Irrigation Controller Terminal Layout With Vertically Offset Connector Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation controllers face challenges with limited space for terminal connectors due to the increased number of stations controlled, leading to difficulties in physically and electrically isolating terminal connectors and their associated wires.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vertically offset terminal connector rows using risers and a ridge portion in the housing to create horizontal and vertical separation between adjacent connector blocks, allowing for increased electrical and physical isolation, and minimizing the risk of shorts and wire damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminal connectors is increased to control more stations, then the controller can manage more irrigation zones, but the space required for the connector block increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane horizontal arrangement of terminal connectors to a multi-dimensional layout using vertically offset rows. Risers elevate certain terminal connectors above the circuit board plane, creating vertical separation between rows. This dimensional change allows more terminals to be packed into a smaller horizontal footprint while maintaining accessibility and electrical isolation.
2Area of stationary object
If terminal connectors are closely packed to save space, then the controller size is reduced, but the risk of electrical shorts and wire damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical offset through risers, the patent creates physical separation between terminal connector rows in the vertical dimension while maintaining close horizontal packing. This multi-dimensional arrangement reduces the risk of electrical shorts and wire damage by preventing wires from adjacent rows from contacting each other, even when the controller footprint is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The risers act as intermediary structures that physically support and elevate terminal connectors above the circuit board plane. This intermediate element provides both mechanical support and electrical isolation, allowing dense packing while maintaining reliability through the vertical buffer zone created by the riser structure.
3Ease of operation
If terminal connectors are arranged in horizontal rows for easy access, then installer accessibility is improved, but electrical isolation between adjacent connectors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains horizontal row arrangements for accessibility but introduces vertical offset between rows using risers. This creates a multi-level structure where installers can still access terminals in organized rows, while the vertical separation provides inherent electrical isolation between adjacent rows, solving both accessibility and isolation requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation control device is provided that includes adjacent terminal connector rows having a ridge portion between the rows, where the ridge portion is configured to support and guide wires to the terminal connectors of one row, and to support these wires above wires retained in another row of terminal connectors. In some embodiments, one of the terminal connector rows includes a plurality of risers coupled to the terminal connectors positioned in that row. The risers provide a vertical offset between the adjacent terminal connector rows, as well as a secure electrical and mechanical connection point for the wires to connect to the circuit board directly, or alternatively to the corresponding electrical pads coupled to the circuit board. The housing may include divider walls that each provide an additional barrier or isolation between side-by-side electrical connection pads, terminal connectors and their associated wires.