Pivoting Irrigation Conduit Opening for Automated Water Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Furrow irrigation methods face inefficiencies in water flow control, requiring manual operation of gated pipe systems and lacking targeted water distribution, leading to suboptimal water use across different land areas.

Innovation Solution

A pipe coupling assembly with a pivoting arrangement and compression fittings allows for the elevation and lowering of conduit openings, enabling controlled water flow from an irrigation ditch, utilizing a lever mechanism and pulley system for remote operation to manage water levels and prevent or allow drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual gated pipe valve systems are used for furrow irrigation, then water flow can be controlled at different points, but significant manual labor is required and operation efficiency remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow control operationVSAvoidtime for manual valve operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit connecting portion automatically controls water flow by elevating or lowering itself based on water level differences, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the natural water level gradient to trigger the opening/closing action through the pivoting mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated mechanical system that uses water level differential and lever mechanisms to automatically open or close the conduit opening, substituting human labor with a self-actuating mechanical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional furrow irrigation is used, then water distribution covers large areas, but water flow cannot be targeted to specific plants or areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted water distributionVSAvoidwater waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The irrigation system is divided into multiple independent conduit connecting portions, each capable of independent operation to control water flow to specific segments or areas, allowing targeted irrigation rather than uniform distribution across the entire field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conduit connecting portion can be independently activated based on local water needs, allowing different parts of the irrigation system to have different operational states (open/closed) to match local agricultural requirements and prevent water waste in areas that don't need irrigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the conduit opening is positioned at water level for easy access, then installation is simple, but water cannot be prevented from entering the conduit when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit installationVSAvoidunwanted water entry into conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit connecting portion is designed to be dynamically positionable between elevated and lowered states, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational requirements - lowered for water intake, elevated for preventing water entry - rather than being fixed at a single static position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enhances water flow management by allowing for automated control of water levels, reducing manual labor and improving water distribution efficiency across the land, enabling targeted irrigation and minimizing water waste.

Implementation Method 1

a pivoting arrangement for pivoting the opening of the first conduit in between the elevated position and the lowered position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The pivoting arrangement comprises an outwardly extending lever member arranged to pivot the first conduit connecting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

a compression fitting arrangement comprising a compression nut and a sealing ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10233603B2Apparatus for controlling water flow from an irrigation ditch

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 SMART SYPHON PTY LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling water flow from an irrigation ditch can include a first conduit connecting portion adapted to be coupled with a first conduit, the first conduit having an opening for receiving water from the irrigation ditch, a second conduit connecting portion adapted to be coupled with a second conduit, the first and second conduit connecting portions being adapted to be arranged for allowing passage of the received water from the first conduit to the second conduit. In a first operating configuration, the first conduit connecting portion is positioned for elevating the opening of the first conduit at an elevated position to prevent water from being received into the opening. In a second operating configuration, the first conduit connecting portion is positioned for lowering the opening of the first conduit to allow water to be received into the opening.