed within the same enclosure as the coil assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing the number of electrical connections required during installation. This merging resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing installation complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate decoder and coil modules are used, then each module can be optimized independently, but the total space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the decoder circuitry within the coil assembly housing. The decoder printed circuit board is mounted inside the same enclosure that contains the coil, plunger, and valve mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, reducing the total installation footprint while still permitting independent optimization of each module's internal design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate decoder and coil modules are connected with multiple wires, then electrical connections can be made at different locations, but the wiring complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the decoder and coil modules into a single unit, the patent eliminates the need for multiple external wire connections between separate modules. The electrical connections are made internally within the integrated housing, reducing the wiring task to a single connection point at the valve location. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while significantly reducing installation time.
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
Simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of wires to connect, offers a space-saving design, and eliminates the need for separate decoder and coil modules, thereby reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.