Two-Wire Irrigation Decoder Control for Long-Distance Valve Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation systems face challenges with complexity and cost due to the need for individual wiring between irrigation valves and controllers, and signal attenuation over long wire lengths limits the size of irrigation systems.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller that powers and selectively energizes solenoid-actuated valves using a two-wire communication network with data encoded power waveforms, where each decoder is serially addressable and configured to energize its corresponding valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual wires are run between each valve and the irrigation controller, then each valve can be controlled individually, but the complexity and cost of wiring increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single two-wire network. The irrigation controller and valves communicate through modulated power lines, eliminating the need for separate control wires for each valve. This merging of functions reduces wiring complexity while maintaining individual valve control capability through digital addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the valves and enables bidirectional communication for control and monitoring. The same physical infrastructure handles both electrical power delivery and digital data exchange, making the system more universal and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If individual wires are run to each valve, then direct control is achieved, but the cost of installation becomes prohibitive for large systems
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and communication functions into a single two-wire system, the patent dramatically reduces the amount of wiring required. Instead of running multiple individual wires from the controller to each valve, a single two-wire network can serve multiple valves throughout the irrigation system, significantly lowering material and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces decoder circuits as intermediaries that are connected to the two-wire network and individually control each valve. These decoders translate digital control signals received over the two-wire network into appropriate valve actuation signals, enabling individual valve control without requiring individual wiring for each valve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long wire lengths are used to expand system size, then more valves can be controlled, but signal attenuation prevents proper valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional low-voltage control signals with high-voltage AC power signals that are modulated to carry digital data. The use of high-voltage AC power lines for communication provides superior signal strength and longer transmission distances compared to low-voltage control wires, enabling system expansion without signal attenuation problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters used for communication from low-voltage DC control signals to high-voltage AC power signals with superimposed digital modulation. This parameter change allows signals to travel much longer distances without attenuation, enabling the irrigation system to be scaled to larger sizes while maintaining reliable valve actuation.
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 reduces installation costs and complexity by using a two-wire network, enhances system scalability by minimizing signal attenuation, and allows for efficient control of multiple valves from a single controller.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer configured to receive an input power signal and provide AC power signal, wherein the AC power signal is approximately sinusoidal
Implementation Method 2
at least one of others of the plurality of solid-state relays is enabled when the control signal is in the second state to shift a phase of the AC power signal by approximately 180 degrees
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of solenoid-actuated valves connected to corresponding decoders along a two-wire communication network
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system comprises an irrigation 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.