Underground Irrigation Emitters With In-Line Additive Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground irrigation systems face issues such as clogging, broken emitters, punctured lines, and leaks, and require frequent maintenance, while lacking the ability to efficiently apply liquid and granular additives for turf, trees, and shrubberies.
Innovation Solution
An underground irrigation system with clog-proof emitters and in-line containers for additives, featuring a removable canister for liquids and a powder well for granules, connected by above-ground pipes and hoses, and equipped with root-blocking copper plates to prevent root clogging, ensuring maintenance-free operation for at least ten years.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional underground irrigation systems are used, then water can be applied to plants, but the emitters become clogged and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is divided into multiple functional segments: a filter screen section that separates particles from water flow, a distribution chamber that evenly distributes filtered water, and an emission outlet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing clogs from affecting the entire emitter and enabling targeted maintenance of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen is positioned upstream in the water flow path to perform preliminary filtration before water reaches the distribution chamber and emission outlets. This preliminary action removes particles that could cause clogging, preventing the problem before it occurs and significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
2Loss of substance
If above-ground irrigation systems are used, then additives can be easily applied, but water loss through run-off and evaporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the water delivery function with additive application by integrating a dissolution chamber directly into the emitter structure. Liquid additives are mixed with water in this chamber before reaching the plants, combining irrigation and fertilization into a single underground process that eliminates run-off and evaporation losses while maintaining ease of operation through simple additive insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolution chamber acts as an intermediary between the additive input and the plant reception. It provides a controlled environment where additives are properly dissolved and mixed with water before delivery, ensuring efficient application without the water loss problems associated with above-ground systems.
3Reliability
If simple emitter designs are used, then manufacturing is easier, but roots clog the emitters requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen employs porous material with carefully controlled pore sizes that allow water to pass through while blocking root particles and debris. This porous structure provides effective filtration and clog resistance while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as porous screens can be produced using standard filtration component fabrication methods.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is an underground irrigation system for turf, trees, vegetables, and/or shrubberies with special clog-proof underground emitters and special in-line containers or vessels that are used to apply liquid and granular additives, such as fertilizer and weed control additives. This underground irrigation system functions for many years without issues such as clogs, broken emitters, punctured lines, or leaks. The only service requirement of this irrigation system in best mode is the replacement of batteries every two years or so. This invention also provides the ability to add liquid and/or power additives that are required to keep turf, trees, vegetables, and shrubbery healthy and free from weeds and other invasive plants. As with all underground irrigation systems, this invention saves a substantial amount of water as compared to any type of above ground irrigation system because there is no water run-off, no leaks, and no evaporation.