Irrigation Controller Rotary Switch Program Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional irrigation system controllers require users to step through each parameter position to confirm or review a program, making it cumbersome to view or verify the settings for a specific program.

Innovation Solution

A controller with a selector, indicator, and display that allows users to view all parameters related to a selected program at once, using a rotary switch and dial for parameter selection, along with a dedicated 'Display Program Contents' position on the display panel, enabling immediate access to program information without sequential scrolling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users step through each parameter position to review program settings, then all parameters can be viewed, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram settings informationVSAvoidtime to review program

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension for information display by adding a dedicated 'Display Program Contents' position to the existing rotary switch positions. This allows the display to show all program parameters simultaneously in a comprehensive view, rather than requiring sequential viewing through multiple switch positions. The indicator mechanism provides a visual map that correlates display content with selector positions, enabling users to grasp the entire program configuration at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional rotary switch positions are used for parameter selection, then parameter setting is straightforward, but viewing all program parameters requires sequential switching through each position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter settingVSAvoidinformation display structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both traditional sequential parameter viewing and comprehensive program display modes. The 'Display Program Contents' position integrates with the existing rotary switch mechanism, allowing the same display hardware to present information in different formats based on the selector position, thereby eliminating the need for separate viewing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an indicator mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the rotary switch positions and the display content. This indicator provides visual correlation between the selector position and the displayed information, helping users understand what parameters are being shown without requiring them to mentally track through multiple switch positions. The indicator serves as a mediator that simplifies the user's cognitive load while maintaining the existing control structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9766609B2Sprinkler controller with dial position for each function and program content display position

Publication Date: 2017.09.19 KAH JR CARL L C

AI summary

A controller for use in an irrigation system includes a selector, an indicator associated with the selector for identifying parameters selected to be set for use in controlling the irrigation system, indicia positioned on a top surface of the controller which cooperate with the selector to indicate the parameter being selected and a display for displaying information regarding the selected parameters; wherein the indicator includes a program display position for displaying information regarding all parameters related to a selected program of operation of the controller.