Nutating Sprinkler Deflector Assembly for Wear-Reduced Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sprinkler components, such as nutating distribution plates, wear out due to nutating movements and require frequent servicing, which is expensive, inconvenient, and difficult, especially when using less purified water sources.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly design featuring a deflector assembly with a distribution plate and wear sleeve, supported by a bearing and housing, that limits movement to reduce wear and facilitate easy servicing with minimal tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a nutating distribution plate is used in a sprinkler, then the sprinkler can operate with fewer parts and larger unobstructed water flow paths, but the distribution plate and associated components wear out due to nutating movements and require frequent servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is segmented into multiple removable sections that can be individually accessed and serviced. The plate includes radial slots that allow it to be divided into segments, enabling partial disassembly without removing the entire distribution plate from the sprinkler body.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution plate is nested within the sprinkler body in a way that allows it to be partially removed through radial slots. The plate can be accessed, removed, and serviced while remaining within the overall sprinkler structure, enabling maintenance without complete disassembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If less purified water is used for irrigation, then purification infrastructure costs are reduced, but debris accumulates in the sprinkler components requiring more frequent cleaning and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is divided into removable segments through radial slots, allowing debris to be easily accessed and removed from each section. This segmentation enables quick cleaning of debris-choked areas without disassembling the entire sprinkler.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial slots in the distribution plate allow users to easily access and clean debris from the plate using simple tools or even fingers. The design enables end-users to perform maintenance themselves without requiring specialized service personnel or complex disassembly procedures.
3Speed
If the distribution plate is designed to start moving at very low pressures, then operation is enabled at low flow conditions, but the plate requires a very low amount of resistance to movement which can increase wear
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with radial slots reduces the overall structural rigidity of the distribution plate, allowing it to initiate movement at lower pressures. The slots create natural stress relief points that enable the plate to flex and begin nutating with minimal pressure input.
4Reliability
If servicing is required to replace worn components, then component life is extended, but the process is expensive, inconvenient, time consuming, and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is divided into removable segments through radial slots, allowing individual sections to be accessed, removed, and replaced without disassembling the entire sprinkler. This segmentation dramatically reduces servicing time and complexity compared to replacing an intact distribution plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial slots enable the distribution plate segments to be extracted from the sprinkler body for external cleaning or replacement. Users can remove affected segments, service them outside the sprinkler, and reinstall them, eliminating the need for complex internal disassembly.
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 allows for efficient operation with reduced wear and easy maintenance, maintaining alignment and dispersing water evenly without the need for complex tools or extensive downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing is configured to support the deflector assembly so as to minimize friction between the deflector assembly and the sprinkler body
Implementation Method 2
The deflector assembly includes a weight disposed below the distribution plate and configured to cause the deflector assembly to tilt downward when the sprinkler is not pressurized with water
Implementation Method 3
The distribution plate can comprise one or more curved grooves on a side of the distribution plate facing the nozzle. The curved grooves can be configured to deflect the water from the nozzle so as to cause the deflector assembly to rotate about the bearing and/or tilt relative to the nozzle axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly with a nutating distribution plate can improve even distribution of water. The distribution plate can tilt and/or translate upon water impinging the distribution plate to disperse water in different directions. The sprinkler assembly can have a deflector assembly including the distribution plate, a spindle supported by a bearing, and a contact portion downstream of the distribution plate to contact a housing that limits a range of movement of the distribution plate. The sprinkler assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with minimal tools and effort for servicing.