Oscillating Nozzle Sprinkler With Automatic Precipitation Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating nozzle sprinklers lack the capability for automatic adjustment of flow rate to maintain a preset precipitation rate when the spray range or arc of coverage is changed, making it impractical to achieve uniform irrigation without laborious calculations or the use of different nozzles.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating nozzle sprinkler assembly with a nozzle drive mechanism, an arc set mechanism, and a flow control mechanism that adjusts the nozzle flow area in conjunction with the arc of coverage, using a cone-shaped flow valve element and a throttling valve to ensure a consistent precipitation rate across varying arc settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the arc of coverage is adjusted in existing oscillating nozzle sprinklers, then the spray range or coverage area is changed, but the precipitation rate cannot be maintained at a preset value without laborious calculations or using different nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism automatically adjusts the flow rate through the nozzle in response to changes in arc of coverage, eliminating the need for manual intervention or calculations to maintain preset precipitation rate. The system serves itself by self-regulating the flow based on the selected arc setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism is coupled to the arc set mechanism, creating a feedback system where changes in arc of coverage automatically trigger corresponding flow rate adjustments. This ensures the precipitation rate remains consistent across different arc settings without requiring user intervention.
2Reliability
If different nozzles are used at different locations to achieve uniform precipitation, then the precipitation rate can be matched, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single nozzle type with an integrated flow control mechanism can achieve uniform precipitation across different locations and arc settings. The flow control mechanism allows the same nozzle to function effectively in various configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism dynamically changes the flow rate parameter through adjustment of the flow valve element, allowing a single nozzle design to adapt to different arc of coverage settings and maintain uniform precipitation without requiring physical replacement of nozzles.
3Reliability
If the flow rate is manually adjusted to match precipitation rate, then uniform precipitation can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to laborious calculations and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism automatically performs the flow rate adjustment based on the selected arc of coverage, eliminating the need for manual calculations and adjustments. The system self-regulates to maintain precise precipitation rate matching without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism is pre-configured to automatically adjust flow rates based on the arc of coverage settings. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for on-site calculations and manual adjustments, saving time during installation and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating nozzle sprinkler with adjustable arc of coverage in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a nozzle, a nozzle drive mechanism operable to drive the nozzle through a set arc of coverage, an arc set mechanism coupled to the nozzle drive mechanism and operable to adjust the set arc of coverage for the nozzle drive mechanism; and a flow control mechanism operable to vary a nozzle flow area through which water flows through the nozzle and out of the sprinkler, the flow control mechanism coupled to the arc set mechanism such that the flow area is adjusted with the arc of coverage.