Integrated Irrigation Valve Coil Circuitry for Simpler Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation control systems require complex installations with multiple wires, leading to increased clutter, installation time, and cost due to the need for separate decoder and coil modules.
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
1Reliability
If separate decoder and coil modules are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decoder module and coil module into a single integrated valve actuator assembly. The decoder circuitry is housed within the same housing as the coil, eliminating the need for separate installations. This merging maintains functional reliability while significantly reducing installation complexity by requiring fewer connection points and simplifying the wiring process.
2Reliability
If separate decoder and coil modules are used, then functional reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the decoder and coil into a single pre-assembled unit, the patent eliminates the time required to separately install and connect two distinct modules. The integrated assembly requires a single installation location and fewer connection steps, directly reducing installation time while maintaining the functional reliability of having both decoder and coil components.
3Ease of operation
If integrated design is used, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve actuator system into distinct functional modules (decoder circuitry, coil assembly, housing) that are manufactured separately but integrated into a single installable unit. This segmentation allows for simplified installation of the complete assembly while managing internal device complexity through modular manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions: it protects the decoder circuitry, provides structural support for the coil assembly, and facilitates installation through standardized mounting interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation while containing internal complexity within a universal housing structure.
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 cost while maintaining efficient control of irrigation equipment.
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.