Liquid Diffuser Self-Adjusting Rotation Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid diffuser devices in irrigation systems face challenges in controlling rotation speed for uniform jet distribution, suffer from significant atomization leading to evaporation losses, and are prone to irregular operation and blockages due to foreign bodies, especially in dusty environments.

Innovation Solution

A liquid diffuser device with a self-adjusting mechanism using an elastomeric braking member between the deflecting stem and hollow body, which automatically adjusts rotation speed based on jet pressure and flow rate, eliminating the need for complex gear systems and preventing impurity buildup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a gear assembly is used to drive rotation, then rotation speed can be controlled, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speedVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex gear assembly from the system entirely. Instead of using gears to drive rotation, the invention uses a simple deflecting plate that redirects the water jet to create rotation through reaction force, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining rotation control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the water jet itself to both drive rotation and control speed. The deflecting plate redirects the jet to create rotational motion, and by adjusting the deflection angle, the rotation speed is automatically controlled without requiring external mechanical control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the hollow body is open to allow rotation, then the deflecting plate can rotate freely, but foreign bodies infiltrate and cause blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation freedomVSAvoidoperation regularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible membrane that covers the opening of the hollow body while allowing the deflecting plate to rotate freely. This membrane acts as a barrier against foreign bodies like sand and dust, preventing infiltration into the rotation mechanism while maintaining operational freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the internal rotation mechanism. It selectively blocks foreign bodies while permitting the passage of water and the rotation of the deflecting plate, thus protecting the system without restricting its function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the deflecting plate rotates quickly, then water distribution coverage increases, but atomization and evaporation loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution coverageVSAvoidliquid evaporation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the deflecting plate's rotation speed based on operational conditions. The system can adjust the rotation speed to optimize the balance between distribution coverage and droplet integrity, preventing excessive atomization that leads to evaporation loss while maintaining adequate coverage area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device achieves a wider, more uniform liquid distribution with reduced atomization, ensuring efficient irrigation and reliable operation in dusty environments while simplifying construction and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

self-adjustment means for automatically adjusting the rotation speed of the stem in response to an increasing pressure of the jet generated by the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a nozzle for directing a liquid jet to a specially shaped diffusion plate... rotated under jet pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2321059B1Liquid diffuser device
Publication Date: 2014.03.19 DRECHSEL & CO
  • EP2321059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2321059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2321059B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A liquid diffuser device comprises a support frame (2) with an upper tubular passageway (3) and a lower hollow body (4) defining a first longitudinal axis (L), a nozzle (5) associated with the passageway for directing a liquid jet longitudinally downwards at predetermined pressure and flow rate, a deflecting member (6) with a stem (7) held within the hollow body (4) and a deflecting plate (8) associated with the stem (7) and facing towards the nozzle (5) for deflecting the jet peripherally outwards and promoting the rotation (?i) of the stem (7) about the first longitudinal axis (L) with a predetermined rotation speed, self-adjustment means (9) for adjusting the rotation speed of the stem, which comprise at least one elastomeric braking member (10) interposed between the stem (7) and the hollow body (4) for automatically adjusting the rotation speed of the stem (7) upon variation of pressure and flow rate of the liquid jet and for allowing even distribution of the diverted liquid.