Modular Pop-Up Sprinkler Deflector for Clog-Resistant Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial sprinklers with exposed nozzles are prone to clogging due to debris collection, affecting sprinkler patterns and requiring time-consuming maintenance, and spinning deflectors can jam or slow down due to debris accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular sprinkler assembly with a pop-up deflector that includes a selectively configurable brake module, nozzle module, and deflector plate, allowing for interchangeable components to achieve different characteristics and patterns, with a connection mechanism using lugs and notches or channels to control deflector movement and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an exposed nozzle is used in an industrial sprinkler, then the sprinkler can be simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but the nozzle is prone to clogging due to debris collection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler structure simplicityVSAvoidnozzle clogging resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector plate is extracted as a separate removable component that can be detached from the nozzle assembly. This allows the nozzle to remain exposed and simple for easy manufacturing, while the deflector plate can be removed to clear debris blockages, thus maintaining reliability without compromising manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector plate is designed to be dynamically positionable - it can be attached to the nozzle during operation to control water distribution, and detached when clogging occurs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between operational mode and maintenance mode, resolving the contradiction between simple exposed nozzle design and clogging resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spinning deflector plate is used to control sprinkler patterns, then the sprinkler can achieve variable coverage patterns, but the deflector plate can jam or slow down due to debris accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler pattern variabilityVSAvoiddeflector plate operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector plate is segmented into a modular design that can be separated from the nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows the deflector to perform its pattern-control function during operation, while enabling easy removal and cleaning to prevent debris-induced jamming, thus maintaining both versatility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector plate can be discarded (removed) from the nozzle assembly when debris accumulation causes operational issues. After cleaning or replacement, it is recovered and reattached to restore full functionality. This approach maintains the adaptability of the sprinkler pattern control while eliminating reliability issues caused by debris jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If a modular sprinkler assembly with interchangeable components is used, then maintenance time can be reduced through component replacement, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidsprinkler assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sprinkler assembly is segmented into distinct modular components (nozzle, deflector plate, connector) that can be independently replaced. This segmentation enables rapid maintenance by allowing technicians to swap out only the faulty component rather than the entire assembly, thus improving productivity while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a connection mechanism with lugs and notches is used to engage the deflector plate, then the deflector can be securely attached to control rotation, but the mechanism adds complexity to the assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflector attachment securityVSAvoidconnection mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism with lugs and notches is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. When the deflector plate is inserted, the lugs automatically engage with the notches without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening steps. This self-service characteristic provides secure attachment for reliable operation while minimizing the complexity of the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3936237B1Sprinkler with modular components and pop up deflector with lug(s) for rotational engagement

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 NELSON IRRIGATION CORP

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AI summary

A sprinkler includes a pop-up deflector plate that is engageable with a brake assembly in an extended position. A brake module is secured to a sprinkler body and includes a rotatable connector coupled with the brake assembly. The pop-up deflector plate is disposed adjacent the nozzle and engages the rotatable connector in the extended position.