Irrigation Interface UI for Dynamic Rainfall and Temperature Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation control systems lack an efficient and user-friendly method to interrupt watering schedules based on rainfall thresholds, with traditional rain sensors requiring mechanical adjustments that are difficult to access and only interrupting when rainfall exceeds a fixed threshold, failing to account for varying conditions like temperature and rainfall rate.
Innovation Solution
A rain sensor system comprising a sensor unit and an interface unit that communicate via a two-way link, allowing the interface unit to process rainfall and temperature data to determine whether to interrupt irrigation, with user-adjustable thresholds set through a user interface and displayed pictorially, enabling flexible interruption based on multiple criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rain sensors with fixed thresholds are used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying conditions (temperature, rainfall rate) is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the rainfall threshold is not fixed but adapts based on current temperature and rainfall rate conditions. The controller continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts the interruption threshold dynamically, allowing the system to respond appropriately to varying environmental conditions rather than using a static threshold value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature and rainfall rate and using this information to adjust the irrigation interruption decision. The controller receives ongoing data from sensors and modifies its operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical adjustments for threshold setting are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor due to difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic user interface. Instead of physically accessing and adjusting mechanical components, users can interact with the system through buttons, displays, or wireless communication interfaces that allow threshold parameter adjustment without mechanical manipulation, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed to be multi-functional, allowing users to adjust not only rainfall thresholds but also other system parameters such as temperature thresholds, timing settings, and operational modes. This universal interface consolidates multiple adjustment functions into a single accessible point, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If only fixed rainfall threshold is used, then the control logic is simple, but the measurement precision of irrigation needs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from using a single parameter (fixed rainfall threshold) to monitoring and utilizing multiple parameters simultaneously (rainfall amount, temperature, rainfall rate). By considering multiple parameters, the system achieves more precise determination of irrigation interruption needs, accurately distinguishing between conditions that require interruption and those that do not.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic transitions from static to dynamic by continuously adjusting the interruption decision based on real-time values of multiple parameters. The system evaluates the combination of current temperature, rainfall rate, and accumulated rainfall dynamically, allowing for precise, context-appropriate irrigation control rather than relying on a simple fixed threshold comparison.
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 system effectively interrupts or resumes irrigation based on dynamic rainfall and temperature conditions, allowing for user-defined thresholds and improved water conservation by considering rainfall rate and temperature, enhancing the precision and adaptability of irrigation control.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless rain sensor that uses a hygroscopic material that expands when exposed to water
Implementation Method 2
determine whether an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller should occur based at least on a sensed rainfall accumulation amount
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.