Modular In-Line Drip Emitter Flow Restrictor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-hose drip emitters lack a consistent flow rate over varying pressure conditions and require complex designs to ensure efficient water distribution in irrigation systems.
Innovation Solution
An in-line drip emitter with a flow restrictor and attachments that include a fluid outlet chamber and rate limiting fluid path, allowing for a predefined flow rate over a pressure differential range, and a mountable attachment with a slow release ingredient for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing in-hose drip emitters are used, then water distribution is provided, but the flow rate varies with pressure conditions and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drip emitter is divided into separate functional modules: a flow restrictor component that provides rate limiting, an inlet attachment with mounting features, and an outlet attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and flow rate consistency across varying pressure conditions.
2Productivity
If complex designs are used to ensure efficient water distribution, then water distribution efficiency improves, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet attachment is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different flow restrictor configurations and orientations. The attachment includes integrated sealing surfaces and mounting structures that work with various conduit types, providing efficient water distribution while simplifying installation and maintenance through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If flow rate is maintained over pressure differential range, then consistent water delivery is achieved, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor is designed with self-regulating flow characteristics where the flow path geometry automatically compensates for pressure variations. The rate limiting flow path includes features such as restricted openings and flow control structures that maintain consistent flow rates over a range of pressure differentials without requiring external control mechanisms or complex active regulation systems.
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 solution provides a consistent flow rate and efficient water distribution across different pressure conditions, reducing the complexity of installation and maintenance while maintaining a high level of performance.
Implementation Method 1
a rate limiting fluid path providing fluid communication between the one or more fluid inlets and the fluid outlet chamber, the rate limiting fluid path producing a predefined range of flow rate over a predefined pressure differential range between the one or more fluid inlets and the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A modular in-line drip emitter may include a flow restrictor and a replaceable attachment. The flow restrictor may provide fluid communication between an inlet and a fluid outlet chamber. The flow restrictor may include rate limiting fluid path producing a predefined range of flow rate over a predefined pressure differential range between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The attachment may be sized and shaped to mount to the flow restrictor. In some embodiments the attachment includes an inlet opening oriented for receiving fluid from a conduit and a fluid outlet attachable to the fluid inlet of the flow restrictor. In some embodiments the attachment includes a sleeve fitting into a conduit with an annular outlet chamber attachable to the outlet chamber of the flow restrictor.