Irrigation Device Control Deflector Jet Redirection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation devices suffer from an undesired widening of the liquid jet in the horizontal direction due to their control deflectors, leading to non-uniform water distribution and inefficient watering patterns.

Innovation Solution

The irrigation device features a rotatable discharge assembly with a pivotable control deflector having a V-shaped inner surface and guide ribs or channels that redirect the liquid jet to achieve a more uniform and focused distribution, allowing for adjustable deflection and realignment of the jet to ensure both long-range and near-range watering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a flat control deflector surface is used to reduce the liquid jet throw, then the throw is reduced and a close area can be watered, but the liquid jet widens in the horizontal direction leading to non-uniform water distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid jet throwVSAvoidwater distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control deflector surface is segmented into multiple guide channels or grooves that run parallel to the jet direction. Each channel confines and guides a portion of the liquid jet, preventing horizontal spreading while maintaining the throw reduction effect. This segmentation transforms a single flat surface into multiple functional pathways that collectively control the jet pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control deflector is designed with varying local geometries - the guide channels have specific depths, widths, and orientations tailored to control different portions of the liquid jet. This local quality variation ensures that each region of the deflector surface performs its specific function of guiding and focusing the liquid flow, achieving uniform distribution overall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control deflector is made adjustable to influence jet direction, then the irrigation coverage area can be modified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirrigation coverage adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control deflector is made movable relative to the outlet nozzle, allowing the jet direction to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic element enables the irrigation coverage area to be modified by changing the deflector's angular position, providing adaptability while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple through basic rotational or pivot motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design results in a more efficient and uniform irrigation pattern, effectively reducing the throw range and ensuring consistent water coverage, enhancing the irrigation device's ability to supply both distant and nearby areas with liquid.

Implementation Method 1

a control deflector (30), which is aligned in the exit direction 4 of the liquid jet and is designed to redirect the liquid jet in a controlled manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

The guide channels 142 each have a width of approximately 2 mm and an outlet-side depth of approximately 2 mm. The jet of liquid that emerges from the corresponding opening of the irrigation device in the direction of the exit direction 4 inevitably has a slight widening which is intensified in the course of the impact on the surface element 138. The guide channels 142 compensate for this widening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow convergence:

Data Source

PatentEP2181772B1Irrigation device
Publication Date: 2012.05.09 GARDENA MFG GMBH
  • EP2181772B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2181772B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP2181772B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

Irrigation device (10) comprises a flow deflecting unit (40, 42) assigned to a control deflector (30) and reacting to the fanning of the liquid jet in the horizontal extending direction across the jet direction. Preferred Features: The outlet direction (4) of the liquid beam has a radial component in relation to a vertical main axis (2) of the irrigation device. The deflector pivots about a horizontal axis (6) and can be locked in defined pivoting positions.