Modular Landscape Controller with Insertable Feature Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation controllers lack the ability to be easily modified or upgraded to meet changing irrigation needs, forcing users to purchase new controllers, which increases costs and inventory requirements for distributors.
Innovation Solution
A landscape controller with a modular design that allows users to add or remove feature modules, enabling customization and upgrading of existing systems by communicating with the processor to alter operational programs and provide additional memory, thus enabling enhanced functionality such as ET-based watering adjustments and expanded communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If irrigation controllers are manufactured with a wide range of sizes and features to meet different application needs, then the capability to serve diverse markets (residential, commercial, golf courses, parks) is improved, but the cost of carrying a large inventory of different types of controllers increases for distributors
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into a base unit and separate zone modules. The base controller provides core functionality, while additional zones are added by connecting modular components. This segmentation allows distributors to stock a single base controller model that can be expanded to serve residential, commercial, golf course, and park applications by adding the appropriate number of zone modules, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining market versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new features are introduced in irrigation controllers, then the capability to meet evolving irrigation needs and water management strategies is improved, but the cost and labor intensity to replace existing controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates upgradeable components and modular architecture that allow features to be added or modified without replacing the entire unit. The base controller is designed with expansion capabilities that enable customers to add new functionality over time, making the system dynamic and adaptable to changing irrigation needs while avoiding the cost and labor of complete controller replacement.
3Device complexity
If homeowners and professionals purchase irrigation controllers with only the capability of adding station modules, then the base controller design is simplified, but the ability to provide feature upgrades and customize functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base controller is designed with universal expansion capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of modules including zone modules, feature modules, and communication modules. This multi-functionality allows a single simplified base design to serve diverse needs by integrating different functional modules, thereby maintaining low base complexity while providing extensive upgradeability and customization options.
Data Source
AI summary
A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enable a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.