Integrated Irrigation Control Zone Assembly for Leak and Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation control zone assemblies are space-inefficient, prone to leaks, and difficult to maintain due to separate components like valves, filters, and pressure regulators, which increase installation costs and reduce system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated control zone device that combines a valve, filter, and pressure regulator into a single unit, allowing for easy installation and maintenance by incorporating a main body, inlet, outlet, filter, valve, and pressure regulator, with removable components for servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If separate components (valve, filter, pressure regulator) are used in control zone assembly, then each component can be individually maintained, but the assembly occupies excessive space in the valve box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve, filter, and pressure regulator into a single integrated control zone device with a common body structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components spaced along piping, significantly reducing the space required in the valve box while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control zone device serves multiple functions through its integrated design: the valve controls flow, the filter removes sediment, and the pressure regulator maintains system pressure, all within a single universal device that replaces three separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are installed along piping, then component functionality is maintained, but the number of connection points increases leading to higher leak probability
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the valve, filter, and pressure regulator into a single device with internal connections, the patent eliminates multiple external connection points along the piping. This reduces the number of potential leak sources while maintaining all component functionalities through internal fluid pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are spaced along the pipe, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control zone device reduces installation complexity by requiring fewer connection points to the piping system. Although the device itself is more complex internally, the installation process is simplified because it replaces three separate components with one unified unit, reducing labor time and material requirements.
4Ease of operation
If multiple components and passageways are used, then flow control is achieved, but pressure loss and flow inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates fluid flow through a streamlined internal pathway rather than requiring flow to navigate multiple separate components and external piping connections. This reduces turbulence, friction losses, and pressure drops while maintaining effective flow control through the integrated valve and regulator mechanisms.
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 integrated design conserves space, reduces leaks, and enhances installation efficiency, maintaining optimal water flow and pressure while facilitating easy maintenance of individual components.
Implementation Method 1
A filter removes the sediment and debris from the water that can disrupt the flow of water through the irrigation system
Implementation Method 2
The pressure regulator regulates the pressure of water in the line so that the pressure is maintained within an appropriate range
Data Source
AI summary
Control zone devices that integrate a valve, filter, and pressure regulator within a single device are provided. Specifically, the control zone devices include a main body having a base portion with an inlet passage and an outlet passage attachable to a conduit and a body portion extending from the base portion having an interior for receiving a filter. The control zone devices further include a valve body including a solenoid bowl for attaching a solenoid and an interface cap for removably coupling the valve body to the main body of the control zone device and forming an interface between the valve body and the main body to operate the valve. The control zone devices also include a pressure regulator. In some configurations, the pressure regulator is positioned in a vent flow path of the valve body downstream of the solenoid for regulating pressure at the valve.