Irrigation Controller Automatic Watering Restriction Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex watering restrictions imposed by water districts require frequent re-programming of irrigation controllers, which is tedious and often beyond the technical skills of homeowners, leading to compliance challenges and potential fines for non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller with a processor and manually actuable controls that allows users to select and implement predetermined watering restrictions, automatically disabling portions of the watering program to comply with changing seasonal restrictions, using a memory to store and execute watering programs and restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional irrigation controllers are used with complex watering restrictions, then compliance with water district regulations can be achieved, but frequent re-programming is required which is tedious and beyond the technical skills of most homeowners
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation controller automatically monitors compliance with watering restrictions and self-adjusts the watering program without requiring user re-programming. The system uses a compliance flag stored in memory to track whether current watering operations would violate restrictions, and automatically modifies valve operation timing to maintain compliance while preserving the original watering schedule intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates compliance status before executing watering operations. By evaluating the watering program against restriction criteria in advance and setting compliance flags beforehand, the controller prevents non-compliant watering from occurring rather than requiring reactive re-programming after violations are detected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If homeowners re-program irrigation controllers frequently to comply with changing seasonal restrictions, then compliance can be maintained, but this requires technical skills and time that most homeowners do not have
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically adapts to changing seasonal watering restrictions by continuously monitoring compliance conditions and self-modifying the watering program. The system eliminates the need for manual re-programming by using its processor to evaluate restriction compliance and automatically adjust valve timing, thereby adapting to seasonal changes without user intervention or time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation controller dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time compliance evaluation. The system continuously monitors whether current watering operations would violate restrictions and dynamically modifies the watering schedule parameters, allowing seamless adaptation to changing seasonal restrictions without static re-programming requirements.
3Ease of operation
If irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering schedules, then compliance with complex restrictions is easier to achieve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation controller integrates multiple functions into a single device: it executes the user-defined watering program, monitors compliance with water district restrictions, stores compliance status in memory, and automatically adjusts valve timing when violations are detected. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual programming and monitoring activities into one automated system, easing operation despite increased internal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance flag stored in memory acts as an intermediary between the watering program execution and the valve control. Rather than directly complexly processing restriction rules, the system uses this intermediate compliance indicator to trigger automatic adjustments, simplifying the control logic while maintaining the ability to handle complex seasonal restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation controller includes a processor and a memory that either forms a part of the processor or is connected to the processor. A plurality of manually actuable controls allow a user to enter a watering program into the memory or select a watering program stored in the memory. Circuitry is controlled by the processor for turning corresponding valves ON and OFF in accordance with the watering program. Programming stored in the memory implements predetermined watering restrictions that disable portions of the watering otherwise effectuated by the watering program.