Serviceable Sprinkler with Nutating Deflector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems in areas with insufficient and irregular rainfall require longer service life to reduce material and repair costs, and existing sprinkler technologies often have complex designs that necessitate extensive purification infrastructure and are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly with a nutating deflector assembly that includes a nozzle tube, a user-replaceable wear disc, and a deflector assembly that tilts and rotates to distribute water evenly, supported by a wear ring and shroud, allowing for efficient water distribution and easy maintenance by reducing the need for complex parts and purification systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex sprinkler design is used, then water distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler is divided into modular components including a nozzle assembly with replaceable wear disc, a deflector assembly with distribution plate and cage, and a shroud assembly. This segmentation allows individual components to be serviced or replaced independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient water distribution through specialized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector assembly is designed to move dynamically with respect to the nozzle axis, tilting and rotating during operation to distribute water evenly. This dynamic movement is constrained by the wear ring and wear disc, allowing complex water distribution patterns without requiring a permanently complex mechanical structure.
2Productivity
If a complex sprinkler design with multiple parts is used, then water distribution efficiency is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler is divided into modular components including a nozzle assembly with replaceable wear disc, a deflector assembly with distribution plate and cage, and a shroud assembly. This segmentation allows individual components to be serviced or replaced independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient water distribution through specialized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wear disc is designed as a separate, easily removable component that can be extracted from the nozzle assembly for replacement. The deflector assembly can also be removed from the shroud, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service critical components without disassembling the entire sprinkler system.
3Reliability
If extensive purification infrastructure is used, then sprinkler reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wear disc and wear ring are designed as sacrificial components that protect more critical parts of the sprinkler from wear and damage. By placing these replaceable wear components at contact points, the system can operate reliably with less stringent water purification requirements, as the wear disc absorbs the harmful effects of particulate matter before they reach sensitive internal components.
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 sprinkler assembly extends the service life of irrigation systems by simplifying maintenance and reducing the need for extensive purification infrastructure, while ensuring efficient water distribution across large areas with fewer parts and less complex operation.
Implementation Method 1
A sprinkler assembly with a nutating deflector assembly that includes a nozzle tube, a user-replaceable wear disc, and a deflector assembly that tilts and rotates to distribute water evenly
Implementation Method 2
the wear disc is configured to bear at least a majority of a weight of the deflector assembly. In some embodiments, the downstream end of the wear disc is prevented from moving toward the nozzle during movement of the distribution assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly can include a water inlet and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can include a nozzle tube having a nozzle positioned at the downstream end of the nozzle tube. The sprinkler assembly can include a user replaceable wear disc at least partially surrounding the nozzle tube. A deflector assembly can be connected to the nozzle assembly and can include a distribution plate positioned downstream of the nozzle and configured to deflect water from the nozzle. The deflector assembly can include a cage having one or more arms connected to the distribution plate and extending from the distribution plate toward upstream end of the nozzle tube. The deflector assembly can include an upstream collar portion connected to the at least one arm and having one or more load surfaces configured to contact the wear disc, wherein the wear disc is configured to bear at least a majority of a weight of the deflector assembly.