Liquid Additive Controller Using Disposable Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horticultural watering systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively injecting multiple types of liquid additives, such as fertilizers, into irrigation systems, particularly due to high implementation costs, pressure loss in venturi-type injectors, and unreliable dosage delivery in non-powered systems, which limits their application in residential and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A liquid additive control system that integrates a controller unit with a sprinkler timer, allowing for the simultaneous use of two or more types of liquid additives in different zones, utilizing existing sprinkler system wires for power and communication, and incorporating an integrated timer and flow meter to adjust additive rates based on environmental factors and plant types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metering pumps are used for liquid additive injection, then reliable dosage delivery is achieved, but implementation cost becomes too expensive for residential applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metering pumps with disposable or replaceable injector cartridges that contain pre-measured liquid additive. These cartridges are inserted into a simple holder mechanism, eliminating the need for costly pumping equipment while maintaining reliable dosage delivery through the pre-measured cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical metering pump system with an electronic control system that uses solenoid valves to precisely control the release of liquid additive from cartridges. This substitution of mechanical pumping with electronic valve control achieves reliable dosing at lower cost.
2Use of energy by moving object
If venturi-type injectors are used, then non-powered operation is achieved, but system pressure loss becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive venturi injector system with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system. This allows for precise control of liquid additive release without relying on pressure differential mechanisms that cause significant pressure loss, thereby maintaining system pressure while consuming minimal power.
3Ease of operation
If flow-through injectors are used, then reservoir recharging is required frequently, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid additive storage into multiple separate cartridges, each containing a specific amount of liquid additive. When one cartridge is depleted, it is simply replaced with another, eliminating the need for recharging and reducing system complexity compared to a single large reservoir system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquid additive types are supported, then versatility is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal controller system with multiple solenoid valves that can handle different cartridge types through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The system can be programmed to recognize and appropriately dispense different liquid additive types through the same physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each additive type.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid additive control system for use in a horticultural irrigation system such as a residential or commercial sprinkler system. The liquid additive is injected directly into the irrigation system. The system is capable of being introduced into an existing and/or newly installed irrigation system. Two or more different types of liquid additive can be connected to the same irrigation system, such as to provide shrub and bush liquid additive (e.g. a phosphorus liquid additive) for one zone and lawn liquid additive (e.g. a nitrogen liquid additive) for another zone. An existing sprinkler timer could be adapted to connect to a liquid additive controller and remote controller(s) and associated valve boxes and sprinkler heads, or a standalone unit could provide both sprinkler timer and liquid additive controller functionality.