Lockable Irrigation Line Couplings for Adhesive-Free Manifolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current irrigation line couplings and manifolds face challenges in usability, functionality, and manufacturability, particularly in efficiently delivering irrigation water to multiple locations without the use of adhesives or unique conduit structures, and in allowing easy insertion and removal of conduits.

Innovation Solution

The development of drip manifolds with lockable release mechanisms and seals that enable secure engagement and easy release of drip and main line couplings, allowing for fluid communication and customization through modular expansion units, without requiring adhesives or unique conduit features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional irrigation line couplings are used, then the system structure is simple, but the usability is poor and conduits cannot be easily inserted or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit insertion and removalVSAvoidcoupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into a coupling body and a separate locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that can move between locked and unlocked positions, allowing conduits to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining system security when locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the conduit and coupling body. The seal provides both sealing functionality and facilitates easy conduit insertion by being compressible, solving the problem of difficult installation without requiring complex mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive-based connections are used, then the coupling is secure, but the system lacks flexibility for easy disassembly and customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable between locked and unlocked states. This allows the system to transition from a secure connected state to an easily disassembled state, enabling customization and reconfiguration without adhesives while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling design provides multiple functions: sealing, locking, and easy release. The same coupling structure can be used throughout the irrigation system, allowing universal application and easy customization by adding or removing components without requiring different adhesive types or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If unique conduit structures are required, then the coupling can be secure, but the system becomes less adaptable to different conduit types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit compatibilityVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling body is designed with a standardized opening that can accommodate different conduit types. The seal provides a uniform sealing surface that works with various conduit materials and shapes, ensuring reliable sealing and secure connection without requiring unique conduit structures, thereby maintaining both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular expansion units are used, then system functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidmanifold structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold system is segmented into modular expansion units that can be independently added or removed. Each unit contains the complete coupling mechanism with locking and sealing components, allowing functionality to be expanded by simply adding modules without increasing the complexity of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each expansion unit serves multiple functions: it provides additional conduit connections, maintains system pressure through integrated sealing, and allows easy configuration changes through the universal locking mechanism. This multi-functionality enables enhanced system capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11649913B1Irrigation line couplings and irrigation manifolds including irrigation line couplings

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

Irrigation line couplings are disclosed. The irrigation line couplings may each include a lockable release mechanism that may be positioned in a locked position or a released position. The irrigation line couplings may be incorporated into an irrigation manifold or other type of irrigation component, such as fittings (tees, elbows, etc.), valves, filters, pressure regulators, emitters, and adapters.