Irrigation Diffuser Assembly With Elastomeric Oscillation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face issues with diffusers being exposed to oscillations, leading to inefficient irrigation, potential part failure, and non-uniform liquid distribution due to unstable connections and material weaknesses in the connection devices.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly with a thermoplastic elastomeric connection device that dampens oscillations and ensures a stable, vertical mounting of diffusers, using a tubular body with annular folds and monolithic joints to maintain a consistent liquid jet distribution and reduce maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If diffusers are placed at a short distance from the soil, then the connection device is simpler, but the irrigation coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates an oscillating mechanism that allows the diffuser to dynamically adjust its position and orientation during operation. The deflector rotates about the longitudinal axis, creating controlled oscillations that expand the irrigation coverage area without requiring the diffuser to be placed at a greater fixed distance from the soil.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static vertical arrangement to a dynamic three-dimensional spray pattern. By introducing rotational motion of the deflector around the longitudinal axis, the liquid jet is distributed in a conical pattern, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to increase coverage area without increasing the vertical distance from the soil.
2Quantity of substance
If the deflector rotates about the longitudinal axis, then the liquid jet distribution is improved, but oscillations are generated that affect uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to rotate periodically about the longitudinal axis at controlled intervals. This periodic rotation creates a rhythmic oscillating spray pattern that ensures uniform distribution of the liquid jet across the irrigation area, preventing both over-spraying and under-spraying in any particular zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating mechanism transforms the static spray into a dynamic one, where the deflector's rotation about the longitudinal axis creates a moving spray pattern. This dynamic action ensures that the liquid jet is distributed more uniformly across the target area compared to a fixed non-rotating deflector.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a yielding material connection device is used, then flexibility is improved, but oscillation damping capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is constructed from composite materials that combine the flexibility of yielding materials with components specifically designed for oscillation damping. This composite structure maintains the adaptability and flexibility needed for installation while introducing damping characteristics that reduce the harmful oscillations generated by the rotating deflector.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device acts as an intermediary element between the rigid supply conduit and the oscillating diffuser assembly. It provides a transition zone that absorbs and dampens oscillations while maintaining the necessary flexibility for connection and adaptation to different installation conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If vertical pipes are used to connect diffusers, then the connection is simpler, but the pipes interfere with crops during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the vertical pipes from the system by integrating the connection function directly into the oscillating connection device. This removes the source of crop interference while maintaining the simplified connection advantage, as the connection device can be positioned away from the crop path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to move or adjust its position relative to the crops during plant operation. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the interference problem associated with fixed vertical pipes while maintaining ease of connection and installation.
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 a stable and efficient irrigation system with reduced oscillations, ensuring uniform liquid distribution and long-lasting performance by using a thermoplastic elastomeric connection device that maintains the diffuser's vertical position and reduces part failure.
Implementation Method 1
The body is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material which imparts elasticity to the connection device, so as to damp oscillations produced in the diffuser by the rotation of the deflector
Implementation Method 2
The body is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material which imparts elasticity to the connection device
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser assembly for diffusing a liquid in irrigation plants has a supply conduit includes a diffuser with a nozzle adapted to direct a jet of liquid along a longitudinal axis, at least one deflector facing the nozzle for radially spraying the jet outwards, and a connection device for ensuring fluid connection of the diffuser to the supply conduit of the plant. The diffuser is mounted onto the irrigation plant with the axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and with the nozzle facing up, and the deflector is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing oscillations in the assembly. The connection device includes a tubular body with end joints that connect to the diffuse, and the supply conduit and the body is monolithic with the joints and is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric base material. Furthermore, the body has an outer surface with annular folds, which imparts elasticity and damp the oscillations induced by the deflector. A pivot or linear irrigation plant includes a plurality of those diffuser assemblies.