Latching Valve Irrigation Control for Variable Water Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems lack the capability to control water application uniformly across large areas, leading to inefficiencies in water use due to over or under watering, and require complex rewiring and high power consumption for control systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable rate irrigation system utilizing latching valves and a control arrangement that receives source and field information to optimize water application, allowing for precise control of water flow and movement speed, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for high-voltage wiring and specialized installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high power solenoid valves are used to control irrigator outlets, then outlet control capability is improved, but power consumption increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high power solenoid valves with a mechanical valve actuated by a low power solenoid through a lever arm mechanism. The solenoid only needs to provide enough force to overcome spring pressure and initiate valve movement, after which the lever arm and spring mechanism maintain valve position mechanically, eliminating the need for continuous high power electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lever arm as an intermediary mechanical element between the low power solenoid and the valve. The lever arm amplifies the small force from the solenoid into sufficient force to actuate the valve, while also providing mechanical advantage to maintain valve position without continuous electrical power.
2Ease of operation
If high power solenoid valves are used to control irrigator outlets, then outlet control capability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex high voltage electrical wiring and high power solenoid installation with a simple mechanical linkage system. The valve actuation mechanism uses basic mechanical elements (lever arms, springs, linkages) that can be installed by unskilled workers without requiring qualified electricians to perform high voltage wiring.
3Device complexity
If uniform water application is used across large areas, then irrigation system simplicity is maintained, but water use efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different water application rates at different locations along the irrigation system by allowing individual outlet control. Each outlet can be independently actuated based on local field conditions, soil type, crop requirements, or topography, transforming the system from uniform application to variable rate application while maintaining reasonable system complexity through the use of simple mechanical valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the irrigation system from a static uniform application system to a dynamic variable rate system. The mechanical valve mechanisms allow real-time adjustment of water flow at different outlets based on changing conditions, enabling the system to adapt to different irrigation requirements across the field while using simple mechanical components rather than complex electronic control systems.
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 enables efficient water use by optimizing water application based on real-time data, reducing power consumption, and allowing unskilled workers to install, while minimizing nutrient runoff and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Other options include pneumatic or hydraulic valves. These options also require separate solenoid operated valves and plumbing to be installed for control of the flow of water or air switching the valves.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system includes a control arrangement which receives field information relating to an area to be irrigated and source information relating to one or more water sources which supply water to the irrigation system. The control arrangement optimizes an irrigation plan based on the field information and source information and then controls one or more irrigators in accordance with the plan. The control arrangement may pulse valves positioned on the irrigator on and off in order to control the amount of water applied to the land by individual outlets on the irrigator. Latching valves may be used.