Modular Irrigation Control System with Detachable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation control systems lack flexibility and user convenience, requiring users to be physically present for manual programming and control, limiting remote access and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A control system with an electrically controllable valve, energy storage device, and communication device that allows wireless communication with an external computing system, enabling remote control of the irrigation system through a snap or plug connection between the energy storage and valve housing, allowing for centralized programming and control of liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control system is integrated into a fixed housing with all components, then the system structure is simple and robust, but the user cannot remotely program or control the irrigation system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a control unit with communication interface, an energy storage device, and a valve assembly. These modules can be independently programmed and controlled, enabling remote operation while maintaining a manageable system structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal communication interfaces and programming capabilities that can be remotely accessed. The same control unit can perform multiple functions including scheduling, weather-based adjustments, and real-time valve control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Ease of operation
If the control unit requires manual programming by a user, then the system is simple and does not require complex communication interfaces, but the user must be physically present at the device
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical programming interface is replaced with wireless communication interfaces (such as radio frequency or wired communication protocols). This allows programming and control commands to be transmitted electronically to the control unit, enabling remote configuration without physical presence at the irrigation device.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the user's external device and the control unit. This intermediary translates user commands into control signals that the irrigation system can execute, enabling remote programming while keeping the control unit's internal structure relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the energy storage device is permanently integrated into the valve housing, then the connection is robust and reliable, but the energy storage device cannot be replaced or upgraded
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is segmented from the valve housing into a separate replaceable module. This allows the energy storage device to be independently replaced, upgraded, or removed without affecting the valve assembly, while standardized connection interfaces maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the energy storage device and valve housing is designed to be dynamically configurable - permanently secure during normal operation for reliability, but readily separable when replacement or upgrading is needed. This is achieved through robust but reversible mechanical fastening mechanisms with aligned electrical contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system (2) for an irrigation system (1) has an inlet port (4) and an outlet port (5) as well as an electrically controlled valve (6) which is configured to selectively shut off or release a flow of liquid from the inlet port (4) to the outlet port (5).The control system comprises a control circuit (11) configured to receive a control command and to actuate the valve (6) to shut off or release the fluid flow depending on the control command, and an electrical energy storage device (8) comprising at least one electrical energy storage cell (12) connected to the control circuit for energy supply, wherein the energy storage device (8) comprises an energy storage housing (14) within which the at least one electrical energy storage cell (12) is arranged, and a valve housing (13) detachable from the energy storage housing (14) within which the valve (6) is arranged.