Irrigation Decoder Encoding Power Signals for Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation systems require manual operation and are not easily controllable remotely, lacking integration with sensors and internet connectivity for efficient landscape management.
Innovation Solution
An internet-enabled irrigation system that uses a controller with an encoder to encode command and message data onto a power signal for a two-wire path, allowing remote control through a web-enabled device and integrating with sensors for real-time data like soil moisture, temperature, and rain events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual operation is used for irrigation control, then the system is simple to operate locally, but it cannot be controlled remotely and lacks integration with sensors and internet connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary device that converts control commands into modulated power signals suitable for transmission over existing two-wire power lines. This encoder acts as a mediator between the digital control system and the analog power distribution infrastructure, enabling remote control without requiring separate communication wiring. The decoder at the valve end serves as another intermediary that converts the modulated power signals back into control commands for the solenoid valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire power lines are made multi-functional by using them for both power delivery and data communication. The encoder modulates control commands onto the power signal, allowing the same infrastructure to serve dual purposes: supplying power to field devices and transmitting control information remotely. This universal usage eliminates the need for separate communication wiring, reducing system complexity while enabling remote operation.
2Reliability
If individual wiring is used for each valve to the controller, then reliable control is achieved, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function and data communication function into a single two-wire connection. Instead of requiring separate wires for power and control signals to each valve, the system combines these functions by modulating control commands onto the power lines themselves. This consolidation reduces the number of wires needed from multiple individual valve connections to a single two-wire bus that serves all valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder and decoder act as intermediaries that enable reliable control over the simplified two-wire connection. The encoder ensures accurate transmission of control commands by modulating them onto the power signal, while the decoder reliably extracts these commands at the valve end. This intermediary approach maintains control reliability despite the reduced wiring complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual switching and dial adjustment are used on the controller front panel, then the interface is simple and requires no software, but the user cannot control the system from remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical front-panel interface (switches and dials) with an electronic web-based interface accessible through standard web browsers on remote devices. This substitution eliminates the need for proprietary software while providing remote accessibility. The mechanical manipulation of switches and dials is replaced by digital interactions through a web interface, allowing users to control the irrigation system from any location with internet connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server acts as an intermediary between the user's remote device and the irrigation controller. It translates user actions from the web interface into control commands that the encoder can process and transmit to the field devices. This intermediary layer enables remote operation while maintaining compatibility with the existing controller hardware and encoding/decoding infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system comprises an Internet connected controller that receives user input and provides a power signal and command and message data to an encoder. The encoder encodes the command and message data onto the power signal to provide a data encoded power waveform that is sent over a two-wire path. The irrigation system further comprises one or more decoders in communication with the two-wire path to receive the data encoded power waveform and one or more irrigation valves in communication with the one or more decoders. The data encoded power waveform provides power to the decoders and the decoders decode the command and message data from the data encoded power waveform to control the irrigation valves according to the user input. Thus, a user controls an irrigation system comprising the two-wire path from a remote location using an Internet-compatible device without specific software installed.