Nutating Sprinkler Head Gimbal Ring Cage Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nutating sprinkler heads face challenges in initiating nutation, as the distribution cage and disk often hang up when horizontal, and attempts to angle them can interfere with the nutation process.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler head design featuring a fluid delivery tube with a gimbal ring and projections that allow the fluid distribution cage to initiate nutation by deflecting the fluid stream, using a beveled surface and spirally radiating grooves on the lower cage plate, and a gimbal ring that rotates to clear the path for full nutation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distribution cage and disk hang horizontally on the sprinkler head disk, then the structure is simple and stable, but the fluid spray causes the distribution cage and disk to hang up and not nutate
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution cage and disk are pre-positioned at an angled orientation relative to the sprinkler head disk, rather than hanging horizontally. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that when fluid spray contacts the distribution cage, it immediately initiates nutation motion without hanging up, as the angled position creates an inherent instability that promotes rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution cage and disk are positioned asymmetrically at an angle rather than symmetrically in a horizontal plane. This asymmetric angular positioning disrupts the balanced horizontal configuration, creating a predisposition for nutation when fluid force is applied, thereby preventing the hanging up problem while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the distribution cage and disk hang at an angle from the sprinkler head disk to initiate nutation, then nutation can be initiated, but the rotating distribution cage contacts the structure before full nutation is accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced that operates in a different spatial dimension, providing a pathway or channel that guides the distribution cage through its nutation arc. This guide structure prevents contact with surrounding components by creating a dedicated three-dimensional path, allowing the cage to achieve full nutation rotation without interference from stationary structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary element between the distribution cage and the sprinkler head housing. This intermediary component facilitates the nutation motion by providing a controlled path, preventing direct contact between the rotating cage and stationary structures, thereby enabling complete nutation cycles.
3Ease of operation
If a guide structure is used to prevent contact during nutation, then full nutation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is designed as a segmented or modular component that integrates with existing sprinkler head elements. By dividing the guide function into discrete segments that can be incorporated into the existing structure, the complexity increase is minimized while still providing the necessary pathway for full nutation motion.
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 design effectively initiates and maintains nutation, ensuring a uniform and random fluid distribution without interference, improving the functionality and efficiency of the sprinkler head.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid is sprayed on a distributor disk positioned at a first end of the fluid distribution cage. The fluid spray causes nutation of the cage typically about a disk positioned within the sprinkler head.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid nozzle constricts the fluid stream to form a narrower stream of fluid that is sprayed on a distribution disk.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler head is disclosed having a fluid distribution cage configured to nutate between an upper sprinkler body plate and a lower sprinkler body plate. The sprinkler head has a projection to cause the fluid distribution cage to hang at a non-horizontal angle prior to initiation of nutation. The projection is configured to move or rotate away from the upper cage plate of the fluid distribution cage during nutation initiation. Preferably the projection is positioned on a gimbal ring that rotates in response to force asserted on the projection by the upper cage plate. Preferably the gimbal ring has two projections positioned on opposing sides of the axis of rotation of the gimbal ring.