Irrigation Controller Wire Tracker Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems face difficulties in diagnosing and locating faults in control wires, particularly short circuits, which can be challenging to identify and isolate, leading to inefficient repair processes and potential system downtime.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller with integrated wire tracker functionality, including a valve actuation control module and a wire tracker transmitter module, generates a transmission signal that can be received by a mobile receiver, allowing for the localization of faults in control wires without the need to disconnect or reconnect them, thereby facilitating more precise and efficient troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional multi-meter continuity checks are used to diagnose control wire faults, then open circuit conditions can be identified, but the exact location of the fault cannot be determined and short circuit conditions are difficult to diagnose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wire tracker transmitter as an intermediary device that couples to the control wire and generates a transmission signal. This transmitter acts as a mediator between the controller and the fault location, enabling precise fault identification through signal tracking with a mobile receiver without requiring direct measurement at the fault point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of fault location (physically tracing wires, using multi-meters) with an electronic signal-based system. The wire tracker transmitter generates electrical signals that propagate along the control wire, and a mobile receiver detects these signals to electronically locate faults, substituting manual mechanical troubleshooting with automated electronic detection
2Productivity
If control wires are disconnected for continuity checks, then open circuit faults can be detected, but system downtime increases and repair efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire tracker transmitter is designed to couple to the control wire in its normal connected state without requiring disconnection. The system performs preliminary fault detection while the wire remains connected, allowing operators to identify and locate issues before they cause complete system failure, thereby reducing unplanned downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation controller integrates the wire tracker transmitter functionality, enabling the system to self-diagnose control wire faults without external intervention or disconnection. The controller can autonomously generate transmission signals and work with a mobile receiver to locate faults, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly identify issues and perform targeted repairs without extensive system shutdowns
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 solution enables operators to accurately identify and locate faults in control wires, reducing the time and effort required for repairs and minimizing the need for extensive cable replacements, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of irrigation system maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
generating a transmission signal that can be received at a mobile receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software program product for generating wire tracker signal transmission across a control wire. The irrigation controller includes a valve actuation control module selectively coupled to each of a plurality of control wires 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 controller is a wire tracker transmitter module for selectively coupling to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a transmission signal that can be received at a mobile receiver.