Irrigation Zone Expander Apportioning Time Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation zone systems are limited by a preset number of zones, preventing them from configuring additional areas as zones, even when all zones are in use.

Innovation Solution

The system allows any given zone to function as multiple zones by apportioning the value of parameters, such as irrigation duration, into sub-values for new zones, effectively expanding the zone system without requiring additional zone wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the irrigation system uses a preset number of zones, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but the system cannot configure additional areas as zones when all zones are in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single zone into multiple sub-zones by segmenting the zone wire signal transmission. The zone wire that originally controlled one zone is now used to control multiple sub-zones sequentially, allowing the system to expand zone coverage without adding more physical zone wires to the controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time dimension to zone control by implementing sequential activation of sub-zones. Instead of controlling all sub-zones simultaneously, the system activates them in sequence during the zone's operation period, effectively expanding zone capacity without increasing the number of zone wires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional zone wires are installed to expand the zone system, then more areas can be controlled as zones, but the system cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone expansion capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing zone wire multi-functional by having it control multiple sub-zones instead of just one zone. This allows the same physical wire to serve multiple purposes and control multiple areas, eliminating the need for additional zone wires and reducing installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of zone control by using electronic control signals to replicate zone functionality across multiple sub-zones. Instead of physically duplicating zone wires, the system uses software-based zone segmentation to create additional controllable areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the zone wire controls multiple sub-zones, then the system can expand zone coverage without additional wires, but the control logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone coverageVSAvoidcontrol logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of sub-zones by cycling through them in sequence during the zone's operation period. Each sub-zone is activated for a predetermined time interval in rotation, allowing multiple sub-zones to be controlled by a single zone wire through time-based multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250113786A1Irrigation system and method

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 COURTNEY TIMOTHY JOHN

AI summary

A zone expander system which may be used to increase the number of zones by apportioning a parameter allotted for one zone into multiple sub-parameters for multiple new zones. The parameter may be the duration of time which the zone is active.