Irrigation Diffuser Assembly With Folded Damping Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face issues with diffusers being placed too close to the soil, causing inefficient irrigation, oscillations affecting uniform liquid distribution, interference with crops, and instability due to yielding connection devices that fail under repeated use and pressure.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly with a nozzle facing upwards and a deflector that rotates to distribute liquid from top to bottom, featuring a thermoplastic elastomeric connection device with annular folds to dampen oscillations and ensure stable, long-lasting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If diffusers are placed at a short distance from the soil, then the irrigation plant structure is simplified, but the irrigation coverage area is reduced and uniformity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional diffuser orientation by placing the nozzle above the deflector instead of below, allowing the liquid jet to be directed upward and then radially outward. This inversion enables extended irrigation coverage while maintaining structural simplicity
2Area of stationary object
If the deflector rotates to distribute liquid, then liquid distribution coverage is improved, but oscillations are generated that affect uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary component between the rotating deflector and the nozzle connection. This damping element absorbs and reduces the oscillations generated by the rotating deflector, thereby maintaining liquid jet distribution uniformity while preserving the rotational distribution function
3Reliability
If vertical pipes are used to connect diffusers to the supply conduit, then the connection is stable, but the pipes interfere with crops during plant movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the vertical pipes from the irrigation plant structure. Instead of using vertical pipes to connect diffusers to the supply conduit, the invention employs alternative connection means that do not extend vertically downward, thereby removing the source of crop interference while maintaining connection stability
4Adaptability or versatility
If a yielding material connection device is used, then flexibility is provided, but the device cannot damp oscillations and is prone to bending and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite connection device structure combining rigid and damping components. The connection device integrates a rigid structural element for stability with a dedicated damping element made of oscillation-dampening material, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides flexibility, oscillation damping capability, and enhanced durability against bending and failure
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
The solution provides efficient, uniform irrigation with reduced oscillations, stable connection, and low maintenance requirements, ensuring consistent liquid distribution and extended assembly lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The body is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material and has an outer surface with annular folds, which impart elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector
Implementation Method 2
The body is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material and has an outer surface with annular folds, which impart elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A diffuser assembly (1) for diffusing a liquid in irrigation plants (2) having a supply conduit (3), which comprises a diffuser (10) with a nozzle (12) adapted to direct a jet of liquid along a longitudinal axis (L), at least one deflector (13) facing the nozzle (12) for radially spraying the jet outwards, and a connection device (18) for ensuring fluid connection of the diffuser (10) to a supply conduit (3) of the plant (2). The diffuser (3) is mounted to the irrigation plant (2) with the axis (L) extending in a substantially vertical direction and with the nozzle (12) facing up, and the deflector (13) is susceptible of rotating about the longitudinal axis (L) thereby causing oscillations in the assembly (1). The connection device (18) comprises a tubular body (27) with end joints (28, 29) for connection to the diffuser (10) and the supply conduit (3) and the body (27) is monolithic with the joints (28, 29) and is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material. Furthermore, the body (27) comprises an outer surface (38) with annular folds (39), which impart elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector (13). A pivot or linear irrigation plant (2) comprising a plurality of said diffuser assemblies (1).