Irrigation Controller Valve Locator Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems require time-consuming methods to locate hidden irrigation control valves, as the cover of the valve box often becomes obscured, necessitating probing and digging to identify the valve's location.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller with a valve locator algorithm that generates a modulated control signal to rapidly cycle the solenoid actuator, producing an audible chattering sound to guide the operator to the valve's location, integrated into the existing irrigation controller system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual probing and digging is used to locate hidden valves, then valve location can be determined, but significant time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical probing and digging system with an acoustic detection system. The solenoid actuator is modified to produce audible chattering sounds when energized, allowing operators to locate valves by listening for these sounds rather than by mechanical probing, thereby eliminating the time-consuming excavation process while maintaining accurate valve location identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of making the invisible visible by converting the inaudible solenoid operation into an audible signal. By modifying the solenoid actuator to produce distinctive chattering sounds, the valve location becomes detectable through acoustic signals, analogous to making hidden objects detectable through visual cues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If valve covers are obscured by dirt, compost, mulch, or vegetation, then valves are protected from visibility, but access and location identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual detection method (which fails when covers are obscured) with an acoustic detection method. The solenoid actuator produces audible chattering sounds that can be heard through soil and vegetation, allowing operators to locate valves by sound rather than by visually identifying obscured covers, thereby overcoming the harmful effect of concealment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium to detect valve locations. The audible chattering sounds produced by the solenoid actuator serve as a mediator that can penetrate through obscuring materials like dirt, compost, mulch, and vegetation, carrying information about valve location to the operator's ears without being blocked by these materials
3Measurement precision
If external valve locating equipment is used, then valve location can be determined, but additional equipment cost and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve actuation function with the valve location detection function into a single integrated system. The existing solenoid actuator, which is already part of the irrigation control system, is modified to produce audible chattering sounds during operation. This eliminates the need for separate external locating equipment, reducing both cost and system complexity while maintaining accurate valve location identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the solenoid actuator multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function of opening/closing the valve and its secondary function of producing audible location signals. This universal application of the solenoid actuator eliminates the need for dedicated locating devices, simplifying the overall system while providing accurate valve location capability
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
This method significantly reduces the time and effort required to locate hidden valves, eliminating the need for special-purpose equipment and ensuring reliable detection of the solenoid actuator's chattering sound, even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software product for energizing an irrigation valve... valve actuation control circuitry electrically coupled to the control node for generating a valve actuation control signal... whereby the valve actuation control signal continuously energizes the control node and a valve over the actuation period
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software program product for generating valve control signals for energizing a valve. The irrigation controller includes a valve actuation control module selectively coupled each of plurality of control nodes and generating a valve actuation control signal thereon. The valve actuation control signal is a continuous control voltage over a plurality of control signal periods for selectively energizing the selected irrigation valve. Also integrated in the irrigation is a valve chatter module for selectively coupled each of plurality of control nodes and generating a valve chatter control signal thereon. The valve chatter module selectively and, intermittently, energizes the selected irrigation valve. The irrigation controller may further include a remote controller of remotely controlling the irrigation controller.