Rotary Irrigation Nozzle with Restrictor Plate for Pressure-Independent Throw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems face challenges in consistently projecting a fluid stream between 15 to 35 feet, as existing gear-driven rotors and spray heads either lack sufficient fluid flow or are susceptible to pressure variations, leading to unpredictable performance and inefficient distribution.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler nozzle design that modifies the fluid flow characteristics using a restrictor plate and chamber configuration, allowing the nozzle to project a consistent columnated stream within the mid-range distance independently of inlet pressure, with a combination of turbulent flow and controlled fluid pressure and flow rate to maintain consistent throw distances and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If pressure-reducing equipment is used to decrease fluid pressure to the rotor, then the throw distance is reduced, but the fluid flow rate becomes insufficient to reliably operate the gear-drive mechanism and valve-in-head mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is divided into separate functional components: a restrictor plate with multiple restrictor orifices to control fluid flow, a nozzle body with a nozzle orifice, and a nozzle outlet. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow control and projection characteristics without compromising mechanism operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the nozzle assembly by introducing a restrictor plate with specific restrictor orifices that create a controlled pressure drop. This parameter change enables the nozzle to function reliably across a wider range of inlet pressures while maintaining consistent throw distance, eliminating the need for pressure-reducing equipment.
2Length of moving object
If fluid flow rate is decreased to achieve shorter throw distances, then the stream energy is reduced, but the stream becomes more susceptible to wind effects resulting in poor distribution and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate modifies the fluid parameters by creating a controlled pressure drop and turbulent flow pattern. This results in a stream with optimized velocity and energy characteristics that maintain consistent throw distance while reducing susceptibility to wind effects, achieving both short-range precision and wind resistance.
3Reliability
If fluid pressure is increased to maintain sufficient flow rate, then the gear-drive and valve-in-head mechanisms operate reliably, but the throw distance becomes unpredictable and the stream may mist
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate acts as an intermediary element between the high-pressure inlet and the nozzle outlet. It mediates the pressure differential by creating a controlled pressure drop, allowing sufficient flow rate for reliable mechanism operation while maintaining predictable throw distance and preventing misting.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor plate changes the pressure parameter profile along the fluid path, creating a gradual pressure reduction that maintains flow rate for mechanism operation while controlling the final stream velocity for consistent throw distance. This parameter management eliminates the trade-off between pressure and throw distance consistency.
4Length of moving object
If pressure reducing equipment is installed to enable low-flow rotor operation, then the throw distance is controlled, but the installation becomes more difficult and expensive with additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressure control function from separate pressure-reducing equipment and integrates it directly into the nozzle assembly through the restrictor plate. This eliminates the need for external pressure regulation devices, simplifying installation and reducing system complexity while maintaining throw distance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly performs its own pressure control function through the integrated restrictor plate, eliminating the need for external pressure-reducing equipment. The system becomes self-regulating, with the restrictor orifices automatically controlling flow rate and pressure drop based on inlet pressure conditions.
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 nozzle achieves consistent fluid stream projection between 15 to 35 feet, reducing the need for expensive pressure regulators and improving distribution uniformity by maintaining consistent fluid pressure and flow rate, resulting in predictable and efficient irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle modifies the characteristics of an entire input fluid flow to project a fluid stream a predetermined distance from the sprinkler. The nozzle includes a restrictor plate with a plurality of restrictor orifices that create turbulent flow and control fluid pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation sprinkler nozzle for use in a rotary sprinkler for projecting the entire fluid stream between about 15 and about 35 feet from the rotary sprinkler regardless of the upstream pressure. The irrigation sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a longitudinal axis, a side wall, and an exit wall. Coupled to the nozzle body is a restrictor plate that is spaced from the exit wall. Defined by the side wall, the exit wall, and the restrictor plate is a fluid chamber. The nozzle includes an inlet to the chamber defined by the restrictor plate. Preferably, the inlet has a cross-sectional area so that a pressure inside the chamber is less than a pressure upstream of the inlet. The nozzle also has an outlet from the chamber defined by the exit wall for projecting a fluid stream outwardly from the irrigation sprinkler nozzle. The chamber may be configured to form a turbulent flow within the chamber.