Electronically-Controlled Water Flow Regulator for Poultry Drinkers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional poultry watering systems require manual adjustment of water flow and pressure, leading to inefficiencies and potential over or under-watering, and existing hydraulic air pressure control systems are expensive and difficult to install, necessitating a need for an electronically-controlled water flow and pressure regulator that can be remotely adjusted without air pressure hydraulic lines.
Innovation Solution
An electronically-controlled water flow and pressure regulator system featuring a variable control valve with a motor and controller board that adjusts water flow and pressure based on feedback from sensors, allowing for automatic and remote control of water flow and pressure in poultry drinker systems, using a comparator component to maintain desired flow rates and pressures through a PID control algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of water flow and pressure is used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the efficiency is low and over or under-watering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electronically-controlled variable position valve that can be remotely actuated via air pressure or electronic signals. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically adjust valves at each regulator location, significantly improving watering efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular electronic control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback devices (pressure sensors, flow meters) that automatically monitor water pressure and flow rates, enabling the control system to self-adjust valve positions to maintain optimal watering conditions. This automated self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating manual intervention while the modular design keeps overall system complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic air pressure control systems are used, then remote control is achieved, but the installation is expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air pressure control system from complex hydraulic infrastructure and implements a simplified version using standalone air pressure actuators that can be independently installed on existing valves. This extraction approach enables remote control capability while avoiding the expensive and difficult installation of complete hydraulic air pressure systems, as each regulator can be retrofitted independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent modular units where each water regulator can be controlled individually or in groups. This segmentation allows flexible installation where only specific regulators needing remote control are equipped with air pressure actuators and feedback devices, reducing overall installation complexity and cost while still providing remote control capability where needed.
3Loss of substance
If water flow and pressure are not regulated, then the system is simple, but water is wasted and excess water spills on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback devices including pressure sensors and flow meters that continuously monitor water pressure and flow rates at each regulator. This feedback is transmitted to control systems that automatically adjust variable position valves to maintain optimal flow rates, preventing both water waste and excessive water delivery. The feedback-based automatic control resolves the contradiction by making the regulation system intelligent rather than simply complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes water flow parameters (pressure, flow rate) based on real-time conditions and feedback measurements. By continuously adjusting these parameters through electronically-controlled valves rather than fixed restrictions, the system prevents water waste while avoiding the complexity of multiple fixed-regulation components, achieving efficient water delivery through adaptive parameter control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.