Nutating Sprinkler Plate Asymmetrical Channels Flow Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems, such as gear-driven sprinklers, require extensive purification infrastructure and are not efficient for large-scale overhead irrigation, especially in areas with insufficient rainfall, and lack the flexibility to handle varying water flow rates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate and asymmetrical water channels, which allows for efficient water distribution and rotation optimization across different flow rates, reducing the need for extensive purification and enabling flexible nozzle interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gear driven sprinklers are used, then water distribution can be achieved, but extensive purification infrastructure is required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the gear driven mechanism and extensive purification infrastructure from the sprinkler system. By using a nutating distribution plate that relies on water flow dynamics rather than mechanical gears, the system achieves water distribution without requiring complex purification equipment or mechanical drive trains, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nutating distribution plate is designed to rotate and tilt automatically based on water flow characteristics. The system uses the water flow itself to drive the distribution plate's motion, eliminating the need for external mechanical drives or complex purification infrastructure. The distribution plate serves itself by converting water flow energy into rotational and tilting motion, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If gear driven sprinklers are used, then water distribution can be achieved, but the system is not efficient for large-scale overhead irrigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic nutating distribution plate that rotates and tilts during operation, adapting to varying water flow rates and conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to efficiently distribute water over large areas through overhead irrigation, overcoming the limitations of static gear driven systems. The distribution plate's ability to change orientation based on flow characteristics enhances productivity for large field irrigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution plate is divided into multiple segments with asymmetric water channels that distribute water to multiple nozzles arranged in arcs. This segmentation allows simultaneous coverage of large areas through multiple spray zones, enabling efficient overhead irrigation for large fields while maintaining reliable water distribution through coordinated operation of all segments.
3Reliability
If conventional sprinklers are used, then water distribution can be achieved, but flexibility to handle varying water flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nutating distribution plate's rotation speed and tilting angle are parameters that automatically change in response to varying water flow rates. The asymmetric water channels are designed so that different flow rates produce different rotational and tilting characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to a wide range of flow conditions while maintaining reliable water distribution. This parameter-based adaptability provides flexibility for different nozzle configurations and irrigation needs.
4Device complexity
If larger water flow paths are used, then purification infrastructure can be reduced, but water distribution precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The water channels in the distribution plate are designed with asymmetric cross-sections that optimize water flow characteristics. This asymmetry allows for larger unobstructed flow paths that reduce the need for purification infrastructure while maintaining precise water distribution control. The asymmetric geometry creates specific flow patterns that ensure accurate water delivery to each nozzle, balancing infrastructure simplification with distribution precision.
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 achieves efficient water distribution and rotation optimization across varying flow rates, reducing the need for extensive purification infrastructure and allowing for flexible nozzle configurations, enhancing irrigation efficiency in areas with insufficient rainfall.
Implementation Method 1
When the distribution plate rocks and rotates while the water is applied, asymmetrical water channels in the distribution plate can help to optimize the speed of rotation with various water flows from the different nozzles
Implementation Method 2
sprinklers with a nutating distribution plate can utilize fewer parts than a gear driven sprinkler. Sprinklers with a nutating distribution plate can also be capable of operating using relatively large unobstructed water flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate that tilts and/or rotates upon water impinging the distribution plate. A deflector assembly includes the distribution plate and a base. A body of the sprinkler assembly includes a base retainer surface and a flanged bolt which combine to create a portion of a confinement structure. A portion of the deflector assembly is located within the confinement structure to limit a range of movement of the distribution plate. A nozzle subassembly includes a nozzle and retainer supporting a seal. The nozzle alone or in combination with the retainer can be removed from the sprinkler assembly. The sprinkler assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with minimal tools and effort for servicing. The distribution plate and the base can have mass properties optimized to improve sprinkler performance by reducing vibration, improving uniform water distribution, and reducing fine water droplet generation upon water stream impingement on the distribution plate.