Irrigation Interface With Adjustable Rainfall and Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation controllers lack user-friendly and adaptable systems for interrupting watering schedules based on rainfall accumulation and temperature, with traditional rain sensors requiring mechanical adjustments and fixed threshold settings that are difficult to modify.
Innovation Solution
An interface unit with a controller, user input devices, and a display screen that allows users to set and adjust rainfall thresholds, receiving rainfall data from a remote sensor unit, and displaying pictorial representations to convey irrigation status and control decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rain sensors with fixed threshold settings are used, then the irrigation controller can be interrupted based on rainfall accumulation, but the system lacks user-friendly adjustability and adaptability to different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by allowing users to modify rainfall thresholds through a user interface. The system transitions from fixed, pre-set thresholds to dynamically adjustable thresholds that can be changed based on user preferences and environmental conditions. This is achieved through programmable controllers that accept user input to modify operational parameters in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing users to adjust rainfall accumulation thresholds and temperature parameters through a user interface. The controller can be programmed with different threshold values to adapt to varying environmental conditions, soil types, and plant requirements. This transforms the system from using fixed parameters to using adjustable parameters that can be optimized for specific applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustments are required for threshold settings, then the sensor can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and difficult to modify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic programming interfaces. Instead of requiring physical disassembly or mechanical manipulation to change thresholds, the system uses software-based configuration through user interfaces, buttons, or wireless communication. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/control systems reduces complexity and makes adjustments more user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary user interface layer between the user and the sensor controller. This intermediary provides a simplified method for adjusting thresholds without requiring direct mechanical access to internal components. The interface acts as a mediator that translates user input into controller programming, simplifying the adjustment process and reducing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If fixed threshold settings are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to different rainfall patterns and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing threshold parameters to be adjusted based on environmental conditions. The controller can respond to varying rainfall patterns and temperature conditions by modifying its operational thresholds, transitioning from static to dynamic operation while maintaining user-friendly interfaces for configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that can handle multiple environmental conditions and scenarios through programmable parameters. The same basic hardware platform can adapt to different rainfall patterns, temperature ranges, and irrigation requirements by changing software parameters rather than requiring different hardware configurations, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enables user-friendly adjustment of rainfall thresholds and dynamic control of irrigation based on rainfall and temperature, enhancing water conservation and adaptability to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless rain sensor that uses a hygroscopic material that expands when exposed to water
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.