Irrigation Controller Module Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular irrigation controllers pose safety hazards due to live AC power during field valve line connections and risk data loss when power is shut off, and they require complex procedures for maintenance or power removal.

Innovation Solution

A modular irrigation controller design where only the communication path to the processor is established when station modules are plugged in, and power is applied when they are locked in place, allowing for simultaneous module and processor power management through a manually actuable locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is applied to the processor during module installation, then the processor can execute watering programs, but the user is exposed to live AC power shock hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor operation reliabilityVSAvoidelectric shock hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the communication path between modules and processor before applying power to the processor. The modules are installed and connected while the processor remains unpowered, eliminating the shock hazard. Only after the modules are securely connected does the system apply power to the processor, ensuring safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If power is shut off to the controller to remove hazards, then the electric shock risk is eliminated, but the watering programs stored in the controller may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric shock hazardVSAvoidwatering program data loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a circuit breaker is turned off to remove power for safety, then the electric shock hazard is eliminated, but the procedure becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric shock hazardVSAvoidpower removal simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the communication path is established before power is applied, then module installation can proceed safely, but the processor cannot execute programs until power is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric shock hazardVSAvoidprocessor activation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7772726B1Irrigation controller with processor power down upon module unlocking

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 HUNTER INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

A modular irrigation controller includes a processor for executing a watering program and turning a plurality of irrigation valves ON and OFF in accordance with the watering program. The irrigation controller includes a plurality of receptacles for each receiving a station module including a station module circuit connectable to a corresponding one of the irrigation valves. A manually actuable mechanism locks the station module in the corresponding receptacle and applies power to the processor when the station module is locked.