Location-Aware Sprinkler Control with Gesture-Based Water Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems lack the ability to efficiently deliver water to specific locations with precise control over direction and pressure, requiring complex user interfaces and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A smart sprinkler system utilizing a wireless interface, DC motors, and magnetic couplings for precise control of water direction and pressure, powered by a hydro generator and solar panel, with location awareness through RFID tagging and manual control via accelerometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sprinkler systems are used, then water delivery to specific locations is achieved, but control precision over direction and pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with electronic sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and wireless communication to achieve precise control of sprinkler direction and pressure. The control module processes sensor data to automatically adjust water delivery parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system uses its own motion and orientation sensors to automatically determine its position and adjust water delivery without external intervention. The system self-calibrates by detecting its physical state through onboard sensors and autonomously controls direction and pressure based on detected location, reducing the need for external control infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If complex user interfaces are implemented for precise control, then control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines its location and adjusts water delivery parameters using onboard sensors without requiring user input. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer continuously track the sprinkler's position and orientation, and the control module autonomously modifies direction and pressure settings based on this data, eliminating complex user interfaces entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors its own state through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust control parameters. The real-time data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers feeds into the control module, which dynamically modifies water delivery to maintain precision without requiring manual intervention or complex programming by the user.
3Measurement precision
If high energy consumption components are used for precise control, then control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests energy from its own operation and environment to power the control electronics. The hydro generator converts kinetic energy from water flow into electrical energy, and the solar panel captures solar energy, providing continuous power to the sensors and control module without external power sources or batteries, thereby maintaining precision control with minimal net energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of its sensors and control components based on available energy and operational needs. The control module optimizes the sampling rate and processing intensity of the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer to maintain sufficient precision while minimizing power consumption, adapting to varying environmental conditions and energy availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless control and location awareness are added, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: water delivery, location detection via sensors, wireless communication for remote monitoring, and autonomous control. The control module serves as a central hub that coordinates all functions, and the sensor array performs both navigation and environmental sensing, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control electronics, sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer), wireless communication module, and hydro generator into an integrated system housed within the sprinkler unit. The control module unifies the processing of data from all sensors and coordinates all actuators, while the solar panel and hydro generator are integrated to provide combined power supply, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
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
Enables precise water delivery to specific locations with reduced energy consumption and complex user interfaces, allowing for arbitrary watering patterns and efficient operation without external power.
Implementation Method 1
powered by a hydro generator and solar panel
Implementation Method 2
powered by a hydro generator and solar panel
Implementation Method 3
manual control via accelerometer
Implementation Method 4
DC motors, and magnetic couplings for precise control of water direction and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated water sprinkler systems, and more particularly to programmable electronically controlled sprinkler systems which are controllable to affect sprinkler direction and time of watering over a defined coverage pattern. The particular improvements disclosed herein relate to location awareness of the system based on physical location of the unit relative to one or more base platforms, as well as gesture/motion control of the unit for manual operation through the use of an on-board accelerometer.