Irrigation Valve Flush Port for Debris Removal Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems require frequent maintenance and repair due to debris buildup in irrigation valves, which can lead to inefficiencies and system failures, necessitating improved methods and tools for clearing debris and maintaining these systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve flush apparatus comprising a base, a hollow stem, and a flexible hose that creates a water passageway to flush out debris from irrigation valves, allowing for easy attachment and detachment to the valve body, and a method involving steps to clear debris by turning off the water supply, attaching the apparatus, flushing, and reassembling the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If irrigation valves are used in automatic irrigation systems, then system automation and convenience are improved, but debris buildup in valves occurs leading to system failures and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flush apparatus is attached to the irrigation valve before debris buildup causes failure, performing preliminary cleaning action. The apparatus includes a flush port that directs water flow through the valve body to prevent debris accumulation and maintain reliable operation during the irrigating season.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation valve is equipped with integrated flush ports and passages that allow it to self-clean during normal operation. Water flowing through the valve can be directed through internal passages to flush out debris, enabling the valve to maintain its own functionality without external intervention until maintenance is needed.
2Reliability
If irrigation valves are inspected and maintained frequently, then system reliability is improved, but maintenance time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance process is segmented into simple steps: attaching the flush apparatus to the valve exterior, activating water flow, and allowing automatic flushing. This segmentation reduces complex disassembly and cleaning operations into a simple, quick procedure that maintains reliability without requiring significant time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flush apparatus serves as an intermediary tool that simplifies the maintenance process. Instead of directly manipulating valve components, the apparatus mediates the cleaning operation by directing water flow through the valve body, making maintenance quicker and easier while maintaining system reliability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If irrigation valves are disassembled for cleaning, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but system reassembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful debris is extracted from the valve body through water flow directed by the flush apparatus. The apparatus channels water through internal passages to carry debris out of the valve without requiring disassembly, effectively removing contaminants while maintaining valve integrity and avoiding reassembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic action is used to remove debris from the valve. Water pressure and flow, controlled by the flush apparatus, physically carry debris particles out of the valve body through designated passages, providing effective cleaning without mechanical disassembly and eliminating reassembly steps.
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
Effectively clears debris from irrigation valves, ensuring proper system function and reducing maintenance time and effort, allowing for efficient operation of irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a water passageway is formed from the irrigation valve, through the rim of the irrigation valve, through the base, and through the hollow stem. When a water source is turned on that feeds the irrigation valve, water will run through the water passageway and out of a top end of the hollow stem.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve flush apparatus includes a rigid base designed to removably attach to a body of an irrigation valve. A stem extends outwardly from the base and away from the body of the irrigation valve and may be centrally located on the base. The stem and an aperture in the base may define a water passageway through which water may flow through the body of the irrigation valve and through the valve flush apparatus. A hose may also be included which removably attaches to the stem so as to extend the water passageway of the valve flush apparatus. A method includes flushing a clogged irrigation valve through use of the valve flush apparatus.