Multitube Polypipe Layout for Uniform Furrow Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polypipe irrigation systems face challenges such as overwatering leading to nitrogen leaching, uneven crop growth due to partial irrigation, and pressure loss along the irrigation pipes, which can result in inadequate water distribution to crops.
Innovation Solution
The proposed irrigation device consists of two collapsible tubes coupled together, allowing for efficient water distribution and pressure management. The tubes are configured to carry sufficient water for commercial agriculture and can be deployed in stacked or side-by-side configurations, enabling precise irrigation of alternating furrows to prevent overwatering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single polypipe is used for irrigation, then the device complexity is low, but the water distribution uniformity deteriorates due to pressure loss along the pipe length
Solution Approach 1:
The single polypipe is divided into multiple parallel tubes (first tube, second tube, third tube, fourth tube) that are coupled together. Each tube carries a portion of the water flow, which segments the total flow and reduces pressure loss in each individual tube, thereby improving water distribution uniformity along the irrigation length while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
2Quantity of substance
If water is applied to all furrows, then the total water quantity is sufficient, but nitrogen leaching increases due to overwatering
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system applies water selectively to different furrows at different locations along the field. By having multiple tubes that can be independently controlled or positioned, the system provides localized irrigation where needed rather than uniform water application everywhere, preventing overwatering in certain areas and reducing nitrogen leaching while still delivering sufficient total water quantity to the crops.
3Area of stationary object
If the polypipe is pierced at every location for irrigation, then water distribution coverage is complete, but the pressure loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation function is segmented across multiple parallel tubes rather than relying on a single tube with numerous piercings. Each tube has fewer outlet points, which reduces the cumulative pressure loss. The segmented structure allows water to be distributed across multiple pathways, maintaining higher pressure at each outlet while achieving complete coverage area through the combined effect of all tubes.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation device includes a first collapsible tube. The first collapsible tube includes a first tubular wall configured in size and shape to carry water in sufficient quantity to provide water for irrigation of commercial agriculture crop cultivation. The irrigation device further includes a second collapsible tube fixedly coupled longitudinally to the first collapsible tube. The second collapsible tube includes a second tubular wall configured in size and shape to carry water in sufficient quantity to provide water for irrigation of commercial agriculture crop cultivation.