Modular Irrigation Controller Reflashing for Feature Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation controllers lack a flexible and expandable architecture that allows for easy addition of new features and functionalities without requiring the purchase of a new controller, and they do not provide efficient communication between modules for enhanced capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular irrigation controller design with a removable and programmable control panel and a bus system for communicating with various modules, enabling the transfer of new code sets to upgrade the controller's functionality and expand its capabilities without replacing the processor or memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional irrigation controllers are used, then basic irrigation control is provided, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot easily add new features or functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into a base unit and separate removable modules. Each module can be independently added, removed, or replaced to provide specific functionalities such as additional irrigation zones, pump control, or accessory control. This segmentation allows the system to be customized without redesigning the entire controller architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The base controller unit is designed with universal communication capabilities through a bus system that can interface with multiple types of modules. The same base unit can work with different modules to provide various functionalities, making the controller adaptable to different irrigation system configurations and requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion modules are added to increase irrigation stations, then the number of controlled stations is increased, but the modules only act as additional outputs without providing additional functionality or intelligence
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are designed with dynamic capabilities, including removable and replaceable characteristics. The system can adapt its functionality by swapping modules based on operational needs. The communication bus enables dynamic data exchange between the base unit and modules, allowing for intelligent control decisions at the module level rather than static output expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new irrigation controller is purchased to add functionality, then new features are obtained, but the cost increases and existing controllers cannot be upgraded
Solution Approach 1:
Specific functionalities are extracted from the main controller and placed into separate removable modules. This allows users to add or remove specific features by simply plugging in or out modules, rather than purchasing an entirely new controller. The base unit remains upgradeable through module additions without replacing the core controller hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The base controller is pre-configured with communication interfaces and protocols that enable future module additions. The system is prepared in advance to accept various module types, allowing users to upgrade functionality progressively as needed without requiring complete system replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented, then expandability is improved, but communication between modules needs to be enhanced for full capability utilization
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication functions are merged into a single bus system that handles data exchange between the base unit and all modules. This consolidated communication approach simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling intelligent interaction between components. The bus system combines power, data, and control signals into an integrated communication medium.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide irrigation controllers comprising: a housing; a control unit including a first microcontroller configured to execute irrigation programs and a first set of code; and a removable plug-in device that removably mates with a portion of the irrigation controller and communicationally couples to the first microcontroller, wherein the plug-in device comprises a memory storing a second set of code to replace at least a portion of the first set of code, wherein the plug-in device is configured to re-flash at least a portion of the first set of code allowing a copy of the second set of code to overwrite at least the portion of the first set of code; wherein the first set of code comprises a bootloader that writes the copy of the second set of code over the first set of code with the exception of the bootloader that is not written over.