Magnetic Paddle Wheel Flow Sensing for Irrigation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack accurate and efficient methods to determine and control water flow rates, leading to potential inefficiencies and costs in watering plant life.
Innovation Solution
A paddle wheel device with magnetic elements within a fluid channel, coupled with a magnetic sensor and switch, to detect fluid flow and adjust current loops based on flow rate, enabling precise irrigation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional irrigation systems are used without flow sensors, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but water flow rate cannot be accurately determined leading to water waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow measurement systems with a simple magnetic sensing mechanism. A paddle wheel with magnetic elements rotates with water flow, and a magnetic sensor detects the rotation to determine flow rate. This mechanical-magnetic approach achieves accurate measurement while avoiding complex electronics, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor system uses the flowing water itself to drive the paddle wheel, which in turn generates the measurement signal. The fluid flow directly powers the measurement mechanism without requiring external power sources or complex actuation systems, achieving accurate flow rate determination with minimal added complexity.
2Productivity
If irrigation systems operate without flow control, then the system operation is simpler, but water distribution efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor provides continuous feedback on flow rate to the control system, which automatically adjusts valve positions and pump operations to optimize water distribution. This closed-loop feedback mechanism improves productivity by ensuring water is delivered at optimal rates while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment.
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
Provides accurate flow rate measurements for irrigation systems, allowing for optimized water distribution and schedule adjustments, reducing wastage and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor within a sealed portion of the housing outside of the fluid channel and proximate to a pathway of the magnetic element as the magnetic element and blades rotate about the axis, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to provide a sensor output at a first state every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a paddle wheel device comprising a set of blades configured to rotate about an axis due to a fluid flowing through the fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide an irrigation flow sensor system, comprising: a housing forming a fluid channel to cooperate with conduits of an irrigation system; a paddle wheel device with at least a first blade of a set of the blades comprises a magnetic element; the paddle wheel device is positioned with at least a portion of the blades extends into the fluid channel as the blades rotate about an axis; a magnetic sensor proximate a pathway of the magnetic element as it rotates configured to provide a sensor output every time the magnetic element passes the magnetic sensor; a switch coupled to the magnetic sensor and a current loop, wherein the switch in an activate state is configured to temporarily change the current in the current loop in response to the sensor output, with a rate of change in current corresponding to a flow rate of the fluid flowing.